COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It spread worldwide in January 2020, resulting in the pandemic.

The Symptoms and Complications of COVID-19

Fever, fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell or taste are common symptoms. The risk of severe symptoms increases with age. Complications can result in death, and some people experience long-term effects such as lung damage, cognitive deficits, and heart issues.

Transmission and Prevention

Transmission occurs when particles are breathed in or come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. People remain contagious for up to 20 days. Testing methods include RT-PCR, transcription-mediated amplification, and RT-LAMP from a nasopharyngeal swab.

Vaccines and Preventive Measures

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and preventive measures include distancing, quarantining, ventilation, face masks, hand washing, and covering coughs. The primary treatment is symptomatic care with supportive measures.

The Impact on the Body

The virus affects various organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. It can cause pneumonia, ARDS, multi-organ failure, septic shock, heart failure, arrhythmias, and neurological manifestations such as seizure, stroke, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Long-term Effects

Following COVID-19 infection, children may develop paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, similar to Kawasaki disease. Pregnant women are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, with respiratory and obstetric complications that can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Chest CT scans may be helpful in diagnosing COVID-19, especially for individuals with high clinical suspicion of infection. Serological tests detect antibodies produced by the body in response to infection. The WHO has published several testing protocols, and some laboratories have developed approved serological tests.

Pathology and Treatment

The main pathological findings at autopsy are pericarditis, lung consolidation, and pulmonary edema. Lung findings include minor serous exudation, fibrin exudation, and diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with diffuse alveolar exudates. Organisations of exudates in alveolar cavities and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis are common.

Prevention Measures

Vaccination has been approved for emergency use authorisation (EUA) status by several countries. The CDC recommends trying to decrease and delay the epidemic peak through slowing the infection rate to reduce the risk of health services being overwhelmed.

Indoor Ventilation and Hygiene

Face masks and respiratory hygiene are important in reducing transmission. Increasing air change, decreasing recirculation of air, and increasing the use of outdoor air can help clear out infectious aerosols. Hand-washing is required after any cough or sneeze, especially after going to the toilet or when hands are visibly dirty.

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 on human health is profound, affecting multiple organ systems and leading to long-term complications. Understanding its transmission, symptoms, and prevention measures is crucial in combating this global pandemic. By staying informed and adhering to preventive guidelines, we can mitigate the risks and protect ourselves and our communities.