Hospital “clap-out” ceremonies are filled with of hope, as doctors, nurses and other caregivers line the hallways to cheer for a coronavirus patient heading home, into the loving arms of family and friends. But these joyous events are not the end of the struggle for many COVID-19 patients in New Jersey and elsewhere, experts have learned.
The illness can cause short- and long-term damage to multiple organs — including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Even people who were not hospitalized can struggle for weeks or months to regain their physical strength and mental acuity, health care providers report. The ordeal can also leave patients with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. To read the full story.