Corona-Virus (COVID-19)
Disease and Lung Disease
Corona-Virus (COVID-19) Disease
Recently discovered in 2019, this causes Corona-virus disease (currently Pandemic across the world).
Symptoms of Corona-Virus (COVID-19) Disease
The signs and symptoms may starts appearing between 2 days to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
This may range from mild, Moderate or Severe.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Mild to moderate symptoms: They may be similar to other respiratory illnesses such as common flu or chest infection.
Severe Symptoms: Some people may develop severe chest infection including, difficulty in breath, high temperatures, Pneumonia or may unable to breath.
Aim I at risk if I got Lung Disease?
- If you have a Lung condition, you should take extra care to protect yourself during the COVID-19 disease outbreak.
- Lungs are particularly effected causing severe pneumonia, which may cause death.
- you are at particularly high risk of complications secondary to covid-19 disease if you have following lung conditions:
- Recent Pneumonia
- New Heart failure (acute) effecting Lungs
- Previous heart failure (chronic) effecting Lungs
- Asthmatics
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lungs) Disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How to reduce your risk?
See your physician/local health team if you think you have symptoms related to COVID-19 disease. Tell your doctor if you've recently
Who are at Risk of getting Infection?
- Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 as determined by world health Organization.
- Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 — such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person.
How can it spread?
- It may spread from person- to -person who are in close contact. These includes directly (handshakes), coughing, sneezing
- It may spread from various surfaces on which virus can survive for up to several hours.
How to Prevent Yourself/Spread?
- As this is a new infection, so currently there is no vaccine available to prevent infection.
- If you have Lung Conditions, you must take steps to reduce your risk of infection as recommended by WHO such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch.
- Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
Diagnosis Corona-Virus (COVID-19) Disease with Lung Conditions
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor/Physician
- Tell him or her about any recent travels, especially international travel, Any contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Your doctor may take samples, including a sample of saliva (sputum), a nasal swab and a throat swab.
Treatment of Corona-Virus (COVID-19)
- Currently, NO antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19.
Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms and may include: - Pain relievers
- Cough syrup or medication
- Rest
- Fluid intake
Treatment of your Lung Conditions
- You must contact your lung or Heart doctor for further advice
- Your lung condition should be treated well and control. This will minimize your risks from COVID19 disease.
- If you have lung conditions and have mild symptoms (flu like), your doctor may recommend to treat you at home which includes: isolate yourself, cough or fever medications etc.
- Treatment at hospital: If you develop moderate to severe symptoms, your doctor may admit you to hospital for further management.
- Treatment in Hospital (for Professionals)