COVID-19
Corona Virus Disease of 2019(COVID-19) is a communicable respiratory disease that is caused by a newer strain pf corona virus(SARS-CoV-2) which makes the disease be manifested in human beings. This disease spreads from an individual to another through infected air droplets that are produced during sneezing, coughing and even speaking
This disease is very contagious. It can easily spread from an infected person to an uninfected person, especially if both are in close proximity
Onset of disease is 2 days to 2 weeks(2-14 days) post-infection
History & Epidemiology
In 2019, this disease paralyzed the world, from economic activities, to social activities, to political activities, etc. The first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 before it spread to several areas of the globe. This resulted in the historical COVID-19 pandemic.
It is speculated by most scientists that the strain SARS-CoV-2 virus entered human populations through zoonosis.
Over 7 million deaths were reported due to COVID-19.
Estimated deaths run over 30 million.
Risks
- Having close physical association with infected individuals
- Spending time in over-crowded places
- Weak immune system
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Cause
Infection by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2)
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 are;
- Coughing persistently
- Fever or chills
- Cold-like symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat
- Pain like headaches
- Loss of taste and smell
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Complications
These complications listed below ca arise due to COVID-19 infection;
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Kidney failure
- Sepsis
- Respiratory failure & Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Shock (inadequate cardiac output) caused by heart problems
- Inflammatory response, where the immune system over-reacts
Diagnostic Tests
The following tests can be carried out to check for presence of COVID-19;
- Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction(RT-PCR)
- Rapid antigen test
- Computer tomography scan
- Transcription-Mediated Amplification
- Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification(RT-LAMP) from a nasopharyngeal swab
Management & Treatment
The specific treatment regimen for COVID-19 has not yet been established.
Many people have recovered from the disease through non-specific treatments, according to several reports from various hospitals.
Once the treatment drugs have been discovered or established, or the information released to the general public, we will upload it immediately.
Prevention
Best health practices to prevent contracting COVID-19 infection are:
- Regular hand washing using clean soap and clean water. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces eg tables
- Wear face masks correctly.
- Practice social distancing. Stay 1.5 meters from any person around you.
- Vaccination- COVID-19 vaccines have already been developed by Big Pharma companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and AstraZeneca to help prevent the disease. Specific vaccines developed include;
i. 2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
ii. 2023-2024 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
iii. 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-29 vaccine - Cover your cough with a clean handkerchief or cough on your elbow
- Stay at home if you have symptoms related to COVID-19. Self-quarantine is an effective method to stop spreading the disease to loved ones