Selected medical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Epidemics have always accompanied humankind and, in the result of civilizational development and migration, began to pose real threats. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 originating in China, became a health threat on a global scale, triggering mass concern, as well as social and economic disorganization. The pandemic was an example of an extremely stressful situation as it involved entire communities. Since it was unpredictable and difficult to control, it posed a huge challenge to health systems, economies, and societies around the world. Among the psychological costs, fear was recognized as a new and permanent element of everyday life. The pandemic had a very negative impact on patients with chronic diseases. The increased risk group included people who had already been treated for diabetes or obese people. Among those mentioned, diabetes turned out to be one of the main causes of a more severe course of SARS-CoV-2 and higher mortality. Obesity was also a risk factor for infection and severe SARS-CoV-2 course. Patients with obesity and a BMI above 35 were more likely to require intensive medical care, including mechanical ventilation, whereas their treatment outcomes and prognoses were significantly worse compared with thin people. Excessive consumption of alcohol had a negative impact on health during the pandemic and it was perceived as a form of escape from everyday worries and problems. Although psychoactive substances cause a temporary exclusion of difficult emotions and intrusive thoughts, bringing a temporary improvement in well-being, they consequently intensify existing difficulties and lead to addiction.