Index
- What is coronavirus?
- Prognosis of coronavirus
- Coronavirus symptoms
- Medical tests to diagnose coronavirus
- What causes coronavirus?
- Can coronavirus be prevented?
- Is there treatment for coronavirus?
- What should I do if I suspect coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus that were first identified in the 1960s and whose origin is, to date, unknown. Coronaviruses are named for the crown-shaped spikes on their surface.
As such, coronaviruses affect the respiratory tract, with symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Some coronaviruses affect only animals, but there are coronaviruses that have managed to pass from animals to humans and then from humans to humans. Three major coronavirus variants have been detected throughout history: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19.
- SARS-CoV: originated in 2002 in China. It has affected more than 596 million people.
- MERS-CoV: this coronavirus was detected in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and as of 2019, almost 2500 cases with more than 800 deaths had been reported.
The coronavirus originated in a live animal market, and possibly the main reservoir was bats. Thus, the first documented cases were in the workers of this market, so it is most likely that the contagion was caused by contact with their secretions.
The contagion between people occurs by breathing the “respiratory droplets” that the infected person expels when sneezing or coughing. For contagion to occur, it is necessary for the person to be less than two meters away from the infected person. The contagiousness of coronavirus will vary depending on the amount of virus present in the respiratory tract.
It is also possible to become infected by touching a surface that has had contact with the virus and then putting your hands to your eyes or mouth. Personal contact between people can also help spread the virus, such as kissing or shaking hands when shaking hands.
This pathology can cause mild symptoms, similar to those of a common cold, or severe respiratory symptoms that lead, in many cases, to the death of the affected person. The signs that we should pay attention to as a possible emergency are:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sudden confusion
- Pale or bluish colored feet, nails or lips.
This disease has more serious consequences in older adults, as the risk increases with age. In addition, another risk group are people with pre-existing diseases such as heart disease, cancer, COPD, diabetes, overweight, chronic kidney disease, asthma, HIV, liver disease, dementia, patients who have suffered a stroke or have Down’s syndrome.
The main symptoms and signs of coronavirus are similar to those of a common flu. Symptoms usually appear two to fourteen days after exposure to the infection. Symptoms of coronavirus may include the following:
- Runny nose
- Runny or runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- General malaise
- Chills
- Headache
- Sweats
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Seizures
In turn, in more severe cases of COVID-19, pneumonia may develop in one or both lungs, as well as bronchitis. In this case, symptoms may include chest pain when breathing and coughing.
The main symptoms are fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat and tiredness.
There are different types of tests that may be indicated for the diagnosis of this pathology:
- RT-PCR: consists of a polymerase chain reaction test, that is, it evaluates the genetic material through a technique with reverse transcription. It is performed by means of a swab that is introduced into the nostril and extracts a nasopharyngeal, middle turbinate and anterior nares sample.
- Antigen test: evaluates the presence of certain proteins. Although the results are usually quicker than those of PCR, there is a high percentage of false negatives.
SARS-CoV-2 infection spreads very easily between people who are in close contact, that is, within 2 meters of each other for a certain amount of time.
Transmission occurs through droplets that escape when a person sneezes, breathes, talks or coughs. These droplets reach another person’s body by inhalation through the nose or mouth. In addition, there is some chance that the virus may remain on a surface, so it could also be transmitted by subsequent hand-to-nose, hand-to-mouth and hand-to-eye contact.
Prevention of this pathology depends mainly on vaccination, which reduces the risk of infection and the development of severe symptoms. In addition, it is very important to use face masks in enclosed spaces or spaces with many people.
Vaccination is essential to prevent severe symptoms and complications of coronavirus infection. A period of 2 weeks after the second or single dose is necessary to be adequately protected.
In addition to vaccination, the World Health Organization has indicated the importance of avoiding close contact with anyone who is ill or has compatible symptoms, maintaining a minimum distance of 2 meters from other people in public places, avoiding crowds and enclosed places, and maintaining good hygiene by frequent hand washing and use of disinfectants.
Because it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in curing coronavirus. In general, if the patient has symptoms, the need for rest and the administration of analgesics to reduce the symptoms is indicated.
If there is a suspicion of coronavirus, the first thing to do is to call 900400061. In turn, the WHO and the Ministry of Health recommend the following:
- Avoid contact with other people
- Wear a mask to avoid contagion.
- Wash hands frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and/or eyes with your hands.