Credit: unsplash.com
COVID-19 is a complex and ever-changing infectious disease that can affect many body organs, including the kidney. In the course of caring for people with bipolar disorder, Dr. McInnis noticed several instances of lithium toxicity following COVID-19. The SARS-CoV2 virus gains access to kidney cells and slows down the excretion of lithium and increases the risk of lithium toxicity. Those living with bipolar disorder and taking lithium are advised to have their lithium monitored more closely.