acute respiratory distress syndrome.Scientists speculate that even when the infection is being brought under control, the virus can trigger an excessive immune response, causing hyper-inflammation of the lungs and other organs.Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.This type of inflammatory response is thought to begin when receptors in immune cells called macrophages recognize the genetic material of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
They respond by initiating a massive release of immune-signalling molecules called cytokines.This “cytokine storm” appears to cause the hyper-inflammation that damages the lungs and other organs of critically ill.