Coronavirus patients who require treatment in an intensive care unit could suffer from post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), experts say.

In general, patients who require intensive care are at risk for mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression when their treatment is over, according to Weill Cornell Medicine at Cornell University. They also can suffer cognitive impairment and physical limitations.

The emergence of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) has presented a global health threat. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Africa; this poses a challenge to the African healthcare system, particularly the intensive care unit(ICU). More so, individuals with severe COVID-19 would often have a prolonged intensive care stay, requiring mechanical ventilation and sedation and this may increase their risk of developing physical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments. These post-ICU sequelae of morbidities have been termed Post Intensive Care Syndrome. The African healthcare system needs to be prepared to manage the adverse effects of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) largely characterized by a decline in functional capacity and health-related quality of life. It is thus expedient that multi-targeted measures such as early rehabilitation, adequate screening, patient/caregiver education and post-discharge rehabilitation be adopted to combat imminent poor health out comes in COVID-19 survivors. In this editorial, we provided a brief review of PICS and highlighted strategies for preventing and managing PICS in the critically ill within the African context Key words: Pandemic, COVID-19 Survivors, African healthcare,Intensive Care Unit, Rehabilitation

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital is where very sick patients are treated, and are are sometimes put on a ventilator, or breathing machine, to survive. The illness or injury, and even the treatments you received in the hospital while in the ICU, can often cause health problems that exist long after you have returned home. Recognize the signs and seek help as soon as you can so you can make a more complete recovery. Ask your medical provider if you need guidance finding specialized professionals who can help