Coronavirus “Covid-19”

What is Coronavirus “Covid-19?

The information in this article is not complete and will change as the research on the virus has not been completed, this article will update as new research is released.

• – Coronaviruses were identified in the mid-1960s and are known to infect humans and a variety of animals (including birds and mammals). Since 2002, two coronaviruses infecting animals have evolved and caused outbreaks in humans: SARS-CoV (2002, Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus), and MERS-CoV (2012, Betacoronavirus, subgenus Merbecovirus)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Genetic analysis revealed that it is closely related to SARS-CoV and genetically clusters within the genus Betacoronavirus, forming a distinct clade in lineage B of the subgenus Sarbecovirus together with two bat-derived SARS-like strains.

“What does this mean?” It means the origin of the virus is not clear yet.

Information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the infection caused by 2019-nCoV is accumulating. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the incubation period to be between three and seven days, with a range of up to 14 days. These estimates are still uncertain and are expected to be updated as more information becomes available.

How is it spread?

There are 5 Disease transmission routs known

1. Air-born – “infections spread when bacteria or viruses travel on dust particles or small respiratory droplets that become aerosolized when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Healthy people can inhale the infectious droplets, or the droplets can land on their eyes, nose and mouth”
2. Direct Contact – When you touch the blood, saliva, vomit, seminal fluid or open wounds of someone who is infected
3. Indirect Contact – When you pick up something that an infected person has touched and left germs behind. Door knobs, toilet seats, keyboards, cell phones. Some diseases can survive for prolonged period of time ie: “Hepatitis can last up to 3 weeks on a surface without the host”
4. Vector Born “Parasites” – Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria
5. Zoonotic “Animal Transfer“ – a disease that can be transmitted from animals to people or, more specifically, a disease that normally exists in animals but that can infect humans. There are multitudes of zoonotic diseases. Some examples include: anthrax. Ascariasis.

The Covid-19 virus was initially isolated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples [2]. RNA of the virus has also been detected in blood samples. So far, it is still unknown whether the virus is excreted in faeces or urine. In a report of a family cluster including six cases, RT-PCR was negative in urine and stool samples.

What does this mean?

It means that the virus Covid-19 is at the moment is Air-born , Direct Contact and Indirect Contact transferred. Current research is not available on how long it can last on a surface, or if it is disinfectant resistant.

– NOTE –

“Health care professionals are concerned with Covid-19 not for the fact that it can cause fatalities, however they are more concerned that even due to current anti viral procedures Covid-19 continues to spread to a point where health care professional staff are overloaded and are unable to help those affected.”

Symptoms

As more symptoms come available this will be updated

• General Malays “feeling ill / Cold Like Symptoms”
• Sweating “diaphoresis”
• Coughs “wet”
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Breathing Difficulties “Wet sounds in the lungs”
• Pneumonia
• Organ failure

Treatments

– NOTE – Antiviral drugs are currently ineffective, recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health or had a compromised immune system due to an underlying medical conditions. “However” there is no direct correlation of symptoms with previous underlying medical conditions.

• Self Isolation “3 weeks too 1 month”
• Rest
• Plenty of fluids “electrolytes”
• Maintain Core temperature during fever
• NSAID’s may help with symptoms

Prevention

During previous outbreaks due to other coronavirus (Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites, suggesting that the transmission mode of the COVID-19 can be similar. The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include the following:

• • Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. “1 meter in distance”
• • Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. “follow proper hand washing techniques”
• • Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
• • Within health care facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.
• Clean surfaces with a “Bleach / Water” combination Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Wash surfaces with the bleach mixture. If surfaces are rough, scrub them with a stiff brush. Rinse surfaces with clean water.
• Use disinfectant hand wash, antibacterial hand Sanitizer in public and wash hands through out the day due to contact with others.

WHO “World Health Organization” does not recommend any specific health measures for travelers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider.

Survival Rates as they stand:

Report from the WHO:

Reported case fatality rates range from 4% in the Statement of the WHO Emergency Committee, to 14% when only recovered cases and deaths are included in the denominator, and 15% in the publication of a small case series of hospitalized patients. A more recent study of 99 cases hospitalized between 1 January and 20 January, reported that as of 25 January 31% had been discharged, 11% had died, and 58% were still admitted with final outcomes unknown at this time.

Q&A

Should I go to the Doctor if I have symptoms?

• “Answer” – At this time “No” Currently in Canada the CMA is asking that if you feel you may be at risk, to call “811 Health Link” first, self isolate yourself within your own home to prevent contact and spread, and your local medical services will provide aid as per needed depending on your symptoms.

Can Covid-19 be fatal?

• “Answer” – “Yes“, At this time there has been reported deaths and physical complications associated with infection and its spread.

Is there a Vaccine?

• “Answer” – “No” at this time there is no vaccine, survival depends on the strength of the immune system in the person affected.

Why are people scared of Covid-19 when the flue has killed more people?

• “Answer” – At this time governments, officials and medical professionals are “unable to contain the virus, and there is no vaccine currently” this impedes medical treatment. Combined with the speed at which the virus can be communicated between person to person “WHO refers- Extremely Contagious“, the lack of Vaccine or medical information on the virus, and the growing concern of international trade reduction due to Pandemic outcome, many Health officials have chose to warn the public about the spread and are asking for patience and understanding while they work on a treatment plan.

Should I stockpile food and other things?

• –Answer – At this time the Canadian Medical Association encourages you to maintain an adequate supply of food / water / toilet paper / sundries if you are in a high risk area that has the potential to be quarantined. “However” the CMA does have procedures in place to help those affected in self isolation to maintain their health and lifestyle. If you believe you must stockpile, a ration of up to 3 weeks would help you maintain your household during self isolation.

If your symptoms get worse at any time or you notice new symptoms from the list above, call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about Covid-19 or any of the information in this handout.”

This information was taken From Center of Disease Control “CDC”, European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control, WHO “World Health Organization”, Alberta Health Services, Canadian Medical Association, Center of Disease Control China.

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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