Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a virus that can cause moderate to severe respiratory illnesses, including death. The best preventive measures include vaccination, wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away, hand washing regularly and avoiding sick people. What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory infections in humans. They are called “corona” because of the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans.
A new strain of coronavirus - COVID-19 - was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus has spread to every continent. How many people are infected with COVID-19?
The number of people infected with the virus changes daily. As of this writing (10/11/2021), more than 196,910,000 people worldwide have been infected. More than 4,850,000 people have died. About 192 countries and territories across the continent have now reported COVID-19 incidents.
How do you get COVID-19?
COVID-19 enters your body through your mouth, nose or eyes (directly from airborne droplets or through the transmission of the virus from your hands to your face). The virus goes behind your spleen and mucous membranes behind your throat. It attaches to the cells there, begins to multiply and progresses to the lung tissue. From there, the virus can spread to other tissues of the body.
How does the new coronavirus (COVID-19) spread from person to person?
COVID-19 may spread:
The virus travels through airborne droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes near you (within 6 feet). You can get infected if you inhale these drops.
You can also get COVID-19 by close contact (touch, handshake) with the infected person and touch your face.
It is thought that it is possible to get COVID-19 after touching a dirty area and touching the eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands. But it is thought to be impossible. Where do coronaviruses come from?
Coronaviruses are commonly found in bats, cats and camels. Bacteria live in them but do not infect animals. Sometimes these germs spread to a wide variety of animals. Bacteria may mutate (mutate) as they pass through other species of animals. Eventually, the virus can infect animals and begin to infect humans. In the case of COVID-19, the first infected individuals in Wuhan, China are thought to have contracted the virus from a food market that sells meat, fish, and live animals. Although researchers do not know exactly how humans became infected, they do have evidence that the virus can spread from person to person through close contact.
What’s different about the delta variant of COVID-19?
It is common for viruses to mutate - especially coronaviruses and viruses. This mutation creates new strains of the virus. Sometimes the differences are less contagious, worse or there are slightly different scary symptoms. Unfortunately, the delta variant of COVID-19 (a type called B.1.617.2) is highly contagious and may cause serious illness. How long is a person infected with COVID-19 considered contagious?
If you are infected with COVID-19 it may take a few days for symptoms - but you are infected at this time. You are no longer infected within 10 days after the onset of your symptoms.
The best way to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others is to:
Keep 6 feet away from others whenever possible.
Wear a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are around others.
Wash your hands often. If soap is not available, use a hand cleaner that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid overcrowded indoor areas. Bring out the outside air as much as possible.
Stay home alone if you feel sick with symptoms that could be COVID-19 or tested for COVID-19.
Clean and disinfect the affected areas regularly.
Soon after being infected with COVID-19 will I have symptoms?
The time between infection and symptoms (incubation period) can range from 2 to 14 days. The average time before you have symptoms is five days. Symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe. In about 80% of patients, COVID-19 only causes mild symptoms, although this may change as it turns out.
Who is most at risk of getting COVID-19?
The people most at risk of getting COVID-19 are:
People who live or have recently visited any place with a continuous active distribution.
People who have had close contact with a person with a certified laboratory case or a suspect suspected of having a COVID-19 infection. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period.
People over the age of 60 with pre-existing medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Are certain races severely affected by COVID-19?
Yes. Many researchers have analyzed data from nationwide and other major cities, looking at the number of confirmed cases and deaths based on race and ethnicity and related factors. They found that African Americans and Latin-Hispanic populations had equally high rates of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
Researchers suspect that this may be because these nations are prone to:
Live in overcrowded conditions - living in crowded and multi-generational housing - making social interactions difficult.
Work in consumer-oriented industries and may even use public transportation to work, putting them at risk of further exposure to COVID-19.
Be at increased risk of serious illness if they receive COVID-19 due to high levels of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, asthma, heart, liver and kidneys.
It is very likely that you are uncertified or lack a consistent source of care, which limits your access to COVID-19 testing and treatment services.
Researchers are still studying some of the factors that may make national groups more susceptible to the negative effects of COVID-19, including:
Genetics.
Potential differences in lung tissue.
Socio-economic situation.
If I recover from COVID-19, can I get infected again?
Re-infection with COVID-19 is rare, but has been reported.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What are the symptoms of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The CDC says that you can get coronavirus if you have these symptoms or a combination of symptoms:
Fever or cold.
Cough.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Fatigue.
Muscle or body pain.
A headache.
New loss of taste or aroma.
Sore throat.
Congestion or runny nose.
Nausea or vomiting.
Uhudo.
Additional symptoms may occur.
Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. Children have similar symptoms, but they are usually softer than adults. Older adults and people with serious health conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes are at greater risk of developing complications from COVID-19.
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you have these warning signs
Breathing hard.
Persistent pain or pressure in your chest.
New confusion.
Inability to wake up from sleep.
Green lips or face.
This list does not include all possible features. Contact your healthcare provider if you are worried that you may have coronavirus or have severe symptoms.
EVALUATION AND EVALUATION
How is coronavirus contracted?
COVID-19 was detected by laboratory tests. Your healthcare provider may collect a sample of your saliva or blow your nose or throat to send it for testing.
When should I get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Call your healthcare provider if:
You feel sick from a cold, cough or shortness of breath.
Have you been in close contact with a known person or suspected of having COVID-19.
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need a COVID-19 test.
If I get tested for coronavirus, how long should I keep it separate?
According to the current CDC recommendations, you should separate yourself until you meet all three of the following options:
It's been 10 days since your symptoms started to show.
You did not have a fever for 24 hours and you did not use antiretroviral drugs during this time.
Your COVID-19 indicators have improved.
While at home, isolate yourself in a separate room of your home if possible in order to limit contact with other family members. If you can't live alone 100% in a separate room, keep 6 meters away from others and wear a cloth mask, wash your hands often / family members wash their hands often, and often disinfect common areas and shared areas.
You do not need to be re-tested to be with others outside of your home. However, since everyone and every situation is different, follow the recommendations of your testing healthcare provider.
If you have a weakened immune system or have a severe case of COVID-19, CDC conditions do not apply to you. You may need to stay home for up to 20 days after your symptoms start to show. Talk with youra health care provider about your condition.
How long do I need to isolate myself from someone with COVID-19?
Well-known contacts who have not yet been fully vaccinated should be isolated for a reasonable period of time from the date of exposure based on local guidelines. This is usually 14 days, but can vary with testing and concern about the variety.
Full-time vaccinated individuals who meet the following criteria do not need to be confined to isolation:
They are fully vaccinated (2 weeks have passed from the second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after their dose in a single dose dose).
They are between 3 months following the last dose of vaccine in the series.
They have remained asymptomatic since their current exposure to COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated should check for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following exposure, and seek a clinical examination if indicated.
Is it possible to be tested for COVID-19 and still be infected with the virus?
Yes, it is possible. There are a number of reasons for the “false” test results - which means you really do have COVID-19 even though the test result says you do not.
Reasons for the false test result of COVID-19 include:
He was tested very early during the illness. The virus has not recurred in your body to the point that it can be detected by testing.
They did not find a good template. Health workers may not have been immersed deep enough into the nasal cavity to collect a good sample. There may also be administrative errors and transportation errors.
The COVID-19 test itself was not sensitive or clear enough to detect COVID-19. Sensitivity refers to the ability of a test to detect a small amount of virus. The specification refers to the test power that only detects COVID-19 virus and not other similar viruses. Many commercial and hospital laboratories have developed COVID-19 tests. All must meet the standards, but no test is 100% sensitive and 100% straight on COVID-19. That is why there is always the possibility of “false negative” and “false positive” tests.
If you think you may have COVID-19 even if your test does not, it is best to follow the current CDC recommendations. Stay home for 10 days if you think you are sick. Keep 6 feet away from others (“social distance”) and wear a fabric mask. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse. Do not judge for yourself whether it is safe to be in the company of others. Instead, consult your healthcare provider when your symptoms improve.
TREATMENT AND TREATMENT
What drugs are currently approved to treat COVID-19?
Currently, only one drug has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Remdesivir (Veklury®) is approved for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection.
What treatments do people get if they have COVID-19?
The treatment of COVID-19 varies depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you are not in the hospital or do not need extra oxygen, no special antiviral treatment or immunotherapy is recommended. Some people may also benefit from the introduction of monoclonal antibodies.
But if you are in hospital, you may be given IV remdesivir (orally) with or without corticosteroid dexamethasone (or another steroid) or dexamethasone alone if remdesivir cannot be used.
Depending on the severity of your COVID infection, you may need:
Extra oxygen (supplied by a tube inserted into your nose).
Mechanical ventilation (get oxygen through a tube inserted under the trachea). You are given medication to keep you relaxed and sleepy as long as you get oxygen through a respirator.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). You continue to receive treatment while the machine pumps your blood out of your body. It takes the work of your lungs, body and heart. What vaccines are being used or developed recently to prevent COVID-19?
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized Emergency Use Authorization for three coronavirus vaccines. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are given in two doses. It is important for you to get both doses of the vaccine for maximum protection. Pfizer vaccination doses are given every 21 days and are approved for use for those 5 years or more. Moderna dosage doses are given 28 days separately, and are approved for use for those 18 years and older. Both vaccines are very effective. Another effective alternative is the Johnson & Johnson single dose, which is approved for use in people 18 years of age and older.
Can vaccinated people still get COVID-19?
There are no 100% effective vaccines. In fact, it is expected that cases of success (when someone is tested for COVID-19 more than two weeks after being fully vaccinated) are expected. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection. The risk of serious illness or death due to a viral infection is very low.
If I have been tested with COVID-19 and do not need to be hospitalized, what can I do to better manage my symptoms at home?
If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, you will probably need to manage your health at home. Follow these tips:
If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids (the best water), get more rest, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
If you cough, lie on your side or sit (do not lie on your back). Put a teaspoon of honey in your hot tea or hot water (do not give honey to children under one year old). Sprinkle with salt water. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on retail, luxury care products, such as cough suppressants, cough drops / lozenges. Ask a friend or family member to take any needed medication. You have to stay home.
If you are worried about your breathing, try to relax. Take a deep breath through your nose and release slowly with sharp lips (as if you are blowing out a candle). If you have trouble breathing, call 911.
If you have a COVID-19 condition, you should start to feel better within a few days to a week. If you think your symptoms are getting worse, call your healthcare provider.
PREVENTION
How can I avoid getting the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The best prevention is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You should also follow the same steps you can take to prevent getting other infections, such as the common cold or flu.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds — especially before eating and preparing food, after using the bathroom, after wiping your nose, and after contact with someone who has a cold.
Wear a multi-layered face mask that fits snugly on your face and covers your mouth, nose, and chin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs on your hands.
Close your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze and cough or sneeze and cough in your arm. Dispose of tissue in the trash. Wash your hands afterwards. Never cough or sneeze on your hands!
Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with those who are coughing, cold or sick. Stay home when you are sick.
If you are prone to illness or have a weakened immune system, avoid large crowds. Follow the guidelines of your health care authorities especially during an outbreak.
Clean frequently used areas (such as door handles and counters) with disinfectant.
Use disinfectants that contain at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Greet people with friendly hands instead of shaking hands.
Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise if you can. These steps will strengthen your immune system and make you easier to fight infections.
Should I wear a face mask?
The CDC recommends covering the face of the cloth in public, especially in areas where it is difficult to maintain a minimum of six feet [6 m] between you and another person. Face masks protect you and the people around you. Fabric face mask is recommended because we now know that people with COVID-19 may or may not have mild symptoms, while transmitting the virus to others.
Note from Cleveland Clinic
We have come a long way since the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed in the United States. We have learned a lot about this virus and how to treat patients with it. We have greatly improved our testing ability. You - our communities - have made great efforts to adapt, too. It is heartwarming to see so many people defending themselves by wearing a face mask in public and finding ways to have fun while respecting the rules of non-violence.
The changes we have all made to stay safe and healthy can feel like a challenge. But please stay alert. We know it's not easy, but it is important. COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. Although most people experience only mild symptoms, others develop serious lung, brain, and heart problems. There may also be other long-term consequences that we do not know about. And, so far, there is no solution. Fortunately, there are steps we can all take to prevent this. But to be effective, we all need to do it all the time.
You must be logged in to post a comment.