Coronavirus: How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed your body

The SARs-CoV-2 infection has impacted our lives in several ways. From inducing mild to moderate symptoms to trigger long COVID complications, the virus has turned everything upside down. What's worse? It has also brought significant changes to the way our body functions.

Most of us by now are aware of pandemic stress, which is an amalgamation of several psychological symptoms including anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stress in general can cause various changes in the body and can lead to both physical and mental distress, which is why we cannot rule out that the pandemic stress hasn't done the same. That said, here are the ways COVID-19 pandemic is said to have changed our bodies in some way or another.

Also read: Long COVID: How to manage wet cough due to long COVID

The association between anxiety and sleep problems is not new to us. People who suffer from chronic anxiety are said to face difficulty with sleeping and other relaxing activities, which is the same for those dealing with pandemic stress.

According to a 2021 Lancet study, sleep problems appear to have been common during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the study states that sleep issues were found to be associated with higher levels of psychological distress.

That said, if you have trouble sleeping soundly, experts suggest following good sleep hygiene, which includes creating an optimal sleep environment. Being physically active, limiting screen time and journaling are said to be some effective ways to improve sleep quality.

Also read: Coronavirus: Why you should consider taking COVID-related measures, even if Omicron is less severe

So far, studies have not found any indication that COVID-19 can impact reproductive health. However, emotional and psychological concerns should be taken into consideration if you're planning to conceive and have a baby, says the Center for Reproductive Health & Gynecology.

As per the health body, stress does indeed correlate with fertility.

"Many studies have shown how stress can impact the reproductive system, because of the fight or flight response the body has when dealing with high stress situations. As a result any bodily system that is not necessary for survival, which includes the reproductive system. This is why during periods of high stress women can lose their menstrual cycle when dealing especially over extended periods of time," the health body shares further.

According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), over 70% of nearly 2,300 dentists in America reported seeing an increase of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients during the pandemic. Usually these conditions are said to be linked with stress.

In addition, more than 60% dentists also reported a rise in dental problems in patients, which are often associated with stress. This includes cracked or chipped teeth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people complained of experiencing hair loss and skin problems, irrespective of whether one contracted the virus or not.

Stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which makes the hair shed faster, leading to thinning or hair falling in clumps.

Furthermore, stress also causes a chemical response in the body that makes skin more sensitive. Skin issues may also arise due to the increase in the stress hormone called cortisol, which tells the skin glands to make more oil, the result of which is skin acne and breakouts.

That said, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying moisturizer before and after wearing masks, skipping makeup when mask-wearing or using skincare products that do not clog pores, can be great ways to steer clear of skin problems.

Another concerning change brought in by the pandemic is the 'dead butt syndrome'. Also known as gluteal amnesia, it is a condition that occurs due to prolonged sitting. Sitting at one place for long hours can leave the associated muscles dormant. Keeping it inactive for long may make it even forget its real functions, which can be concerning. This can also weaken the back and gluteal muscles.