Corona virus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. This disease caused by a viral infection is called COVID-19. Corona virus can cause mild disturbances to the respiratory system, severe lung infections, to death.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), better known as the Corona virus, is a new type of coronavirus that is transmitted to humans. This virus can affect anyone, such as the elderly (the elderly), adults, children , and babies , including pregnant women and nursing mothers .
Corona virus infection is called COVID-19 ( Corona Virus Disease 2019 ) and was first discovered in the city of Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019. The virus is transmitted very quickly and has spread to almost all countries, including Indonesia, in just a few months.
This makes some countries implement policies to impose lockdowns in order to prevent the spread of Corona virus. In Indonesia itself, a Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy was put in place to suppress the spread of this virus.
Coronavirus is a collection of viruses that can infect the respiratory system. In many cases, this virus only causes mild respiratory infections, such as flu . However, this virus can also cause severe respiratory infections, such as lung infections (pneumonia).
In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus or Corona virus, viruses that are also included in this group are the viruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) and the virus that causes Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome ( MERS ). Although caused by viruses from the same group, namely coronavirus, COVID-19 has some differences with SARS and MERS , including in terms of the speed of spread and severity of symptoms.
Symptoms of Corona Virus (COVID-19)
The initial symptoms of Corona virus infection or COVID-19 can resemble flu symptoms, namely fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat , and headache. After that, the symptoms can disappear and heal or even aggravate. Patients with severe symptoms can experience high fever, cough with phlegm and even bleeding, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms appear when the body reacts against the Corona virus .
In general, there are 3 general symptoms that can indicate someone is infected with the Corona virus, namely:
- Fever (body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius)
- Dry cough
- Hard to breathe
There are several other symptoms that can also appear in Corona virus infections, although more rarely, namely:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- Loss of ability to taste or smell
- Rashes on the skin
The symptoms of COVID-19 generally appear within 2 days to 2 weeks after the patient is exposed to the Corona virus.
Covid-19 Examination
Immediately do independent isolation if you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection (COVID-19) as mentioned above, especially if in the last 2 weeks you are in an area that has cases of COVID-19 or contact with sufferers of COVID-19. After that, contact the COVID-19 hotline at 119 Ext. 9 to get further direction.
If you might be exposed to the Corona virus but don't experience any symptoms, you don't need to go to the hospital , just stay at home for 14 days and limit contact with others. If symptoms appear, then do isolation independently and ask your doctor by telephone or application about what actions you need to take and what medications you need to take.
Causes of Corona Virus (COVID-19)
Corona virus infection or COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that infect the respiratory system. In most cases, coronaviruses only cause mild to moderate respiratory infections, such as flu. However, this virus can also cause severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
It is suspected that the Corona virus was initially transmitted from animals to humans. However, it was later discovered that the Corona virus was also transmitted from human to human.
A person can get COVID-19 through a variety of ways, namely:
- Accidentally inhaling saliva splashes (droplets) that come out when people with COVID-19 cough or sneeze
- Hold the mouth or nose without washing hands first after touching an object affected by saliva splashes of a COVID-19 sufferer
- Close contact with sufferers of COVID-19
Corona virus can infect anyone, but the effect will be more dangerous or even fatal if it occurs in elderly people, pregnant women , people who have certain diseases , smokers , or people whose immune systems are weak, for example in cancer patients .
Because it is easily transmitted, the Corona virus is also at high risk of infecting medical personnel treating patients with COVID-19. Therefore, medical personnel and people who have contact with COVID-19 patients need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) .
Corona Virus Diagnosis (COVID-19)
To determine whether the patient is infected with the Corona virus, the doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient and whether the patient has just traveled or lived in an area that has a case of Corona virus infection before symptoms appear. The doctor will also ask if the patient has any contact with someone who is suffering or is suspected of having COVID-19.
To confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19, the doctor will carry out the following tests:
- Rapid test to detect antibodies (IgM and IgG) produced by the body to fight the Corona virus
- Swab test or PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) test to detect Corona virus in sputum
- CT scan or chest X-ray to detect infiltrates or fluid in the lungs
A positive COVID-19 rapid test is most likely to indicate that you have already been infected with the Corona virus, but it can also mean you are infected with a germ or another virus. Conversely, a negative COVID-19 rapid test result does not necessarily indicate that you are absolutely free of the Corona virus.
Corona Virus Treatment (COVID-19)
There is no effective drug to deal with Corona virus infection or COVID-19. Treatment options will be tailored to the patient's condition and severity. Some patients with mild or asymptomatic symptoms will be advised to do a self-isolation protocol at home while continuing to take steps to prevent the spread of Corona virus infection.
In addition, doctors can also provide several steps to relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of corona virus, namely:
- Referring patients with severe COVID-19 to undergo treatment and caratina in a referral hospital
- Provide a fever and pain reliever that is safe and in accordance with the patient's condition
- Encourage sufferers of COVID-19 to do independent isolation and adequate rest
- Encourage sufferers of COVID-19 to drink lots of water to maintain body fluid levels
Complications of Corona Virus (COVID-19)
In severe cases, Corona virus infection can cause the following complications:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Secondary infection in other organs
- Kidney failure
- Acute cardiac injury
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Dead
Corona Virus Prevention (COVID-19)
Until now, there is no vaccine to prevent Corona virus infection or COVID-19. Therefore, the best preventive way is to avoid the factors that can cause you to be infected with this virus, namely:
- Apply physical distancing , which is to maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter from other people, and not to leave the house unless there is an urgent need.
- Use a mask when on the move in public places or crowds, including when you go shopping for groceries .
- Routinely wash your hands with water and soap or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, especially after doing activities outside the home or in public places.
- Do not touch the eyes, mouth and nose before washing hands.
- Increase endurance with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and preventing stress.
- Avoid contact with people with COVID-19, people who are positively suspected of being infected with the Corona virus, or people who are sick with a fever, cough, or runny nose.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Keep clean objects that are often touched and environmental cleanliness, including cleaning the house .
For people suspected of being affected by COVID-19 (including the suspect and probable categories ) that were previously referred to as ODP (people in monitoring) and PDP (patients under surveillance), there are several steps you can take so as not to transmit the Corona virus to others, namely:
- Do independent isolation by staying apart from others for a while. If that is not possible, use a bedroom and bathroom that is different from what others use.
- Do not leave the house, except for treatment.
- If you want to go to the hospital when the symptoms get worse, you should first contact the hospital to pick up.
- Forbid others to visit or visit you until you are completely healed.
- As much as possible do not have meetings with people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing the use of cutlery and drinking equipment, toiletries, and sleeping equipment with others.
- Wear a mask and gloves when in a public place or with someone else.
- Use tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
Conditions that require direct treatment by a doctor in the hospital, such as childbirth , surgery , dialysis, or vaccinating children , need to be treated differently with some adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to prevent transmission of the Corona virus while you are in the hospital. Consult with your doctor about the best course of action that needs to be done.
