COVID-19

What is the 2019 coronavirus?

In late 2019, a new virus began making headlines worldwide, with its rapid transmission and alarming symptoms. This virus, known as COVID-19, has not only affected distant countries like the United States and the Philippines but has also made its presence felt right here in our local community, underscoring the global nature of this health crisis. The outbreak is believed to have originated at a food market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, it has spread to various countries. COVID-19 is caused by contracting SARS-CoV-2 and has caused over 200 million infections globally and over 4.5 million deaths, with the United States having the most deaths.

What are the symptoms?

Doctors and scientists are continuously discovering new information about the virus. It is currently understood that COVID-19 may not cause symptoms in some individuals. Early detection of COVID-19 symptoms is crucial. The virus can be carried in the body for two days or up to two weeks before symptoms develop. Sometimes, the incubation period may be longer than two weeks. Being aware of this can empower you to take necessary precautions and seek medical help at the right time, potentially saving lives.

Some common symptoms that have been linked to COVID-19 include:

• Shortness of breath
• Congestion or runny nose, common with the Delta variant
• A cough that gets more severe over time
• Chills
• Fever
• Fatigue or tiredness

Less common symptoms include:

• Shivering
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Loss of taste or smell
• A stuffy or runny nose
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting
• Discoloration of fingers or toes
• Pink eye
• Rash

What are the symptoms of severe COVID-19? Well, if you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to seek medical help:

• Trouble breathing
• Blue lips or a blue face
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Excessive drowsiness

Who’s at increased risk of getting COVID-19?

You are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 if you have close contact with an infected person, particularly if you are exposed to their saliva or are near them when they cough, sneeze, or talk.

Without appropriate preventive measures, you are at high risk if you:

• Live with someone who has contracted the virus.
• Provide home care for someone with the virus.
• Have an intimate partner who has contracted the virus.

Older adults and people with certain health conditions have a higher risk of severe complications if they contract the virus. These health conditions include:

• Cancer
• Severe heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiomyopathy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Obesity, a condition that develops in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Sickle cell anemia
• A weakened immune system from a solid organ transplant
• Type 2 diabetes

What are the complications of COVID-19?

The following complications have been observed in people who have developed COVID-19:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Blood clots
• Irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
• Cardiogenic shock
• Kidney injury or kidney failure (including needing dialysis)
• Severe muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Heart damage or heart attack
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is also known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS)

How can you prevent coronaviruses?

The most effective way to prevent the transmission of the virus is to avoid or limit contact with individuals who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or any respiratory infection. Your hygiene and physical distancing practices play a significant role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. By practicing good hygiene and physical distancing, you are protecting yourself and helping prevent bacteria and viruses from being transmitted. This empowers you to take control of your health and the health of those around you, making you a capable and responsible individual in the fight against COVID-19.

Getting the vaccine and the boosters is highly effective in preventing COVID-19. This reassures you that you are taking a significant step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones from the virus, instilling confidence and security in your health and the health of your community.

Prevention tips

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing the ‘ABCs.’
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If you feel unwell or exhibit cold or flu symptoms, stay home.
• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others and avoid crowds and large gatherings.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow and dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Wear a mask or face covering in public places.
• Regularly disinfect commonly touched objects such as phones, computers, and doorknobs. Use soap and water to clean items used for cooking or eating, like utensils and dishware.