What is COVID-19 (New Coronary Virus Disease)?

New Coronary Virus Disease (COVID-19) is a virus identified on January 13, 2020, after research in a group of patients who first developed respiratory tract symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in Wuhan Province in late December.

The outbreak was initially detected in those in the seafood and animal market in this region. Then it spread from person to person and spread to other cities in the province of Hubei, mainly Wuhan, and other provinces of the People's Republic of China and other countries of the world.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections, from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The SAR-CoV-2 virus is caused by the new Coronary Virus Disease.

What are the Symptoms?
Although it has been reported that there may be cases without symptoms, their rate is unknown. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, pneumonia, severe respiratory failure, kidney failure and death may develop.

How Is It Transmitted?
It is transmitted by inhaling droplets that are scattered by sick coughing and sneezing. After touching the surfaces contaminated with the respiratory particles of the patients, the virus can be taken by taking the hands to the face, eyes, nose or mouth without washing. It is risky to touch the eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.

Who is at More Risk?
The information obtained so far about COVID-19 infection has shown that some people are at greater risk of getting sick and developing serious symptoms.

80 percent of cases suffer from a mild disease.
20% of cases are treated in hospital conditions.
The disease generally affects people aged 60 and over.
People most affected by the disease:

Those over the age of 60
People with serious chronic medical conditions:
Heart disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Chronic Respiratory disease
Like cancer
Health workers
Are Children at Risk?

The disease in children seems rare and mild.

No deaths have been observed in children so far.

Are Pregnant at Risk?

There is limited scientific evidence about the severity of the disease in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection.

However, available evidence suggests that the severity of disease among pregnant women after COVID-19 infection is similar to non-pregnant adult cases of COVID-19, and there is no data showing that infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy has a negative effect on the fetus.

So far, there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy.

How is the diagnosis made?
The molecular tests required for the diagnosis of new coronavirus are available in our country. The diagnostic test is performed only in the National Virology Reference Laboratory of the General Directorate of Public Health and the designated Public Health Laboratories.

What are the ways of protection?
It is recommended not to travel abroad as much as possible. In cases where it is mandatory to go abroad, the following rules should be considered:

The basic principles proposed to reduce the overall risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections also apply to New Coronary Virus Disease (COVID-19). These;

Attention should be paid to hand cleaning. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and alcohol-based hand antiseptics should be used in the absence of soap and water. There is no need to use soap with antiseptic or antibacterial, normal soap is enough.
The mouth, nose and eyes should not be touched without washing hands.
Sick people should avoid contact (if possible, be at least 1 m away).
Hands should be cleaned frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people or their environment
If possible, it should not be visited to health centers, and contact with other patients should be minimized when it is necessary to go to the health institution.
During coughing or sneezing, the nose and mouth should be covered with a disposable tissue paper, in cases where there is no tissue paper, the inside of the elbow should be used, if possible, should not be entered in crowded places, if it is necessary to enter, mouth and nose should be closed, and a medical mask should be used.
Eating raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Well-cooked foods should be preferred.
High-risk areas for general infections, such as farms, livestock markets and areas where animals can be slaughtered, should be avoided.
If any respiratory symptoms occur within 14 days after travel, the nearest healthcare facility should be worn by wearing a mask, and the doctor should be informed about the travel history.

 

> This article was taken from the Covid-19 Page of the Turkey's Health Ministry