Also known as COVID-19
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Corona Viruses are large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). COVID-19 (Corona virus Disease) is a new strain that was discovered in late 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China’s Hubei province. It has now spread around the world, declared as global emergency by WHO.
COVID-19 can cause fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. This virus is spread through human contact, much like the cold or flu. Vaccination against it is now available.
The virus has been identified in almost all nations across the globe. While most people recover from COVID-19, it can be life-threatening in 2-3% cases. Risk of death is higher in older people (above 60 years) and in those with co-morbidities/ low immune status.
SYMPTOMS
- • Dry Cough
- • Fever
- • Shortness of breath
- • Muscle pain
- • Loss of smell/taste
- • Sore throat
- • Headache
- • Diarrhea
CAUSES
It is caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not previously seen in humans. Has an incubation period of 4-14 days (maybe upto 24 days). Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales as these droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
DIAGNOSIS
Disease is primarily reported in individuals with travel history to affected countries or close contacts of positive cases and it is advisable to get these persons tested if they show symptoms.
- Molecular test/Serology
- Chest X-ray
- CT
TREATMENT METHODS
• Is mainly symptomatic
• A varying combination of Paracetamol, Ivermectin, Azithromycin, Anticoagulants, Steroids, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Favipiravir, etc is used in patients depending on the severity. More severe cases may require oxygen and/ or ventilator support.
• Guidelines for Asymptomatic cases, mild cases of COVID-19:
Isolate yourself in a well ventilated room.
Use a triple layer medical mask, discard mask after 8 hours of use after disinfecting it with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite
Take rest and drink a lot of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 40 seconds or clean with alcohol-based sanitizer.
Don’t share personal items with other people in the household.
Ensure cleaning of surfaces in the room that are touched often (tabletops, doorknobs, handles, etc.) with 1% hypochlorite solution.
Monitor temperature daily.
Monitor oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter daily.
Connect with the treating physician promptly if any deterioration of symptoms is noticed.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS
• Mask: The caregiver should wear a triple layer medical mask. N95 mask may be considered when in the same room with the ill person.
• Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene must be ensured following contact with ill person or patient’s immediate environment.
• Exposure to patient/patient`s environment: Avoid direct contact with body fluids of the patient, particularly oral or respiratory secretions. Use disposable gloves while handling the patient. Perform hand hygiene before and after removing gloves.
PREVENTION
• Take vaccination if eligible.
• Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain physical distancing at all places, avoid social gathering, travelling unless necessary.
• Wear a mask when moving out, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
You may also like to learn about:
Fever
Sore Throat
Cough
Respiratory Tract Infection
Muscle Cramps
Breathing Problems/Dyspnoea