Blood clots can cause serious strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and heart attacks, and can restrict blood flow to the limbs.

Covid-19

<img alt="" src="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/interactive-assets/nggraphics/ngm-2011-covid-virus-decoder/build-2020-10-13_22-03-54/ngm-assets/img/Panel_1-desktop-medium.jpg">The ResponseFluid builds up in the lungs as the body defends itself, resulting in shortness of breath and pneumonia. The virus continues to attack more cells.1Immune cells known as macrophages release cytokines, proteins that dilate blood vessels and recruit virus-fighting cells.2An influx of white blood cells attacks infected and healthy cells, causing inflammation.3Weakened blood vessels leak plasma into the interstitial space; the cavity then fills with fluid and debris, further stressing the alveoli.<img alt="" src="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/interactive-assets/nggraphics/ngm-2011-covid-virus-decoder/build-2020-10-13_22-03-54/ngm-assets/img/Panel_11_end-desktop-medium.jpg">4As alveoli cavities fill with fluid and debris, exchange of oxygen and CO2 becomes impaired. In severe cases the immune system overreacts; excess inflammation can contribute to multi-organ failure and septic shock.permeable capillaryRich Protein Fluid White blood cellsSYSTEM DAMAGEThe virus doesn’t just attack the lungs–other organs including the heart, brain, kidney, and liver can also be affected. COVID-19 may cause long-term organ damage and dysfunction, and can lead to death.Neurological damage manifested as confusion, delirium, and seizures have also been reported.Lung damage can leave permanent scarring.Blood clots can cause serious strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and heart attacks, and can restrict blood flow to the limbs.manuel canales, TAYLOR MAGGIACOMO, AND EVE CONANT, NGM STAFF. research: alexander stegmaier; ART: manuel canales and ANTOINE COLLIGNONSOURCES: HOWARD M. HELLER, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL; DANIEL S. CHERTOW, NIH CLINICAL CENTER AND NIH NIAID

Action, reaction, overreaction: Once the virus gets in, the immune system can overreact—with deadly consequences.

Fluid builds up in the lungs as the body defends itself, resulting in shortness of breath and pneumonia. The virus continues to attack more cells.

Immune cells known as macrophages release cytokines, proteins that dilate blood vessels and recruit virus-fighting cells.

An influx of white blood cells attacks infected and healthy cells, causing inflammation.

Weakened blood vessels leak plasma into the interstitial space; the cavity then fills with fluid and debris, further stressing the alveoli.

As alveoli cavities fill with fluid and debris, exchange of oxygen and CO2 becomes impaired. In severe cases the immune system overreacts; excess inflammation can contribute to multi-organ failure and septic shock.

The virus doesn’t just attack the lungs–other organs including the heart, brain, kidney, and liver can also be affected. COVID-19 may cause long-term organ damage and dysfunction, and can lead to death.

Neurological damage manifested as confusion, delirium, and seizures have also been reported.

Lung damage can leave permanent scarring.

Blood clots can cause serious strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and heart attacks, and can restrict blood flow to the limbs.

manuel canales, TAYLOR MAGGIACOMO, AND EVE CONANT, NGM STAFF.

research: alexander stegmaier; ART: manuel canales and ANTOINE COLLIGNON

SOURCES: HOWARD M. HELLER, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL; DANIEL S. CHERTOW, NIH CLINICAL CENTER AND NIH NIAID

Explore how coronavirus attacks the body—and how the body fights back

Covid-19

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