Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)
by
Pamela Jones, MA DefinitionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection of the airways and lungs. It causes a minor cold-like illness in most. Others may develop severe breathing problems or illness. CausesCOVID-19 is caused by a new type of coronavirus that was first seen in humans in 2019. This new form has led to an outbreak of COVID-19 in some countries. The virus is passed from person to person. Someone who is ill can release droplets with the virus when they sneeze or cough. The droplets can enter the mouth, nose, or eyes of those near the infected person. This seems to be the most common method of passing the illness. The droplets can also land on surfaces around someone who is ill. The virus may then pass when someone else touches the surface, and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. Risk FactorsRisk of COVID-19 may be higher in people who:
Active outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported in many countries. Follow trusted sources like government sites and Center for Disease Control (CDC) to see the risk in your area. The risk of severe infections may be more common in:
SymptomsSymptoms can range from mild to severe. They often appear 2 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Symptoms may include:
Call your doctor if you think you have been exposed to coronavirus and now have fever, cough, or problems breathing . Call before you go to the doctor’s office. This will help them send you to the right place and lower the risk of infecting other patients. Some may develop more severe symptoms. Get medical care immediately for:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms. There are many viruses and health issues that cause similar symptoms. The doctor may ask about risk factors to narrow possible causes. They may suspect COVID-19 if you have traveled to high risk areas, have had close contact with someone who has or may have COVID-19, or if there is an outbreak where you live. Testing may not be needed if symptoms are mild. The doctor will explain why tests may or may not be done. If tests are done, a sample of fluid from the nose or throat, or a blood sample will be sent to a lab. This can confirm COVID-19. TreatmentThere is no treatment for COVID-19 itself. The body will need time to clear it out. Mild symptoms can be handled at home. Basic care, such as rest and fluids, will help. Hospital care may be needed for severe symptoms. Oxygen therapy and medicine may be needed to help breathing. The hospital care team will also be able to respond to or treat any related problems. Other steps can help to stop the spread of infection to others:
Follow these steps until your doctor has said it is OK to stop. PreventionTo help lower your chance of COVID-19:
The virus may spread before you feel symptoms or know you have COVID-19. A cloth face covering may help to stop the spread of infection to others. It may be useful in public places such as stores, where safe distance is hard to do. The covering can be made of cloth from home such as t-shirt or bandana. It should be snug to the face and cover nose and mouth. Choose cloth that can be washed. Wash your hands after taking the mask off. Ideas to create masks can be found online including: https://www.cdc.go.... Stay aware of community news. Follow any recommended steps. This may include periods of time when you are asked to stay at home and avoid large groups. This can help to protect you and your family. It can also help to slow the spread of illness in the community. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 World Health Organization http://who.int CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca References:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public. World Health Organization website. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public. Accessed March 4, 2020.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Updated February 29, 2020. Accessed March 4, 2020.
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/covid-19-novel-coronavirus. Updated March 3, 2020. Accessed March 4, 2020.
COVID-19. United States Department of Labor website. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/medicalinformation.html#what_is. Accessed March 4, 2020.
Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). World Health Organization website. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses. Accessed March 4, 2020.
What to Do If You Are Sick With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html. Updated March 1, 2020. Accessed March 4, 2020.
What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) factsheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf. Accessed March 4, 2020.
World Health Organization (WHO) technical documents for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). World Health Organization website. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance. Accessed March 4, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 9/23/2020 |
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