By Norberto Salamanca M.D – Colombian Pediatrician

Under the fear and uncertainty in which we find ourselves on account of the COVID-19, we deserve to be well informed on the matter. The WHO defines an epidemic as “the occurrence in a community or region of cases of an illness”, while the term pandemic establishes a general or universal reach, although in some cases the term has been used when a disease spreads throughout a country.

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new flu virus emerges and spreads worldwide, and most people have not developed any immunity against it. Typically, the viruses that have caused pandemics in the past come from flu viruses that infect animals. Viruses are microorganisms composed of genetic material protected by a protein envelope, which causes various diseases, introducing itself as a parasite into a cell in order to reproduce itself in it. In particular, this COVID-19 virus, primarily affects lung tissue, triggering mild to critical symptoms. It is a zoonotic-transmission virus, whose host is an animal, but its spread is from human to human.

Approximately 60% of the population will be susceptible to becoming infected, around 80% will be asymptomatic or have a mild presentation of the illness. 15% to 20% will require hospitalization and only 5% to 10% will need to be in intensive care units. Mortality caused by this virus is close to 4% of those infected. The virus can be present in people of all ages. In children and adults with comorbidities – that is, those who have other diseases such as immunosuppression, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity or malnutrition – the virus will generate a more severe illness due to an exaggerated inflammatory response.

Symptoms appear from the second to the fourteenth day after exposure to the virus. Cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are the most common in this illness. Most of these symptoms can be treated at home under the supervision of the appropriate healthcare staff. The emergency services should be consulted for the following symptoms: respiratory distress, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, drowsiness, bluish discoloration of the lips or face.

Specific diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are performed on people who meet the criteria established to be considered a possible case study, according to the guidelines of the Health National Institute. It is important to emphasize that a positive test does not indicate mortality, but it is relevant to take isolation measures and epidemiological search of your contacts. In Colombia, there is already the possibility of carrying out diagnostic tests to effectively control the outbreak.

Measures that must be kept in place to prevent a resurgence of the disease include constant and adequate hand-washing with soap and water, or with glycerinated alcohol containing 70% alcohol, at least 5 to 7 times a day, the use of masks in an adequate way (remember that they have limited time/number of uses), and social distancing, that is, keep a minimum distance of two meters in respect to others around you and of one meter in public transport. Understand that at this time anyone can be asymptomatic and transmit the virus. The use of gloves generates false protection because those who wear them do not wash their hands frequently and when the gloves are removed, the user can become infected. Remember to avoid touching your of the face. The use of self-formulated antibiotics is not recommended, as viruses are not treated with these medications and so far there are no specific treatments for the mild scenario of the illness. The vaccine does not yet exist and will not be the only solution.

Keep your body strong and healthy with the right diet, check here FRESH MEAL PLAN.  

Our younger population, specifically the children, has also been affected by the situation as they also have had to stay in confinement. Having to receive their classes online interferes with their social interaction, which is extremely important at this stage of their cognitive development. The lack of exercise under the sun, which provides a large amount of vitamin D, necessary for their growth has also become an issue. They were, along with the elders, those who entered first into and will be the last to leave the confinement, but they are also the most resilient and adaptable. Online medical consultations are also a reality in this pandemic. This situation exposed many realities that should make us reflect on the way in which we have been living so far. There are many heroes in this experience and I consider it is worth mentioning all the people who constantly take care of us with their professions and trades and who on many occasions are invisible and lightly recognized by our society.

The Quality Health thanks to Norberto Salamanca for such a valuable article for our blog.

Please follow and like us:

1052

65