Clinical Trial Finder Team
Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus, COVID-19 Symptoms
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Quick Links:
- What is COVID-19?
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- How did COVID-19 start?
- How does COVID-19 spread?
- Risk factors of COVID-19
- When to see a doctor
- Treatments for COVID-19
- MedBuzz Clinical Trial Findings
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 or coronavirus is a virus from a large family of coronaviruses. It is a new disease caused by a new coronavirus that has not been seen before in humans. The name is an abbreviation of the year in which it was identified (2019), ‘CO’ for corona, ‘VI’ for virus and ‘D’ for disease. COVID-19 can cause illness in animals or humans, ranging from a common cold to a more severe respiratory illness such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Symptoms of COVID-19?
Those infected with COVID-19 can experience symptoms ranging from asymptomatic (no symptoms but carry the virus), to a common cold, to a more severe respiratory illness such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
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Most infected people develop mild to moderate illness and recover with minimal hospitalisation.
After being infected, symptoms start mild and worsen gradually from 5 – 14 days, with the average being about 5 – 8 days. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
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Other symptoms may include:
- Aches and pains in muscles or joints
- Nasal congestion
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
- Loss of appetite
How did COVID-19 start?
The first case of COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The virus is believed to have zoonotic origins with close genetic similarity to bat coronaviruses. Based on the current understanding of the virus’s origin, findings suggest it originated from a bat and was then passed to a human.
How does COVID-19 spread?
A reproductive rate (R0) of a virus measures the average number of secondary infections caused by a single case. Though it is a context-specific measurement, it is a good indication as to how contagious COVID-19 really is. WHO initially estimated an average R0 of 1.95 for COVID-19, but recent reviews of these studies have increased the basic R0 to 3.28. In comparison, the common seasonal flu has an R0 of 1.3.
More information continues to be discovered on how COVID-19 spreads. Based on current understanding, COVID-19 spreads from infected people to others via respiratory droplets expelled when a person coughing, sneezing or speaking. The virus is passed from
- People breathing in these droplets
- People touching surfaces which these droplets have landed
As this virus is new to humans, there is no immunity in the community and as a result, it has the ability to spread very fast.
Risk factors of COVID-19
Though ~80% of people recover from the disease without needing hospitalisation, 1 in 5 people develop serious respiratory issues.
Those who are more at risk than others include:
- Those who have recently traveled overseas
- Those who have been in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19
- Those in correctional, detention or dormitory facilities
- Those who reside in public or group residential areas
- People 65 years and older with underlying medical issues
- People 70 years and older
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Additionally, those with underlying medical problems are at higher risk. These include those with:
- High blood pressure
- Heart or lung problems
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- A chronic immune system condition
- Some disabilities
Regardless of medical or travel history, anyone could be infected with the COVID-19 virus and fall severely ill.
When to see a doctor
For those not at risk, and those in healthy condition, if you start to notice mild COVID-19 symptoms, including a slight cough, or mild fever, there is usually no need to seek immediate medical care. Instead practice self-isolation and monitor your symptoms carefully. You might want to call your GP or local clinic to be advised on suggestions based on your county, city or country (note that those who live in areas with malaria or dengue should seek immediate medical care if you develop any fever).
If your symptoms begin to worsen and you start experiencing a high fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately. Speak to your local hospital, GP or emergency service first so they can direct you to the right clinic or make other arrangements.
Make sure you practice safe distancing (1.5 meters away from anyone) and wear a mask on your journey to and during your visit to the hospital in order to keep others around you safe.
If you believe you might have COVID-19, ask your medical provider for a test. The availability or access to testing may vary by country.
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Treatments for COVID-19
Currently, there are no verified vaccines for, or remedies to provide comfort for the symptoms of, COVID-19. There are several clinical actively researching the effect of western and traditional medicines on COVID-19 prevention and/or treatment. Still, one of the best and most effective ways to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 is practicing good hygiene and safe distancing measures
How to protect yourself and others
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To slow the spread of COVID-19, protecting yourself and others from being infected, you should try to follow the following steps:
Personal Hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid touching public surfaces e.g. hand railings, doors or
- Apply hand sanitizer frequently after touching public surfaces or if soap and water is unavailable. Note: experts don’t recommend relying on sanitisers to protect you from viruses such as COVID-19
- Clean surfaces or items often used e.g. benchtops, doorknobs, mobile phones
- Increase the time spent breathing fresh air (i.e. less time in air conditioning)
- Ensure you cough and sneeze into your elbow crease or tissue
Safe Distancing
- Keep 1.5 meters away from people in public at all times
- Avoid physical greeting i.e. hugs, kisses, handshakes
- Avoid crowds and large public gatherings
- Practice telecommuting if it is possible for your occupation
- Isolate any sick household members to their room. Ensure they have fresh air from a window, and wear a surgical mask when passing items or food to them
- Wear a surgical mask when visiting stores, or in high foot traffic areas
Clinical Trial Findings:
We do the research so you can be better informed!
Currently, there are over 100 clinical trials active or completed on COVID-19. Trials are based on the prevention or treatment of coronavirus and have resulted in a number of interesting findings.
Sources:
Who.int
Health.gov.au
CDC.gov
Wikipedia.org
NewScientist.com
NYTimes.com
Centerfordigestivediseases.com
