Coronavirus

Overview

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. This virus is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 spreads easily among people and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe illness or even death, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, runny nose, headache, chest pain, pink eye (conjunctivitis), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people may have no symptoms at all but can still spread the virus, which is called asymptomatic transmission. If you have emergency COVID-19 symptoms, seek care immediately. Emergency symptoms can include trouble breathing, constant chest pain or pressure, trouble staying awake, new confusion, and pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds. Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for serious COVID-19 illness include being older, having existing medical conditions such as heart diseases, chronic kidney or liver diseases, cancer, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's, brain and nervous system conditions, and smoking. Additionally, people with obesity and those who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, especially those with symptoms, are at increased risk.

Development

Coronaviruses can develop into new strains by evolving from animal viruses into new strains that can affect humans. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, likely evolved from one or more animal viruses into a new strain. While it is not entirely clear how the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated, it is believed to have initially spread from animals to humans.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you suspect that you have COVID-19, you should see a doctor if you experience emergency symptoms, such as trouble breathing, constant chest pain or pressure, trouble staying awake, new confusion, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds. These are signs of severe illness, and you need immediate care. If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in newborns up to 12 weeks, or if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should also seek medical attention. If you are an older adult or have chronic medical conditions, you may have a greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

To diagnose coronavirus (COVID-19), you need to contact your healthcare team if you develop symptoms or have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Your healthcare team will evaluate your medical history and symptoms and may recommend testing if deemed appropriate based on your location and risk factors. Several tests may be used to diagnose COVID-19, including:

1. Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs.
2. Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation.
3. Swab of secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus.
4. Pulse oximetry, a painless skin monitor, to detect lower than normal levels of oxygen in the blood. However, it's important to note that the availability of tests and the specific diagnostic criteria may vary depending on your location. If you are unsure about whether to seek testing or have concerns about COVID-19, it's recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Complications of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can include:

1. Pneumonia and trouble breathing.
2. Organ failure in several organs.
3. Heart problems.
4. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung condition that causes a low amount of oxygen to go through your bloodstream to your organs.
5. Blood clots.
6. Acute kidney injury. These complications can lead to severe medical issues and, in some cases, death. Individuals with higher risk factors, such as older age, underlying medical conditions, or weakened immune systems, are more likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19. It is essential to follow preventive measures, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing your hands, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus and potentially experiencing its complications. If you experience symptoms of a respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms with a fever after traveling abroad, consult your doctor immediately.

Home Remedies

Following general precautions and guidelines, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks in public indoor spaces, maintaining social distance, and keeping surfaces clean, can help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading viral illnesses, including COVID-19. If you suspect you have COVID-19, it is important to seek medical attention and follow the advice of healthcare professionals.

Treatment

If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, supportive care is recommended to alleviate your symptoms. Supportive care may include pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cough syrup or medicine, rest, and increasing your fluid intake. There is no evidence that ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) need to be avoided. For more severe cases, specific medications may be prescribed. The FDA has approved remdesivir (Veklury) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) for treating COVID-19 in certain situations. Corticosteroids like dexamethasone may also be recommended for hospitalized patients. Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir (Xofluza) may be used for flu treatment but are reserved for specific high-risk groups to prevent development of resistance. It's important to follow the instructions of your healthcare professional, isolate yourself from others while sick, wear a mask, and maintain proper airflow in your home. If you need an at-home test, ensure it is authorized by the FDA or approved by your healthcare professional or local health department.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for COVID-19, you should:

1. Contact your healthcare professional if you suspect you have COVID-19 before going in for an appointment.
2. Ask if there are any pre-appointment restrictions or advancements needed.
3. Make a list of your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, and note when they started.
4. Provide information about your recent travels, both domestic and international.
5. Prepare to share key personal information, such as major stresses, recent life changes, and family medical history.
6. Create a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
7. Consider bringing a family member or friend for support, but check for visitor restrictions beforehand.
8. Bring any previous scans, X-rays, or important medical records to the appointment. Remember to be well-prepared for the appointment, and don't hesitate to ask your healthcare professional any questions you may have.