Covid-19 education

TN : If someone asked what respiratory viral infections are, what should we simply tell them ?

RN : We can say that they’re highly contagious, which points at the increased risk of serious epidemics. As they range from common cold to respiratory distress, they are the cause of important morbimortality particularly in elderly patients and infants, but also in immunosuppressed patients and those suffering from pulmonary or cardiac disease.

TN : But then, what exactly is the Covid-19 ?

RN : Like most of the influenza viruses, the corona is a respiratory, enveloped virus, scientifically called the Sars-CoV-2, a severe acute respiratory syndrome related corona virus, or as the World Health Organization refers to it, the Corona Virus Disease of 2019.

TN : What happens when a person gets infected ?

RN : Most people will experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover within two weeks without needing any special treatment.

TN : But aren’t there any risk factors ?

RN : Older people with comorbidity, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness that could be life threatening.

TN : And what are the best ways to prevent or slow down the Covid-19 transmission ?

RN : We would first get informed about the disease, its causes and how it spreads. Practically, you have to protect yourself and others by washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcoholbased rub frequently and not touching your face.

TN : What can we tell people about the barrier measures to take ?

RN : Basically, that the virus spreads through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose or mouth when you cough or sneeze. Therefore, cough into your flexed elbow and sneeze into a tissue paper and throw it in a bin, and wash your hands immediately after or use a hand sanitizer. Also, avoid touching your face, as the hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth and you can get infected. And it’s important to keep away from crowded places where people come into close contact or else keep at least a one-meter distance away from people.

TN : Should that be enough ?

RN : Actually, if you’re around people, cover your mouth and nose with a mask to prevent droplets from spreading the virus. Also, stay at home and self-isolate even if you have minor symptoms like headache, mild fever and cough until you recover.

TN : What about the treatments for the disease ?

RN : So far, unfortunately, there are no specific treatments or vaccines. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials for the evaluation of potential treatments.

TN : And what if the usual symptoms persist, with difficulty breathing at the same time ?

RN : In this case, call your primary care doctor immediately, who will tell you what to do and generally advise you to seek medical attention as soon as possible for yourself and to avoid the spread of the infection. You might possibly be quarantined or admitted to hospital.