Latest information about COVID-19

 Covid-19

 SOURCE OF INFECTION

 

•   Covid-19 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir. The intermediate source of origin and transfer to humans is not known, however, the rapid human to human transfer has been confirmed widely.

 

INCUBATION PERIOD

 

The incubation period of a pathogen/disease describes the duration between initial exposure and the onset of disease symptoms. In the case of coronavirus, the incubation period is estimated to be 5 – 6 days; however, the exact recommended range is 1 - 14 days.

Regarding specific symptoms, the study findings reveal that the average incubation period to fever onset is 5.7 days. The study has also assumed that out of 10,000 confirmed cases, 101 will develop symptoms after 14 days of isolation.

 

TRANSMISSION ROUTES

ž  

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads between people, mainly when an infected person is in close contact with another person.  

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller ‘aerosols’.

Other people can catch COVID-19 when the virus gets into their mouth, nose or eyes, which is more likely to happen when people are in direct or close contact (less than 1 metre apart) with an infected person.

Contact transmission can be direct and indirect. Direct contact transmission involves both a direct body surface to body surface contact and physical transfer of microorganisms between an infected or colonized person and a susceptible host. Indirect contact transmission involves contact of a susceptible host with a contaminated intermediate object (e.g. contaminated hands), that carry and transfer the microorganisms

 

Main clinical symptoms

 

Common signs and symptoms can include:

Fever

Cough

Tiredness

Early symptoms of COVID-19 may include a loss of taste or smell. 

Other symptoms can include:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Muscle aches 

Chills  

Sore throat 

Runny nose 

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

 

Diagnostic methods

 

 In most situations, a molecular test is used to detect COVID-19 and confirm infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used molecular test. Samples are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab. Molecular tests detect virus in the sample by amplifying viral genetic material to detectable levels. For this reason, a molecular test is used to confirm an active infection, usually within a few days of exposure and around the time that symptoms may begin. Rapid antigen tests (sometimes known as a rapid diagnostic test – RDT) detect viral proteins (known as antigens).

Anti-epidemic measures in the outbreak 

 

Use evidence-based methods to increase compliance with infection control precautions, including multimodal strategies (e.g. change in infrastructure, education, posters, reminders, senior management engagement, performance feedback) . Educate HCWs to follow infection control precautions with all patients with acute febrile respiratory illness .

Ensure that adequate infection control supplies are provided , such as: −hand hygiene facilities such as soap and clean running water, alcohol-based hand rub, paper or single use towels; −PPE for patient care (e.g. masks/respirators, gowns, gloves, eye protection); −PPE for heavy duties (e.g. closed protective footwear, waterproof aprons, and rubber gloves); and −an adequate supply of appropriate cleaning and disinfection materials .

Develop plans for the evaluation and management of patients known or suspected to be infected with an ARD of potential concern including rapid screening (establishment of triage) and immediate implementation of infection control precautions .

 Develop systems to promptly identify and isolate patients with possible ARD of potential concern and to promptly notify public health authorities

In countries with reported ARDs of potential concern, reinforce the reporting system in HCFs (e.g. post signage at all entrances and clinical evaluation areas such as emergency departments) to alert patients and visitors to report severe acute febrile respiratory illness immediately to health-care providers.

 

Term of observation of contacts

In a well ventilated single room respectively and refuse all visits.

Household members should stay in a different room or, if that is not possible, maintain a distance of at least one meter from close contacts.  

When entering the living space of close contacts, the caregiver should wear a medical mask fitted tightly to the face. Masks should not be touched or handled during use. If the mask gets wet or dirty with secretions, it must be changed immediately. Discard the mask after use and wash your hands after removal of the mask. 

Materials used to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing occasionally can be discarded directly, or cleaned properly after use .

In spirit, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, palpitation, conjunctivitis, and mild muscle pain in the limbs or lower back, they should seek medical advice immediately. Specific recommendations are as follows:

I.Patients should wear surgical masks or N95 masks on the way to hospital. 

II.Avoid public transportation to the hospital and open the windows of the vehicle if possible. 

III.Wear a mask and keep hands clean at all times. Stand or sit as far away from others as possible (at least one meter), when in transit and when in the hospital.

IV. Any surfaces that become soiled with respiratory secretions or body fluids during transport should be cleaned and disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectant .

Basic prevention measures

 

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This eliminates germs including viruses that may be on your hands.

Avoid touching your 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 infect you. 

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately into a closed bin and wash your hands. By following good ‘respiratory hygiene’, you protect the people around you from viruses, which cause colds, flu and COVID-19.

 

Treatment of covid 19

 

Symptomatic treatment like  for fever diclofenac,paracetamol - 625mg thrice a day is prescribed.

-For cough (dry) acetylcysteine - 10%(3-5ml of 20% solution)through nebulisation is prescribed , cough(expectorate) ambroxal - 30 mg twice a day is prescribed.

- For shortness of breath glucocorticoids are prescribed such as dexamethasone- 0.5mg twice a day.

-For runny nose and congestion antihistaminic drugs such as levocetrizine is prescribed- 5mg twice a day

- For antiviral treatment amoxycillin -500mg,625 mg twice a day

-For sore throat azithromycin- 500mg twice a day and gargle with luke warm water with salt .

= Some dermatologic signs are recently seen such as maculopapular rash are noticed(22%), 

discolored lesions of fingers and toes(18%)

Hives(red raised bumps like spots)--22%; these symptoms may range from mild to severe extent in  different patients.

 Different countries are developing vaccines against covid -19 virus such as Covishield vaccine in INDIA, UK has made Pfizer vaccine .

                                                               - by Dr. Ravi Ranjan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More