COVID-19 has been at the forefront of the news and nearly everyone's minds since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. One of the most concerning factors of this particular virus is that it seems to cause long-lasting problems in some people, regardless of age. Viral infections can cause several different types of disorders, so it's not surprising that COVID does as well since it is also a virus.

Here are 3 examples of how a viral infection can cause other medical conditions so you can be aware of them. After all, one of the most important aspects of being healthy is knowing when symptoms are urgent and require immediate attention.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

This condition is a neurological disorder that is believed to be caused by an infection. As the name implies, this condition affects children and occurs when the infection causes inflammation in the area of the brain that is responsible for movement and behavior, which is why children who develop PANS suddenly (acute-onset) have tics and neuropsychiatric behaviors such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe anxiety. 

PANS can develop suddenly after COVID, mono, Lyme disease, and other viral infections. The most concerning symptom in some is the unwillingness to eat, so it's important to take the child to be seen immediately so treatment can begin as quickly as possible. 

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

A viral infection can cause platelet levels to go very low. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a condition someone has when their platelets are crucially low after a viral infection. It happens when the virus destroys the platelets. When platelet counts are low, the patient's blood will be unable to clot and plug holes in vessels and veins to prevent bleeding. 

A person with this will bruise easily and may have bloody noses and there is a risk of internal bleeding, which is when the condition becomes quite serious to the point that the patient may be admitted to the hospital. Also, females may bleed heavily during their menstruation. 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Another condition that has been identified as likely being caused by a viral infection is myalgic encephalomyelitis, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. This is believed to be the primary reason some people have what has been called long COVID or long-haul COVID. With this condition, people are very fatigued but can also have impaired neurological functioning as well as orthostatic intolerance, which means they can have difficulty concentrating and become dizzy easily. Someone with ME/CFS can get supportive care at an urgent health care center like Western WI Health.