Understanding Infectious Disease In The Wake Of COVID-19

WHAT IS COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people). Early on, many of the patients at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Person-to-person spread was subsequently reported.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading easily. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide. On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the WHO

Situation In Numbers:

As of March 26, 2020, According to the World Health Organization (WHO) The United States of America has 51,914 CONFIRMED cases and 673 CONFIRMED Deaths related to COVID-19.

GLOBALLY  the total CONFIRMED cases is 416,686 and CONFIRMED Deaths is 18,589.

SYMPTOMS:

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  The main symptoms of Coronavirus are: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. It is possible to become infected but not develop any symptoms. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Those at a higher risk for complications are older people, and those with underlying medical problems.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION:

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

TIME OF ONSET OF SYMPTOMS: 

Typical onset of symptoms is between 2-14 days after exposure.  During this time the virus is contagious but the patient may not display any symptoms.

HOW IT SPREADS:

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  This is why it’s so important to practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

TREATMENTS:

There are ongoing trials and potential treatments but currently there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19

The CDC Recommends people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.  This will kill viruses on your hands.
• Distance Yourself. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Disinfect the environment routinely.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE:

• • Know the Signs and Symptoms
  • Take Steps For Those At Higher Risk
  • Protect Yourself and Your Family
  • Create A Household Plan

Sources:

World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200325-sitrep-65-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=ce13061b_2
Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html