What is COVID-19 & the mode of transmission:
First observed in December of 2019, slowly it took over the world. The virus causes respiratory illness for patients affected by the virus. Most people with a healthy immune system who have tested positive experience mild to moderate reaction. However, for individuals who have any co-morbidity or weak immune system, their effects can be from severe to fatal. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs when coming in direct or indirect contact with an infected person. An infected person can spread the virus by their infected secretions, such as respiratory secretion or respiratory droplets. Most commonly spread, when expelled through cough, sneeze, or talk of an infected individual. Indirect transmission has also been observed when contaminated objected from infected patients are used by other individuals.
Most Common Symptoms:
Some of the most commonly observed symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are:
- Fever
- Dry Cough
- Tiredness
Some of the less commonly observed symptoms of SARS-Cov-2:
- Bodily aches and pain
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste and smell
- Rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
How is Covid-19 diagnosed?
To diagnose a person is COVID-19 positive, it must be lab tested. Some of the common tests to diagnose COVID-19 are tests that used to confirm:
If an individual infected at the moment:
RT-PCR:
This test is used for people suspected to be infected with the person right now. To conduct the test a swab of your nose or throat is taken to test. This is the most common type of test performed to diagnose a person who is infected with the virus. The results of the test are highly accurate. Generally, can take anywhere from one day to a few days to receive results.
Antigen Test:
Antigen test is another type of test used to diagnose COVID-19. This test detects a certain type of protein in the virus. The test involves swabbing either your nose or throat. The results of this test are much quickly obtained than the RT-PCR test. This test is also NOT as accurate as RT-PCR.
· Additionally, Chest CT scan, CRP, HRCT, D-Dimer tests and IL-6 are also recommended in some cases as per physician’s guidance.
To detect a person if previously infected with COVID-19.
· Antibody Test (or Serology Test):
This test is conducted to tell whether a person was previously infected with COVID-19. Thus, this test provides a window to the past. But it cannot be used to tell if the person is still infected in the present for that an RT-PCR or Antigen test are better used.
What to do if you're infected right now:
- For a person infected right now, here are the things you must do:
- Isolate yourself at home, to prevent further infecting others.
- Get in contact with a physician and follow the course of medication prescribed by the professional.
- Check if your oxygen saturation (SpO2) every few hours using a pulse oximeter. If your SpO2 falls below normal level i.e., 95%. Then oxygen needs to be administered. If SpO2 falls sharply or below 85%, it is recommended to hospitalize immediately.
- Follow a healthy diet to keep up your immune system.
- Try prone positing to help maintain a healthy oxygen level naturally at home.
5.What to do if you are not infected:
- Wear a mask, the mask should cover your nose and mouth completely.
- Stay at home, unless necessary to step out.
- If going out in public, maintain social distancing protocols.
- Vaccinate – must do it, if you’re eligible.
- Hash hands with soap or handwash, thoroughly in between the fingers as well.
The Silverstreak Multispecialty Hospital in Gurugram offers you all the necessary treatment for patients infected with COVID-19 from specialized COVID ward to leading virologists are all available at one place to provide your loved one and you with the best care.