Covid 19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can trigger a respiratory tract infection. It is a type of coronavirus that was identified in December 2019. It spreads through person to person contact and droplets. It is a highly infectious virus that is impacting millions of people around the world and has been termed as a global pandemic
COVID-19 Management
The likelihood of presenting with a moderate or severe case with complication is linked to age and co-morbidities so far. These include:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS
- Pneumonia or other secondary infections
- Sepsis
- Coagulopathies
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Multiorgan failure
- Macrophage Activation syndrome or Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Many believe that the complications are caused by a condition termed as the Cytokine Storm. This is a hyper inflammatory reaction by the body’s immune system. The blood stream is flooded with an inflammatory protein called cytokine, which causes tissue and organ damage. Mortality rate is between 1-3%; the cause of death is usually respiratory failure secondary to massive alveolar injury.
Patients who do recover have been reported to complain of post-viral fatigue, tiredness and weakness weeks after recovery. This has been termed as "Long- Covid". Rest, high-protein diet and steady return of exercise routine is recommended to regain stamina. Avoid smoking and alcohol till complete recovery. Studies are underway to find way to better manage the long-term effects and prevent re-infection.
Community
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