Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses belonging to the family of Coronaviridae,
which infect both animals and humans.
Human coronaviruses can cause mild disease similar to a common cold, while others
cause more severe disease (such as MERS - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and
SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate
respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop
serious illness.
Causative Agent
caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Mode of transmission
The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, often via small
droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
After breathing out produces these droplets, they usually fall to the ground or onto
surfaces rather than remain in the air over long distances.
People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then
touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72
hours
Incubation Period- Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14
days, most commonly around five days
Period of Communicability- It is most contagious during the first three days after the
onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later
stages of the disease
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
o fever
o tiredness
o dry cough.
Other symptoms include:
o shortness of breath
o aches and pains
o sore throat
o and very few people will report diarrhea, nausea or a runny nose.
Diagnostic Procedure
The standard method of testing is real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain
reaction (rRT-PCR)
o The test is typically done on respiratory samples obtained by
a nasopharyngeal swab;
o nasal swab or sputum sample may also be used
Blood tests can be used, but these require two blood samples taken two weeks apart
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect infection by the virus
antibody tests (which may detect active infections and whether a person had been
infected in the past) were in development, but not yet widely used
Swab test- A health care provider will use a special swab to take a sample from your
nose or throat.
Nasal aspirate-A health care provider will inject a saline solution into your nose,
then remove the sample with gentle suction.
Tracheal aspirate- A health care provider will put a thin, lighted tube called a
bronchoscope down your mouth and into your lungs, where a sample will be
collected.
Sputum test-Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. You may be
asked to cough up sputum into a special cup, or a special swab may be used to take a
sample from your nose.
Treatment Modalities
There is no specific vaccine and medications for Covid-19, there are many ongoing
clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.
Prevention
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based
hand rub.
Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from
large groups of people.
Nursing Management
Place patient in an isolated room
Close monitoring to the patient
Instruct the patient to report unnecessary symptoms
Always perform handwashing
Don PPE at all times
