I’m a doctor – why Covid made Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper so ill and reason severe case is so important | The Sun
A DOCTOR has revealed why Covid has made Kate Garraway’s husband so ill – and the reason why his severe case is so important.
Derek Draper, 56, who was struck down with Covid in 2020, had a huge heart attack last Monday.
Brave Kate has cancelled all TV and radio work to keep a 24-7 vigil, taking an indefinite leave of absence from presenting.
Derek was first rushed to hospital with Covid in March 2020.
After falling into a coma and being put on a ventilator, he spent 13 months in hospital — making him Britain’s longest-suffering coronavirus victim.
He has since battled a variety of health problems. The virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and liver and pancreas damage.
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Now Dr Gareth Nye, a lecturer of physiology at Chester Medical School, has revealed exactly why his condition is so serious.
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "After any Covid infection regardless of hospitalisation or treatment, your risk of having a cardiovascular event (eg heart attack or stroke) is significantly higher in the 12 months that follow.
“Long-term lung issues are also seen due to the damage from the infection along with long-term changes to your immune system, leading to increased risk of autoimmune diseases (over 40 per cent more likely)."
Derek — whose days have largely been filled with appointments, hospital trips and sleeping — has been the subject of two critically acclaimed documentaries fronted by Kate.
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In them, it emerged she survives on around four hours of sleep, often getting up every two hours to help the carer move Derek.
Dr Nye continued: "Derek was a severe case and his journey has been such an important one to follow. Derek will undoubtedly have multiple long-term health conditions following his specific reaction to the Covid infection, as well as the procedures used to try and save him eg ventilation.
"We know that the Covid virus impacts the cardiovascular system and does increase your risks of clots which can lead to heart attacks and organ failure. His start certainly isn't isolated but remains quite uncommon compared with the vast numbers of people who have been infected with the virus, even multiple times."
Family and friends say Derek had been "looking forward to Christmas at home with the family".
But now Kate is being forced to prepare their children for a less merry festive season.
A source told The Sun: “This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
"Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
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