Covid-19 in athletes: "There is fatigue, but the risk of death is minimal"

Cardiologist at the Sports and Health Medical Institute (IMSS) in Paris (16th district), Laurent Uzan is in daily contact with athletes.

The one who monitors certain professional teams delivers his expert perspective on the consequences of Covid-19.

Have you been able to measure the consequences of this virus on top athletes?

LAURENT UZAN

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We must put the scope of the problem into perspective, we are talking about a young and healthy population.

They can catch the virus, but statistically severe forms are extremely rare.

What lessons have you observed over the past year or so?

For the moderate forms, we notice that there are a little more cardiac symptoms than with other viruses.

A little more arrhythmia, palpitations, pericarditis - that is to say effusions around the heart - or myocarditis - inflammatory damage to the heart muscle - but no serious complications.

These are impressions because there aren't really any studies.

But be aware that all viruses or inflammations can potentially have heart consequences.

For severe forms, which lead to intensive care stays, cardiac damage is more severe.

Do affected athletes find it difficult to regain their level?

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Some have abnormal fatigue over several weeks to several months.

But again, nothing new.

Some viruses - mononucleosis, for example - can put you down for several months.

For those who develop these "long" Covid, this fatigability lasts with the effort and even at rest.

What is invalidating for Mr. and Mrs. Everybody is even more so for the high level athlete who sees his performance impaired.

There is nothing to worry about in terms of vital risk, but it is probably necessary to adapt and propose a slower recovery.

Which is not always easy for top athletes ...

Is the return to sports practice dangerous?

There is a mandatory cardiac assessment before the recovery.

But we note that physical activity, with a moderate recovery and in particular endurance, is a treatment for good recovery after Covid.

Sport has a beneficial effect, but like someone who has broken their leg, you need to have a suitable recovery.

There is fatigue, it is undeniable, but the risk of death is minimal.

You have not noticed an increase in sudden deaths among athletes?

Fortunately, this remains an exceptional event.

It is dramatic because it affects young subjects but we cannot speak of an epidemic linked to Covid at the present time.

The most common causes are genetic, linked to birth defects or heart abnormalities.

However, an infectious episode is a contributing factor when one is already a carrier of the disease.