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By Brittnee Nave
Star Correspondent

The pandora’s box known as complications from COVID-19 is continuing to expand.
Last week it was reported by the Centers for Disease Control that the multisystem inflammatory syndrome shown in kids known as MIS-C, is now similarly appearing in adults, and has been since June.
The syndrome in adults is known as MIS-A and is known to attack multiple organs and cause inflammation in the body.
Symptoms of MIS-C in children included issues like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and fatigue. Similarly, symptoms in adults included fever, gastrointestinal issues, and rashes.
While rare, much like its counterpart MIS-C, the CDC warned in their report that physicians need to be on the lookout for the syndrome in patients.
“Findings indicate that adult patients of all ages with current or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection can develop a hyperinflammatory syndrome resembling MIS-C,” the report explained. “…Clinicians and health departments should consider MIS-A in adults with signs and symptoms compatible with the current working MIS-A case definition.”
Those in the report who contracted MIS-A had either tested positive for COVID-19 or antibodies, thus indicating recent infection.
Dr. Arnold Hopland, founder of Medical Care in the area, stressed that this newly discovered complication only further shows the unknown COVID-19 poses to the public.
“The very term Mysterious Inflammatory Syndrome suggests that we know little about it, especially since it is thought to be a very rare late complication of COVID-19 infection,” he said. “The main concern raised is that there is a possibility of long-term future consequences from this acute illness.”
The CDC concluded their report on the new complication by urging the importance of slowing the spread of the virus. Dr. David Kirschke, Regional Medical Officer for the Northeast Regional Health Office, echoed this recommendation.
“Ultimately the MIS-A diagnosis reinforces the need to use prevention measures such as wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your face, nose and mouth,” he said. “You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are feeling ill, stay at home to protect others. It is flu and respiratory disease season.”
Onto the topic of flu season, he urged taking early precautions.
“TDH recommends getting a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is available for free at your local health department by appointment,” Kirschke said.
The seriousness of COVID-19 has echoed throughout the medical community. During Ballad Health’s media briefing on Wednesday, Eric Deaton, Chief Operating Officer, spoke on how deadly the virus has become, stating it is now one of the leading causes of death, only behind heart disease.
For the latest updates with the CDC on all things COVID-19 related, go to www.cdc.gov/covid-19. You can also check out the Tennessee Department of Health’s website at www.tn.gov/covid-19.