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First, let's learn about this virus and the disease.
Although we often say "corona", there are three key words we need to know about this.- Coronavirus : This is not actually a single virus, but a family of viruses . It gets its name because it looks like a crown when viewed under a microscope. There are some coronaviruses that cause the common cold , and there are also those that cause serious illnesses.
- SARS-CoV-2 : This is the name of the new coronavirus strain that has been wreaking havoc on us. This is the real virus that causes the disease.
- COVID-19: This is the name given to the disease. We call COVID-19 the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that enters our bodies. Just as AIDS is the disease and HIV is the virus that causes it.
Words about the spread and symptoms of the disease
How does the virus spread from person to person? Does it cause symptoms or not? It's very important to know these words when talking about this.- Droplet: This is the name given to the small, moist particles that are expelled from the mouth and nose when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. If these droplets from someone with the virus get into our eyes, nose, or mouth, we can also become infected.
- Aerosol: These are particles that are much smaller than droplets and can remain suspended in the air. Just like when you spray a perfume in a room, the scent lingers in the air for a while, these aerosol particles can also remain suspended in enclosed spaces for a while.
- Asymptomatic: Some people have the coronavirus but do not show any symptoms (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath). However, even if they do not have symptoms, they can still spread the virus to others. This has been one of the biggest challenges in controlling this pandemic.
- Incubation Period:This is the time it takes for the virus to enter the body and for the first symptoms to appear. In the case of Covid-19, this period is usually between 2 and 14 days. This means that if the virus enters the body today, it could take another 5, 10 or 14 days for the disease to develop.
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Check Availability →The types of tests everyone has been talking about
We often hear things like "Did you do a PCR?" and "At least get a rapid test." Let's simply understand what happens with each of these tests from this table.| Name of the test | What do you see in this? | Important points |
|---|---|---|
| PCR Test | Currently, they are testing your body for genetic material from the virus. | This is the most accurate test, but it takes a while to get results. The sample (swab) is taken from the nose or throat. |
| Antigen Test (Antigen Test / Rapid Test) | It checks to see if the proteins (antigens) of the virus are present in your body. | This is very fast, and results can be obtained in 15-30 minutes. However, it is not as accurate as PCR. Sometimes, false negative results can be obtained even if the disease is present, or false positive results can be obtained even if the disease is not present. |
| Antibody / Serology Test | The antibodies in your blood are tested to see if you have previously been infected with the virus or have been vaccinated. | This cannot tell if you currently have the disease. It is done to find out about past infections or vaccinations. |
The most important thing is, no matter what test you take, if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with an infected person, you should definitely talk to your doctor and seek advice.
The methods we used to control the pandemic
Governments and health sectors have taken various measures to control this pandemic. Here are the names for them.- Quarantine: You don't have the disease, but you've been in close contact with someone who does. So you may have been infected, so you need to stay home for a few days, away from other people, to watch for symptoms.
- Self-isolation: This is a bit stricter than quarantine. You have been confirmed to have the disease. So, to stop spreading the disease to others, you need to stay away from other people in your home, in a separate room.
- Social distancing : Maintaining a distance of 1.5 - 2 meters between people. This can greatly reduce the spread of disease through droplets.
- Herd Immunity: When the majority of people in a society become immune, either through a vaccine or by recovering from the disease, the small number of people who are not immune are indirectly protected because there are not many people for the virus to spread easily.
Words related to treatment and medical equipment
We should also be aware of the treatments and equipment used when the illness becomes serious.- Vaccine: A vaccine is something that 'trains' our body's immune system about a pathogen before a disease occurs and allows it to produce antibodies to fight it.
- Booster: The protection provided by a previous vaccination may wane over time. A booster is a dose of vaccine given again to increase that protection.
- Ventilator: A machine used to provide artificial respiration when the lungs are severely damaged by COVID-19 and it is difficult to breathe on their own. This is used in intensive care units (ICU).
- Antiviral drugs : Drugs that stop the virus from multiplying (spreading) in the body. Remdesivir and Paxlovid are two such drugs. These are given only in the early stages of the disease, under the supervision of a doctor.
- Variant:When a virus spreads, it undergoes small changes (mutations) in its genetic makeup. The new types of viruses that develop as a result of such changes are called 'variants'. Delta and Omicron are such variants.
💡 Take-Home Message
- COVID-19 is the name given to the disease. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes it.
- The PCR test is the best way to accurately detect an existing infection. The antigen (rapid) test is faster, but less accurate.
- An antibody test only shows whether you have had the disease in the past or have been vaccinated. It cannot tell if you currently have the disease.
- Quarantine is done when you are exposed to a sick person. Self-isolation is done when you are sick.
- For any health problem, do not trust what you find on the internet, but seek accurate advice from your doctor or physician .
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