What You Need to Know About Corona Virus
18 May 2020
Coronaviruses (CoV) are common in many animal species such as camels, bats, and musk cats. There are four corona virus subgroups alpha, beta, gamma and delta.
- Corona Virüs
- What Are Human Coronaviruses?
- What Do We Know About the New Corona virus (nCoV), COVID-19?
- How does COVID-19 spread from person to person?
- Is the CoronaVirus Infection Fatal? Who is More at Risk?
- When Should We Suspect COVID-19?
- When Do Corona Virus Effects Begin?
- Is Every Sore Throat a Symptom of Corona Virus?
- What Can We Do in Our Home to Protect Our Loved Ones?
- How Should Patients with Suspected Corona Virus be Isolated?
- What Precautions Should be Taken in Case of Contact With a Suspicious Patient?
- How to Diagnose Laboratory in Corona?
- How is Corona Treatment Performed?
- Misconceptions About Corona Virus
Coronaviruses (CoV) are common in many animal species such as camels, bats, and musk cats. There are four corona virus subgroups alpha, beta, gamma and delta.
Common coronavirus subtypes in humans are 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 (these subtypes were isolated before COVID-19). Rarely, some corona viruses spread from animals to humans and may be an infectious agent in humans. These clinical pictures may lead to acute respiratory syndromes such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), which threaten human life from mild upper respiratory tract infection.
The new Corona virus (COVID-19), which emerged in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019 and has been detected in 114 countries to date, has infected 126,380 people worldwide and killed 4634 people as of March 12, 2020. 68313 people have completely recovered from COVID-19 infection.
The World Health Organization announced the estimated death rate due to the new Corona virus infection as 3.4% on 3 March 2020. COVID-19, which is spreading rapidly around the world, has also caused concern in Turkey, and despite the current and accurate information about the ways of protection from Corona through official channels and specialist physicians, the sharing of ideas and information without scientific basis has also increased.
Therefore, we think it will be useful to take a look at the mistakes that are supposed to be right about Corona virus.
What Are Human Coronaviruses?
There are seven coronaviruses known to be infectious agents in humans. The first 4 of these are coronaviruses in the alpha and beta groups, and they cause mild respiratory infections in humans. Three other human corona viruses have been identified recently:
SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome): It was defined in China in 2002. It causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. In 2002 and 2003, it caused an epidemic worldwide and 774 people died.
MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome): It emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has been seen in many countries to date. It has been named the Middle East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS). Finally; In December 2019, a new corona virus (nCoV), which causes an outbreak of pneumonia (pneumonia) in humans and is called COVID-19, was identified in Wuhan, China's Hubei province.
What Do We Know About the New Corona virus (nCoV), COVID-19?It first emerged as a factor causing severe lower respiratory tract infection in Wuhan, China. As a result of the researches, it has been concluded that the agent is different from the known viruses. The genome structure of the virus has been described by Chinese scientists. The fact that the first cases were linked to a large seafood market in Wuhan suggests that the factor was transmitted to humans from wild animals, especially bats. The lack of relation of new cases with the seafood market over time and the development of infection in healthcare professionals prove that the virus can spread from person to person.
How does COVID-19 spread from person to person?
The disease can be transmitted mostly by droplets (secretions spilled into the environment during cough and sneezing) and contact with the eyes, mouth or nasal mucosa from the surfaces contaminated with the secretions of the patients.
Is the CoronaVirus Infection Fatal? Who is More at Risk?
The killing rate has been reported as 2-3.3% in the light of current data. The elderly and individuals with underlying chronic diseases (hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, chronic lung disease such as asthma-COPD) have a more severe risk of the disease.
When Should We Suspect COVID-19?
- You have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 infection at a distance of less than 1 meter,
- You have been in a country where COVID-19 was detected recently (such as China, Iran, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Germany, France, the United States of America),
- High fever (> 37.5° C),
- Shortness of breath
- Call your family doctor or a health institution or apply to the nearest health institution by wearing a mask.
- Describe your complaints after indicating the country of contact and / or travel.
You can have detailed information about the Ways of Protection from Coronavirus by applying to the Ministry of Health's Alo 184 Coronavirus Hotline (If you are in Turkey)
When Do Corona Virus Effects Begin?
Although the incubation period of the corona virus is not known exactly, it is 5-6 days according to the statement of the World Health Organization (WHO). The incubation period may take up to 14 days in some patients. Some sources report that the incubation period may be as short as 2 days.
Is Every Sore Throat a Symptom of Corona Virus?
In the autumn-winter months we live in, the number of upper respiratory tract infections increases rapidly. Coronavirus infection spreads through respiration and shows symptoms similar to colds and flu.
Sore throat is an uncommon symptom of Coronavirus infection. Corona symptoms may not be seen in every Covid patient as they vary from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in a study conducted in China that 13.9% of confirmed Covid cases had sore throat.
The most common symptoms in Covid-19 are:
- dry cough,
- is fatigue.
What Can We Do in Our Home to Protect Our Loved Ones?
- Surfaces such as door handles and switches can be disinfected with vinegar water.
- Personal items such as towels and glasses should not be shared.
- People who sneeze or cough should wear a mask.
- Individuals over the age of 60 and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes are at risk. These people should avoid close contact with others and should not stop using the medicines they are using.
- Healthy, regular and balanced nutrition of family members will ensure that general body resistance remains high. For this purpose, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, vegetables and fruits should be provided.
- All family members should be calm. Trying to have a good time with the family will help you get away from the anxiety of being forced to live at home and the worry of illness.
How Should Patients with Suspected Corona Virus be Isolated?
Surgical masks should be worn immediately to those who meet the definition of a suspected patient, and patients should be monitored in a sufficiently ventilated single person, if possible and in a negative pressure isolation room.
We have negative pressure isolation rooms in the Emergency Department of Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.
All individuals who will come into contact with the patient must comply with droplet and contact isolation measures in addition to standard precautions; should wear a surgical mask, disposable and long-sleeved liquid-resistant gowns, gloves, eye protection (eg goggles or face shield).
Single-use disposable or patient-specific equipment (eg stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers and thermometers) should be used.
The surrounding surfaces that come into contact with the patient and body fluids should be cleaned regularly with water and detergent and disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite should be applied.
If attempts are to be made to facilitate breathing of the patient's body secretions and fluids, care should be taken to use an N95 mask and face shield.
In any case, hand hygiene must be followed.
The most important point in protecting against Corona virus infection is washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer for 20 seconds!
What Precautions Should be Taken in Case of Contact With a Suspicious Patient?
Limit the number of all individuals - including healthcare professionals - who come into contact with a patient with suspected COVID-19 infection; Records should be kept of all persons entering the patient's room, including all staff and visitors.
Those who have had close contact with a person who has been confirmed for or is still being evaluated for COVIDd-19 infection should measure their fever twice a day for 14 days after their last contact, cough, respiratory distress, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea / He should monitor for other early signs such as vomiting.
How to Diagnose Laboratory in Corona?
Respiratory samples are taken from patients who meet the COVID-19 probable case definition. COVID-19 sequence information was shared and molecular (PCR) tests were designed. With this method, the presence of viruses in respiratory tract samples can be detected. In terms of COVID-19, samples are evaluated in Microbiology Reference Laboratories of the General Directorate of Public Health.
Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital Microbiology Laboratory can also study this test in cooperation with contracted private laboratories. The other 6 human coronaviruses can be studied in the Microbiology Laboratory of our hospital and result on the same day.
How is Corona Treatment Performed?
Since Covid-19 is a virus, antibiotics do not work.
It is known that common cold medicines are insufficient to control corona symptoms. Therefore, their use is not recommended.
As with all viral diseases, plenty of fluid intake and bed rest are recommended.
Although there is no definite effective drug yet, favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug, are included in the current Covid treatment protocol.
There is no protective medication against corona infection. A healthy and balanced diet and a regular lifestyle are recommended for protection.
Misconceptions About Corona Virus
Every Corona virus (COVID-19) case results in death!
As of 31 December 2019, 126380 Corona cases have been detected; 4634 of these resulted in death, while 68313 showed complete recovery. According to the World Health Organization statement on March 3, the killing rate (mortality) of the new Corona virus is 3.4%. In other words, out of 100 people who are proven to be infected with COVID-19, it results in death in 3-4 out of 100 and full recovery in the rest.
Since COVID-19 is a virus that is new from animals to humans, it is contagious for all age groups and all genders.
Since the activity of the immune system is lower in children and people over the age of 65, it is easier for these people to become infected from the virus environment. In addition, people with concomitant diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have a higher risk of being infected with Corona virus.
The new Corona virus is also transmitted from cargo packages!
Yeni CoronaWe know that the new Corona Virus (nCoV) is transmitted by respiratory secretions (droplet infection) spilled during sneezing and coughing. If these secretions infect floors such as package surfaces, the virus survives for 4-6 hours and then dies.
Thus, CoV is not transmitted from cargo packages. The World Health Organization has not imposed any prohibitions or restrictions on parcel and package distribution.
Since the corona enters the respiratory tract, washing the nose with salt water, gargling with vinegar water or pomegranate syrup, drinking hot water or taking a hot bath prevent infection!
None of the above will prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Viruses cannot find a living environment, reproduce and die in hot environments under sunlight. Drinking hot water or taking a hot bath does not have such an effect.
In respiratory tract infections, especially viral infections, it has been observed that frequent ventilation of the environment and frequent exposure to sunlight reduce contagiousness.
Alcohol-free cologne is sufficient as a hand disinfectant for cleaning surfaces!
Hard surfaces infected with COVID-19 (actually applies to all infectious diseases infections) should be wiped with bleach, vinegar water or detergent.
Hand hygiene is the most important issue to be considered in COVID-19 infection.
For a liquid to have a disinfectant feature, a minimum alcohol content of 70-95 percent is required. In places where suitable hand sanitizer can not be found, all kinds of cologne containing 80-90 percent alcohol can also be used for virus protection in hand hygiene.
Since frequent use of products such as hand disinfectants and alcohol can cause skin irritation and dermatitis, the least side effect of hand hygiene method is to wash hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap.
Until the virus pandemic is over, everywhere outside the home should be worn with a mask!
The medical mask should be used by people with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, i.e. flu-like, to prevent the spread of disease to people around. In other words, using a mask does not provide a sufficient measure to prevent infection from the environment.
People with upper respiratory tract infection who have to leave the house should wear full mouth and nose medical masks (N95 or N99).
Simple (paper) masks do not provide adequate protection. Healthy people who do not know how to use masks can help spread the virus they get from public transport to where they go.
They can wear a medical mask if they have to be compulsory in places where sick people such as pregnant and young children, hospitals are intense, or if they travel to airports and risky countries where viruses are expected to spread frequently.
Avoid entering places such as very crowded buses and wagons in public transportation vehicles, which are a part of our daily life, and waiting for the next one; Care should be taken not to touch the mouth, nose and eyes with hands and to wash hands with soap and water after transportation.
Pets such as cats and dogs in the house or on the street can carry COVID-19 and get virus infection from them!
According to the observations of scientists, COVID-19 has been seen in a dog in Hong Kong since the beginning of the pandemic. It is thought that this dog was transmitted from its owner. Pets are closely watched for its potential to create reservoirs for COVID-19.
I had a lifetime effective pneumococcal vaccine and / or annual flu vaccine (influenza) vaccine. Nothing happens to me!
A common strain of Pneumoccus pneumia, a life-long pneumonia vaccine bacteria; The annual flu vaccine is prepared for another virus family, influenza. These vaccines do not prevent the transmission of COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19 vaccine is available soon. I'll get him done!
Scientists are working on the COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccine development is a time consuming process. The vaccine under development is prepared only according to the genetic codes of the isolated virus in order to prevent new pandemics.
Viruses are living organisms. It changes their genetic code somewhat during each division in order to reproduce.
I use home anti-flu medications and / or antibiotics. Nothing happens to me!
None of the anti-flual medications available against the COVID-19 pandemic are effective. Antibiotics should be preferred in the treatment of microorganisms that we call bacteria. It is not effective for COVID-19.
I can make my own medicine using garlic, head-trotter, sahlep, ginger, sesame oil. It won't mess with me!
A healthy, regular and balanced diet is of course necessary not only to protect against COVID-19 infection, but also to maintain our daily life vigorous and energetic. However, none of the herbal mixtures from homemade or herbal products protect against COVID-19 transmission. There is no scientific supporting data for any of these solutions.
Healthy (you can choose fresh fruits, vegetables or nuts instead of packaged products for snacks), balanced (protein, carbohydrate and unsaturated fat ratios should be appropriate in a diet plan according to daily activity) and regular (main meals are important not to miss) to have high overall body resistance and It will help to overcome a possible infection easily.
Coronavirus infection You can ask the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals about the issues you are curious about and ask for suggestions about your question. To contact us, you can use the contact form on our website or call 0850 711 60 60