COVID-19 - The Pandemic so Far Flashcards
What is the pathogenesis and transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Pathogenesis:
SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptors on human cells (mainly in the respiratory tract) using its spike protein.
Infection causes inflammation and immune response, leading to damage in the lungs, blood vessels, and organs.
Severe cases may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, and multi-organ failure.
Transmission:
Primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Can also spread through aerosols in confined spaces and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
What do the terms epidemic, pandemic, endemic, and outbreak mean?
Epidemic:
A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific area or population.
Example: An outbreak of Ebola in a specific region.
Pandemic:
An epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents, affecting a large portion of the population.
Example: The COVID-19 pandemic.
Endemic:
A disease or condition that is regularly found in a specific population or geographical area.
Example: Malaria in parts of Africa.
Outbreak:
A localized increase in the number of cases of a disease, similar to an epidemic but often smaller in scale or geographically restricted.
Example: An outbreak of foodborne illness in a community.
What are the common clinical presentations of COVID-19 disease?
Mild Symptoms:
Fever, cough, fatigue, headache, myalgia (muscle aches), sore throat.
Moderate Symptoms:
Shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing.
Severe Symptoms:
Hypoxia, ARDS, multi-organ failure, cyanosis, requiring ICU care.
GI symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting are also common in some cases.
Long COVID:
Persistent symptoms for weeks or months after recovery from acute illness, such as fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain.
What is the clinical management of COVID-19, including general supportive measures?
Supportive Care:
Oxygen therapy for patients with hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Hydration and nutrition support to maintain overall health.
Fever management with antipyretics (e.g., paracetamol).
Medications:
Antivirals: Such as remdesivir, may be used in certain hospitalized patients.
Steroids: Dexamethasone for severe cases to reduce inflammation and prevent ARDS.
Anticoagulation therapy: To prevent blood clots in critically ill patients.
Monitoring:
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, and respiratory status.
What is the role of infection control practitioners in the management of COVID-19?
Infection Prevention:
Implementing protocols for isolation of suspected or confirmed cases (e.g., airborne precautions, PPE usage).
Screening:
Screening of patients and staff for symptoms and exposure to prevent transmission.
Training and Education:
Providing education on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and social distancing.
Surveillance and Reporting:
Ensuring proper reporting and tracking of cases within the healthcare setting to detect outbreaks early.
What is herd immunity in relation to population vaccination?
Herd Immunity:
When a large portion of the population becomes immune to an infectious disease (either through infection or vaccination), thereby reducing its spread.
This protects individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as those with compromised immune systems.
Vaccination’s Role:
Vaccination helps achieve herd immunity by preventing individuals from becoming infected and thus reducing transmission.
The goal is to vaccinate enough people to stop the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable groups.
