CoVid Care

 COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a newly identified corona virus that was discovered in late 2019 in China. Corona viruses are a large family of viruses, and it is estimated that they cause roughly one-third of all cases of the common cold. Some corona viruses cause illnesses in people and others only circulate among animals. Rarely, animal corona viruses can evolve and infect people. The virus causing COVID-19 may have emerged from an animal source, and it is now able to spread from person to person.  

How does it spread? 

The virus is thought to spread between people who are in close contact (within about six feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It may also spread when one person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms?

This corona virus causes mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Some people may experience other symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches, sore throats or diarrhea. Evidence suggests that incubation period for COVID-19 is between 2-14 days. 

Epidemiology

The epidemiology of COVID-19 shows that 75 to 80% of the affected will develop only mild symptoms which do not require hospitalization.Severe infection and mortality are seen only in high risk groups like elderly and those with chronic lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, renal disease, HIV and in those on chemotherapy and long term steroids. In majority of patients with mild symptoms there is no need for hospitalization or symptomatic management.

 Just like any other viral infection, COVID-19 also will resolve by itself in majority of patients.The nature of such fast spreading viral infections  clearly demonstrate that hospitals act as amplifying centers for the epidemic. So patients with mild symptoms are advised not to come to hospitals for testing or treatment. Testing is not going to change either the clinical course or management of the patient with mild symptoms.

What we can do to stop the spread? #BreaktheChain

The best we can do is to isolate our self and stay home. Avoid contacting anyone from outside. Avoid going to public gatherings. Avoid travelling by public transport. Avoid going to hospitals unless critical. Maintain a hygienic environment at home. Wash yourself every time you go out and come inside the house. Use a towel or tissue to cover your face when coughing or sneezing. Hydrate oneself and take enough Vit C supplements. Eat healthy. Wash clothes with anti-septic solutions. Use hand sanitizers when you have to go out to shops. While at shops, avoid touching unnecessary stuff. Take only what you need. 

                                   Precaution is not panic.

• Minimise visitors to older and vulnerable people's house.
• Family members must be careful not to bring infection home.
• Healthcare professionals with vulnerable family members must consider alternate dwelling.
• Children may be discouraged to mingle with others kids.
• For caregivers, washing hands before and after providing physical assistance is preferable.
• Split or staggered meal time can reduce aerosol spread during mealtime conversations.
• Cross ventilation in the house can reduce chances of virus virculating in closed space.
• If affordable, geographic separation of healthy and vulnerable population Will be good.
• Treatment of chronic illness must not be ignored. Use telemedicine facility for doctor's visit and minimise hospital visits.
• Hospitals must also try to keep elderly and vulnerable patients far away from sections that treat fever and respiratory disorders.