Scientists are only beginning to understand the health problems that are caused by the novel coronavirus. Some of these problems may have effects on people and healthcare systems for years to come, note doctors and infectious disease experts. The virus that causes the disease COVID-19 attacks many organ systems, in some cases causing terrible damage. We thought this was only a respiratory virus, said Eric Topol, a doctor and expert on hearts. It turns out, it goes after the pancreas. It goes after the heart. It goes after the liver, the brain, the kidney, and other organs. We didn’t appreciate that in the beginning, he said. Topol is director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California. In addition to respiratory problems, patients with COVID-19 can experience blood clotting disorders and extreme inflammation. The virus can also cause neurological problems such as headaches, lightheadedness, seizures and even a loss of taste or smell.