COVID-19, as we all now know, is a contagious disease that can be deadly to certain groups of people. Many patients infected by the COVID-19 virus may experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. Recent studies have shown that older people who have reduced immunity or those with secondary medical issues such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory problems are likely to develop more serious symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent or slow transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based sanitiser. Rub frequently and do not touch any part of your face.
What causes the COVID-19 infection?
The COVID-19 virus can be spread primarily through droplets of saliva or discharges from the nose or from an infected person’s bodily fluids such as coughs or sneezes. Touching something which an infected person has touched and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes might also cause infection.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. It takes between 2-14 days after exposure to develop symptoms. Those with lower immunity may develop symptoms that are more severe, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Common symptoms may include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Emergency warning signs:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Constant chest pains
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden onset of confusion
Diagnosis
If you have the symptoms mentioned above or if you have possibly been exposed to the virus, medical advice should be sought. For responsible contact tracing purposes, inform your doctor of your travel or contact history. Let your doctor know if you've had close contact with anyone who has been recently diagnosed with the virus. Based on your signs and symptoms your doctor may determine whether to conduct the diagnostic tests.
In most cases, the doctor will consider factors such as:
- If you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with the virus
- If you have travelled or lived in areas with ongoing community spread in the last two weeks.
Your doctor may take samples of saliva (sputum), a nasal swab and a throat swab to send to a laboratory for the diagnostic tests.
Questions and myths according to World Health Organization (WHO)
Can COVID-19 be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates?
Based on evidence, the COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL AREAS. This includes places with hot and humid weather.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill COVID-19?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Alcohol and chlorine can be useful as surface disinfectants, but need to be used according to recommendations.
Does taking a hot bath reduce the risk of infection?
Taking a hot bath does not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath. Taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can cause injury.
Can cold weather kill the COVID- 19 virus?
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
Can the COVID-19 virus be transmitted through mosquito bites?
There is no evidence to suggest that the coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the COVID-19 virus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the COVID-19 virus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Influenza type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the COVID-19 virus. The virus is new and so different that researchers are still trying to develop a vaccine.
Having said that, however, vaccination against respiratory illnesses comes highly recommended.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution help prevent infection of the COVID-19 virus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline solution has protected people from infection with the COVID-19 virus. However, there is some evidence that regular nose rinsing with saline solution can help with quicker recovery from the common cold.
Does the COVID-19 virus only affect older people or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19. However, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to the virus.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the COVID-19 virus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus?
To date, there is no specific medicine. However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate optimal supportive care to relieve and treat symptoms. Some specific treatments are under development, and are being tested through clinical trials.
How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the COVID-19 virus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever because of infection with the COVID-19 virus. However, they cannot detect people who are asymptomatic. It takes between 2-10 days before those who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
Conclusions
Safety in numbers is the totally opposite ideology to what COVID-19 containment is all about. Avoidance of crowded and interpersonal contact is the best practice. Knowledge of the facts will help to avoid confusion. Stay safe and healthy at all times is the best policy.
Author: Ezree Ebrahim, Head Business Development (Healthcare), Absolute Health Group. For Further information, please contact: ezree.ebrahim@akesisoncology.com
Series Editor: Christopher F. Bruton, Executive Director, Dataconsult Ltd, chris@dataconsult.co.th Dataconsult’s Thailand Regional Forum provides seminars and extensive documentation to update business on future trends in Thailand and in the Mekong Region.
