COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus spreads primarily via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The exact origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is unknown, but it is believed to have originated from animals, possibly bats, and was transmitted to humans. From there, the virus quickly spread and became a global pandemic.
Mode of transmission:
- Droplet transmission: When an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, the droplets can land on surfaces or be inhaled by nearby people, typically within about 6 feet (2 meters).
- Surface transmission: The virus can spread by touching a surface or contaminated object, followed by touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Aerosol transmission: The virus can also be transmitted through smaller particles known as aerosols that can remain in the air for long periods and travel farther distances. Aerosol transmission can occur in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
- Fecal-oral: The infection can spread via contact with an infected person's stool. If that person uses the toilet and doesn't wash their hands, they could infect things and people they touch.
Pet with COVID-19:
Coronavirus has been detected in several animals through testing. However, not all of these animals displayed symptoms of the disease. The infection can spread to the animals through intimate contact with sick people. According to public health officials, humans can transfer the virus to pets and are less likely to transmit the virus to humans.
Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and tiredness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Chest pain
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Only some people who contract COVID-19 will experience all of these symptoms. It's important to note that some of these symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, so a COVID-19 diagnosis can only be confirmed with a test.
A medical condition associated with COVID-19:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Bone marrow transplants
- Heart disease
- Down syndrome
- Asthma
- Lung disease, including moderate-to-severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Sickle cell disease (thalassemia)
- Cancer
- Immunocompromised conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive medications
- Neurological conditions (dementia or Alzheimer's disease)
- Liver disease
Treatment for COVID - 19
People with covid-19 use antigen test kits like CoviSelf COVID-19 TEST, more severe cases of COVID-19 may require hospitalization and treatment with supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or other supportive measures. Several medications have been authorized or approved by regulatory agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of COVID-19. These medications include,
- Remdesivir is given intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital or other healthcare setting. The treatment typically involves a 5- to 10-day course of daily infusions, depending on the severity of the illness. Some studies have suggested that Remdesivir may not significantly reduce mortality rates or the need for mechanical ventilation in people with COVID-19.
- Dexamethasone is a steroid medication that effectively reduces mortality rates in people with severe cases of COVID-19. Dexamethasone works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells and tissues. It is given orally or intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital or other healthcare setting. The treatment typically involves a 10-day course of daily doses, depending on the severity of the illness.
- Monoclonal antibodies therapy involves administering a specific type of laboratory-made antibodies designed to target the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for causing COVID-19. These antibodies can neutralize the virus and prevent it from infecting healthy cells in the body. This is typically given through a one-time intravenous infusion (through a vein) in a hospital or other healthcare setting. The treatment can be given to people with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and at high risk of developing severe illness or being hospitalized.
- Favipiravir is an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19. It functions by inhibiting the RNA polymerase enzyme of the virus, which is necessary for viral replication. This ultimately lowers the amount of virus in the body and may help to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19. This medicine is usually recommended for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 infection in adults at high risk for disease progression. It is given orally, in the form of tablets, and is usually administered twice daily for 5 to 10 days.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Tocilizumab or Baricitinib can reduce inflammation in the body and prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells.
- Convalescent blood plasma therapy is a treatment that involves transfusing the plasma (the liquid portion of blood) from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to people who are currently sick with the disease. The reason behind this treatment is that the plasma from people who have recovered contains antibodies that can help fight the virus in others.
Fabiflu 200mg tablet is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 disease. This medicine metabolizes to ribosyl triphosphate, converts into its active form called Favipiravir-RTP, and selectively inhibits RNA polymerase responsible for viral replication. It works by stopping the replication of the infection-causing virus in the body. The common side effects of Fabiflu 200mg tablets are diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness.
