Do you remember that time that completely changed our lives? That time when the whole world was shut down and we were all stuck at home. Yes, we are talking about the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many things have returned to normal now, the truth is that the disease called COVID-19 is not over yet. The virus is still circulating among us. Therefore, being properly informed about this is very important for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease that affects our respiratory system, that is, the breathing system. The cause of this is a virus called (SARS-CoV-2) . This is a member of the coronavirus family of viruses. You may remember that the common cold is also caused by other viruses in this family. But the virus that causes COVID-19 is a little more serious.
Remember when the pandemic first started? Everyone was very scared at that time. Thousands of people were hospitalized in Sri Lanka, and unfortunately, a large number of people lost their lives. But today we know a lot more about this virus than we did then. The virus has also changed over time. You may remember that we talked about different variants like `(Alpha)`, `(Delta)`, `(Omicron)`. Now that scientists have found treatments and vaccines for this, the number of hospitalizations and deaths has decreased significantly.
But that doesn't mean COVID-19 is "over." The virus can still make someone seriously ill, cause symptoms that last for months, even years, and even kill.
What are these COVID-19 symptoms?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. For some, it may feel like a mild cold, while for others it can be life-threatening. These are the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cough. |
| More specific features | Shortness of breath, loss or change in sense of smell or taste. |
| Other features | Brain fog, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. |
The important thing is that some people can have the virus in their bodies without any symptoms . Such people can also transmit the virus to others.
How is this disease transmitted?
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets . Simply put, the virus is spread through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, talk, or laugh. A healthy person can then become infected if they breathe in that air or touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Who is at higher risk for COVID-19?
Although anyone can get COVID-19, some people are at higher risk of developing severe illness and needing to be hospitalized if they contract the disease.
| High-risk groups | |
|---|---|
| Age and habits |
|
| People with other illnesses |
|
Risk to children
Most children do not develop serious complications from COVID-19. However, some children, especially those with other medical conditions, may develop severe illness. In addition, a rare but serious condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) can develop in some children after COVID-19 infection.
Dangerous complications that can occur due to COVID-19
COVID-19 is not just a cold. Sometimes you may not feel any symptoms, but it can cause serious complications inside your body.
- Pneumonia: An infection and fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A serious condition in which the lungs are severely damaged and the body is unable to get enough oxygen.
- Blood clots: This can lead to dangerous conditions such as blood clots in the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism - PE) or blood clots in the veins of the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT).
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (Myocarditis/Pericarditis): Virus affecting the heart.
- Cardiac arrest
- Long COVID: This is something that many people talk about. After recovering from COVID-19, symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, body aches, and memory loss persist for months, even years.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis
There are two main ways to know if you have COVID-19.
1. PCR Test: This test, which is performed using a swab taken from the nose or throat, is very accurate.
2. Rapid Antigen Test: You can do this at home. Although you can get results in a few minutes, it may not be as accurate as PCR.
Treatment
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is very important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Starting treatment within the first 5 days of symptoms can reduce the risk of the disease becoming severe and developing ``Long COVID''.
- Antiviral medications: Medicines like `(Paxlovid®)` and `(Remdesivir)` are given on medical advice.
- If hospitalized: If the disease is severe, treatment in the hospital includes oxygen, medications such as corticosteroids, and, if necessary, mechanical ventilation.
When should you see a doctor and go to the ETU?
This is a very important part.
Symptoms can sometimes subside and then suddenly increase again. So pay attention to your body.
Meet a doctor:
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, see a doctor immediately to see if you need antiviral medication.
- If your symptoms last longer than 4 weeks (especially if they don't get better), see a doctor to see if it's a ``Long COVID'' condition.
Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately:
If you have any of the following warning signs , don't waste time and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe pain, swelling, or redness on one side of the leg (may be a sign of a blood clot)
- Blue or gray discoloration of the lips, skin, or nails (Cyanosis)
- Sudden confusion, loss of consciousness
How to protect yourself from COVID-19?
"It is better to prevent the disease than to treat it," they say. So there are several things we can do to protect ourselves from COVID-19.
1. Get vaccinated: The best and most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get all the recommended doses of the vaccine and booster doses. Once you get vaccinated, your risk of getting the disease and the risk of developing a serious condition if you do get it are greatly reduced.
2. Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
3. Wearing a face mask: Wearing a face mask in crowded places and on public transportation can reduce the risk of infection.
4. Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms like a cough or cold, think about others and stay home as much as possible. This can help prevent you from spreading the disease to others.
Take-Home Message
- Although the COVID-19 pandemic is now under control, the virus is still among us. So stay alert and stay safe.
- If you haven't received all of the recommended COVID-19 vaccines, get them as soon as possible. It's the best shield that protects you from serious illness and death.
- If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical advice immediately. Starting treatment early can reduce the risk of complications.
- If you are sick, stay home to protect others.
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