CO.  VI. D.  2019
CORONA VIRUS DISEASE 
NOVEL MEANS NEW STRAIN



This video contains information about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that have crown-like thorns on their surface. The Latin word for crown is coronam.

INTRODUCTION

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory infections in humans. 

Most coronaviruses cause a mild illness –  common cold

severe respiratory distress, such as pnemonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.


OUTBREAKS OF CORONA VIRUS

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)  2010

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) –2002--03

Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) 2019


COVID 

NOVEL not previously identified in humans.

  • The virus itself is officially called SARS CoV-2
  • The illness it causes is known as COVID-19
    • COrona VIrus Disease 2019
  • The term COVID-19 is often used interchangeably for both purposes
  • The term “novel” refers to the fact that it is a new strain – not previously identified in humans.


By January 2020 it was confirmed to be spreading from person to person.

In March 2020 it was declared a pandemic by the WHO. 


PRESENTATION

  • Typical presentations involve flu-like symptoms such as:
    • Fever – 88%
    • Cough – 67%
    • Fatigue – 38%
    • Shortness of breath – 18%
    • Muscle aches – 15%
    • Headache – 14%
    • Sore throat – 14%
    • Coryza – 5%
    • Nausea / vomiting – 5%
    • Diarrhea–4%

INCUBATION

The average incubation period is 5 day.
The  typical range is between 2-14 days.

TRANSMISSION

Transmission occurs from person to person by droplet transmission, mucous membranes, faecal-oral route and via fomites (contaminated inanimate objects – such as door handles and other surfaces. 
It is possible that airborne transmission can also occurr but this is not yet proven.

The virus can survive for up to 4 days on surfaces (duration of survival depends on the surface – plastic and wood surfaces have longer duration of survival than metal)

Respiratory droplets (>5um) are the major form of transmission

DIAGNOSE

Diagnosis is typically confirmed by a PCR swab of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. 

MANAGEMENT

No specific treatment is widely available as of July 2020.

Multiple trials are underway to assess the efficacy of several proposed treatments, including:
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • The use of blood products (serum) containing antibodies from previously infected patients whom have now recovered
  • Remdesivir
  • Famivpirovir
  • Many other anti-virals

Self isolation is an important public health measure for anybody with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. 

Dr sundiip Singh

Thank you