Covid-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes symptoms such as dry cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, muscle pain and discharge. or nasal congestion.
The disease is transmitted by direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person or by airborne aerosols, small particles that remain in the air when the person touches or sneezes, for example. Furthermore, it can also be transmitted by contact with a surface contaminated by secretions from an infected person.
If COVID-19 is suspected and symptoms are intense, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess the situation and initiate treatment, if necessary. The latter is based on taking specific medications and a healthy diet. However, when the situation is critical, hospitalization may be necessary.
Main symptoms
Covid is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Dry, persistent cough;
- Fever;
- Sore throat;
- Headaches;
- Fatigue;
- Loss of taste or smell;
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- Diarrhea.
Some serious symptoms require rapid monitoring in the nearest emergency department. Among them, we find: difficulty breathing, especially at rest, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of consciousness, chest pain as well as cold or clammy, pale or blue skin.
In addition, people with Covid-19 may also experience muscle pain and, in some cases, changes in the fingers and toes, characterized by painless or painful lesions, itching, swelling, the appearance of blisters and rough, red or purple skin.
Furthermore, the symptoms of Covid-19 can vary depending on the variants.
Symptoms of Covid in children
In addition to the typical symptoms of Covid-19, in children there is a high risk of dehydration caused by loss of fluids due to sweating and diarrhea. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor in case of symptoms such as sunken eyes, decreased amount of urine, dry mouth, irritability and crying without tears.
Additionally, children with COVID-19 may also suffer from pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a complication of Covid-19, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels of certain organs such as the heart, skin, lungs, kidneys or the brain, causing difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin spots and fever.
This manifestation of the disease in children may progress less favorably and require hospitalization. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
Covid-19 and pregnancy
Most women who contracted Covid-19 during pregnancy had mild cases of the disease and did not develop complications.
However, pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester of pregnancy or who have health problems, are overweight or aged 35 years or older, may experience more severe symptoms, as well as a higher risk of premature birth and blood clots.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by an infectious disease specialist, a general practitioner or a pediatrician for children, by evaluating the symptoms and signs presented by the person.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order a COVID-19 test, which looks for the virus antigen by collecting an upper airway secretion (nasal swab), and a blood test, which detects the presence of IgG antibodies and IgM, indicating that the person is or has been in contact with the virus.
Tests Covid
There are currently different types of tests, which can be carried out by the person themselves, such as self-testing, rapid tests, which are carried out in pharmacies, secretion tests (PCR) and tests blood, which must be indicated by the doctor.
Mode of transmission
Covid-19 is spread primarily by inhaling droplets of saliva and respiratory secretions, which can become airborne when a person with Covid-19 coughs or sneezes.
In addition, in some cases the disease can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces contaminated by the infected person, placing their hands on these surfaces and then wiping their face, eyes or mouth, for example.
It is important to remember that anyone infected with Covid-19 can transmit this infection, even if they do not have symptoms.
Is Covid-19 over?
Covid-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency of international importance, due to increasing population immunity through vaccines, treatments and the reduction in deaths caused by the virus. disease.
However, the infection is not over, since the virus is still present around the world.
Treatment options
Treatment for Covid varies depending on the symptoms presented and their intensity, but generally includes medication, a healthy diet and in some severe cases, hospitalization.
1. Medicines
In case of mild COVID-19, the doctor may indicate the use of medicines to relieve pain, fever, headache and malaise, such as paracetamol.
The antibodies tocilizumab and sotrovimab, as well as the antiviral remdesevir, are medicines indicated for the treatment of people with mild, moderate or severe COVID-19 and are only given in hospital.
2. Diet
The diet during Covid-19 should be healthy and natural, favoring the consumption of foods that are sources of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs or dairy products, as well as fruits, vegetables, cereals whole grains, legumes and tubers. In fact, this type of food helps keep the body healthy and strengthen the immune system.
It is also important to drink between 1.5 and 3 liters of fluids per day, to help the immune system function properly and avoid dehydration.
3. Hospitalisation
Hospitalization, with oxygen and intravenous medication, is recommended in severe cases of COVID-19, such as when the person develops pneumonia or other serious complications.
People who have a lot of difficulty breathing or who are unable to breathe may be transferred to an intensive care unit, to increase the person’s alertness and use equipment such as a respirator.
Possible complications
Possible complications of Covid-19 are severe acute respiratory failure, thrombosis, heart failure and in some cases, death.
Additionally, another possible complication of Covid-19 is post-Covid syndrome, or long Covid, a condition in which the person no longer has the infection, but continues to have symptoms or problems associated with the infection for at least 12 weeks after infection.
In order to prevent Covid-19, it is important to:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in contact with someone who has the virus or is suspected of having it;
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid enclosed environments with many people;
- Use disposable tissues to blow your nose;
- Clean its environment regularly and keep it ventilated;
- Wear a personal protective mask;
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands;
- Avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of respiratory problems;
- Do not share your personal belongings.
When these recommendations are put in place, the risk of Covid transmission is reduced.
Covid vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines aim to boost the immune system and prevent severe cases of COVID-19 and are given in 1 to 2 doses, depending on the type of vaccine.
However, it is important to remember that vaccination does not prevent contagion and transmission of the disease. This is why, in addition to vaccination, preventive care must be maintained.
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