The novel coronavirus has turned the entire world into a challenge, and yet we are still required to be informed so as to be safe with the Covid-19. This in-depth manual will update you through the practicality of Covid-19 testing, treatment, as well as preventive measures for yourself and your family.
Understanding COVID-19
The causes of COVID-19 are the SARS-CoV-2 virus which belongs to the coronavirus family. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can cause a varied severity of symptoms, from the lightest to the most severe, and in the worst cases, it can be life-threatening as well.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19
Although the symptoms may vary from person to person, common signs of the disease are as follows:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Whenever you witness any of these spared symptoms, it is necessary to get a test that will bring out the answer and get a document that assures a positive test result from the Covid-19 tests and other treatments at Absolute Urgent Care Clinic. Find out more and get help if you need.
COVID-19 Testing Options
Different categories of COVID-19 tests are available and each one of them has its own positives and negatives. Here are the main testing options:
1. PCR Tests
One of the premium techniques that has been confirmed to diagnose the COVID-19 virus is the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. These tests identify the genetic material of the virus and are very sensitive. The testing time is approximately 24-72 hours, but certain centres provide rapid PCR tests that give the results in just 15 minutes.
2. Rapid Antigen Tests
Rapid antigen tests preserve particular protein sections of the virus. Regardless of their public health value, these tests are not as accurate as PCR tests. They can provide you results within 15-30 minutes the moment you need answers now and you have had an exposure to someone with the virus. Hence, it’s the perfect moment for the testing.
3. Antibody Tests
Besides detecting if you have had a previous infection, antibody tests, also known as serology, can find out the presence of an immune response to the virus. These tests can indicate if a patient got infected in the past but are not used for the diagnosis of acute cases.
When to Get Tested
Undergoing a thorough check for the COVID-19 virus is necessary under the following scenarios:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19
- You’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive
- A travel plan may create conditions of getting the infected persons transferred or a large gathering may increase the risk of your getting infected
- Your healthcare provider or local health department advises you to get tested
COVID-19 Treatment Options
That cannot be resolved by any common characteristics visible from the outside. So, the first step of the treatment for patients under COVID-19 is to figure out the real problem of the disease and individual needs. The treatment of a new disease requires special treatment that depends on the symptoms and the mortality of the patient. Well, at the moment we have the following alternatives:
1. Antiviral Medications
Remdesivir, the antiviral drug, has to be administered, and results have shown the advantages of this treatment in some cases. The sooner the drugs are taken the more effective are treatment options.
2. Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Monoclonal antibody treatment is done using special proteins which are synthesized in the laboratory and which effectively substitute the immune system and give it power to fight the virus like a soldier. This being the most effective of the treatment programs is the most effective in the initial stage of the infection.
3. Supportive Care
Mild cases, on the other hand, are usually not taken seriously as they are mostly treated by the practice of resting, drinking water, and taking medicines for fever and pains from pharmacies.
4. Oxygen Therapy
For patients with serious symptoms, oxygen therapy is a necessity especially in cases where the oxygen levels in the blood are dangerously low.
Managing COVID-19 at Home
If you are positive about COVID-19 and are only in mild condition aside from that, your physician may suggest that you go home and recover. Here are some guidelines for you to survive this period:
- Get sufficient sleep and drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated
- Check Your symptoms carefully
- Use over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever and pain
- Avoid close contact with individuals in your home setting
- If you have to meet others, put on a mask
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces 1-2 times a day.
If breathing difficulties worsen or you would like to visit the Pulmonary Complaints clinic, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical help.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Despite the fact that-a lot of patients with COVID-19 are-healing at home, some people are still experiencing severe symptoms that need immediate medical care. Only contact a healthcare provider when you:
- Have a hard time breathing or the breath suddenly stops
- Have unceasing chest pain or pressure
- You are waking up with the same confused mind every day or you sleep through your waking period making London (UTC) your home place to stay bluish all the time.
Prevention Strategies
Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is the main concern in the process of managing the pandemic. Below are some steps to avoid COVID-19:
- Take the vaccines and the follow-up shots
- When going out, wear a good quality mask especially at places indoors
- Make sure to be at least six feet apart from others around you
- Be sure to wash your hands after every 30 minutes
- Try not to contact your face
- Sanitize hands and disinfect frequently used surfaces
- Try enhancing airflow in enclosed areas so that it is easy to ventilate the facilities.
The Role of Vaccination
It is still true that vaccination is the best way to avoid being hospitalized, deteriorating, and eventually dying due to the virus. Vaccinations are safe, efficient, and widely accessible. Make sure to get the jab such that it prevents you from being diagnosed with the virus or the booster as you are due.
Long COVID and Its Implications
One of its types-Long Covid because of the effect of Covid. These people might have other symptoms related to the initial infection or develop new ones later. This is the condition called Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) that may require ongoing medical care to control different organs’ malfunctions.
If you have constant complaints about COVID-19 or persistent symptoms, get in touch with our family medicine department for more help in your comprehensive treatment and tedious management of your illness.
The Importance of Mental Health
The pandemic was a major contributor to mental health challenges. If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression because of the pandemic, please seek help. Quite a few health systems, including Absolute Urgent Care, provide mental healthcare services.
Staying Informed
Coronaviruses keep changing regularly, thus it is necessary to be aware of the latest information, recommendations, and guidelines associated with them. To do that, refer to authentic and authorized outlets such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources available to you locally for updated information.
Though the problems of COVID-19 remain, people have now built their knowledge of the virus and it is now easier to test for and treat the virus with efficient methods as they have developed. This said there may be faults in the diagnosis or treatment where the disease may be mistaken for others caused by opportunistic pathogens. The patients may show signs of phagocytosis (neutrophilic exudation) and soon or late the laboratory report says the patient is positive to COVID-19 and starts treatment. Fortunately, the situation gets improved when they strictly follow the guidelines!
Don’t forget that Absolute Urgent Care is here to support through COVID-19 testing and treatment, and aftercare. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to email me. We can make this world a better place if we do it together! Your health comes first!
