What is COVID 19?
“COVID-19” is the acronym of “coronavirus disease 2019”. It is a respiratory infection caused by coronavirus. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) termed the virus – the SARS-CoV-2 virus as it is very similar to the one that caused the SARS outbreak (SARS-CoVs).
The CoVs have become the major pathogens of emerging respiratory disease outbreaks, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases in humans such as MERS and SARS.
How did it become a pandemic?
On March 11, as the number of COVID-19 cases outside China has increased 13 times and the number of countries involved has tripled with more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and over 4,000 deaths, WHO declared the COVID-19 a pandemic.
How does it spread?
The transmission is from infected individuals, through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and contaminated fomites.
How long is the incubation period?
The incubation time could be generally within 3 to 7 days and up to 2 weeks as the longest time from infection to symptoms.
What are its symptoms?
Uncomplicated/mild Illness – 80% : Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract viral infection- mild fever, cough (dry), sore throat, nasal congestion, diarrhea, malaise, headache, muscle pain, or malaise.
Moderate Pneumonia – 15% : Respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath (abnormal rapid breathing).
Severe Pneumonia – 5% : Fever is associated with severe breathlessness, rapid breathing, dizziness and fatigue.
Who are at risk?
Persons aged more than 50 years.
Persons suffering from Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses.
Anyone who has had close contact with an infected patient
Persons with history of travel from affected geographic areas (like China, Italy, Iran, Japan, United states of America and South Korea)
What are the investigations?
Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays.
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
Chest imaging – X ray, CT scan, lung ultrasound.
What are the treatment options available?
The treatment is symptomatic, and oxygen therapy. Mechanical ventilation for cases of respiratory failure. Hemodynamic support. Drugs specific for the virus and vaccines are still under research.
What are the preventive measures?
Preventive measures are the current strategy to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The WHO and other organizations have issued the following general recommendations:
- Wash your hands frequently (with soap for 20 seconds) especially after contact with infected people or their environment. Sanitizers can also be used.
- Avoid contact with your face, nose, mouth after exposure to a possibly contaminated environment.
- Avoid close contact with patients suffering from acute respiratory infections.
- Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
- People with symptoms of acute airway infection should keep their distance, cover coughs or sneezes with disposable masks, and wash their hands.
- Individuals who are at risk should avoid public gatherings.
- Practise social distancing – minimum of 3 feet distance should be kept with other persons.
- Eat healthy, get enough sleep and get regular exercise. Consider deep breathing, stretching and meditation exercises.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Stay at home and limit going out only for emergency purposes and to buy essential goods during a lockdown period.
- Healthcare workers caring for infected individuals should utilize contact and airborne precautions to include PPE such as N95 masks, eye protection, gowns, and gloves to prevent transmission of the pathogen.
What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID 19?
- If you experience the symptoms of fever, cough, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, bodyache, etc, visit a nearby healthcare facility where testing for COVID 19 is done.
- If tested positive, you will be asked to self isolate yourself at home. Also avoid contact with other people and practice social distancing. The household is issued a quarantine notice specifying the time of 14 days from then.
- If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection to neighbourhood.