Figure 1. You should wear a mask to be safe by protecting yourself and others in the COVID Pandemic.
Table of Contents
Overview
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) virus. This is related to the flu virus but is even more transmissible, infectious and deadly. The SARS-Cov-2 virus infection was only discovered in 2019 and therefore we knew relatively little about it at the outbreak and how it could be treated.
A lot of the medicines initially used for COVID-19 were to counter the symptoms of the infection, rather than kill the virus itself. Its very fast spread to a level of global pandemic led to a very steep learning curve and a rapid development of vaccines and other medicines to treat it.
COVID-19 is primarily an illness affecting breathing. It is mainly spread through droplets that are produced by coughing and sneezing, and from contact with contaminated surfaces.
To prevent infection and to slow the spread of COVID-19, follow the government’s latest guidance. Remember that this guidance is specific for a given country and could change rapidly over time. Only a summary of the general guidance (from the Government and its Medical/Scientific Advisors) is given here:
- get vaccinated or booster dose
- wear a properly fitted mask
- wash hands regularly with soap and water, and clean them with alcohol-based hand rub
- cover your nose when coughing or sneezing
- maintain social distancing
- work from home (if you can)
- try to stay in well ventilated places
- test regularly
- if you feel unwell, stay at home and self-isolate until you recover
NB For up-to-date guidance, see the Government and/or the NHS website given below in the section on Further Reading. This guidance could be superseded by rapidly changing up-to-the-minute information given by the Government via the news. Therefore it is wise to keep-up with the current situation in the news.
Figure 2. Wear a recommended mask to be safe from the COVID virus.
Figure 3. Mask worn properly provides good safety from the COVID virus
Symptoms of COVID-19 infection
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average, it takes 5-6 days for symptoms to show from the instance someone is infected with the virus. However, in some individuals, it can take up to 14 days.
The symptom profile can change with the change in variants.
Many thousands of COVID-19 variants have emerged, of which several notable ones have been of some concern. Here we will only discuss the late variants of concern. The Delta variant (which emerged in India) subsequently gave rise to the third wave of infections in UK.
Symptom Profile due to Delta variant
Most common symptoms:
Fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste/smell
Less common symptoms:
Sore throat, headache, body aches and pains, diarrhoea, skin rash, discolouration of fingers/ toes, red or irritated eyes
Serious symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, confusion, chest pain
NB Patients may only experience some of these symptoms or non at all.
Top 5 most common symptoms due to Delta variant
- fatigue
- headache
- loss/change in taste or smell
- sore throat
- cough
In December 2021, the Omicron variant (emerged in Botswana, South Africa) became the dominant strain, giving rise to the fourth wave of infections in UK. The Omicron variant took over from the Delta variant. As time goes on, we are building up a better picture of the symptom profile due to Omicron.
Top 5 most common symptoms due to Omicron variant
- runny nose
- headache
- fatigue
- sneezing
- sore throat
These symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold. Therefore, it would be prudent to check by carrying out a lateral flow test. If the result is found to be positive, have a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test performed for confirmation.
People with severe symptoms may deteriorate rapidly and older folks or those vulnerable with other diseases/conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc may have higher risk. Individuals who are older male, living in deprived areas or from Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Groups are at higher risk of developing severe disease. Call 999 for the ambulance if you have serious symptoms.
After acute infection with mild or severe disease, individuals may experience prolonged symptoms that may last for more than 4 weeks, known as long COVID.
The symptoms due to break through COVID-19 infection after vaccination may differ from the above side effect profile.
Causes
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This is related to the flu virus but is even more transmissible, infectious and more deadly.
Diagnosis
Tests
- Rapid Lateral Flow Test (carried out at home)
- PCR Test (carried out at Government Designated Places)
Precautions
To prevent infection and to slow the spread of COVID-19, follow the government’s latest guidance. Remember that this guidance is specific for a given country and could change rapidly over time. Only a summary of the general guidance (from the Government and its Medical/Scientific Advisors) is given here:
- get vaccinated or booster dose
- wear a properly fitted mask
- wash hands regularly with soap and water and clean them with alcohol-based hand rub
- cover your nose when coughing or sneezing
- maintain social distancing
- work from home (if you can)
- try to stay in well ventilated places
- test regularly
- if you feel unwell, stay at home and self-isolate until you recover
NB For up-to-date guidance, see the Government and/or the NHS website given below in the section on Further Reading. This guidance could be superseded by rapidly changing up-to-the-minute information given by the Government via the news. Therefore keep-up with the current situation in the news.
Figure 4. Regularly use an alcohol hand rub when out and about.
Figure 5. Wash your hands with soap periodically, especially before eating
Treatment
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are the most effective medicines we have presently, but these must be used as a preventative measure to stop getting a full blown COVID-19 infection. For further details, see the section below on *Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
Soon after the vaccine is injected into the body, immunity against the virus builds up to a maximum, but over time the level of immunity gradually decreases. Also note that vaccination does not guarantee full 100% immunity against the virus because the virus changes as it multiplies over time. Therefore, a booster vaccine is required periodically to increase effectiveness against COVID-19.
There are several medications that can help vulnerable people manage their COVID-19 symptoms at home by reducing the risk of getting seriously ill and thereby preventing hospital admission.
Various other medicines are used by Doctors in a hospitalised patient with severe COVID-19 infection, depending on the prevailing conditions in the individual. These different medicines will counter the effects on COVID-19 infection on various parts of the body, eg lungs, heart and blood vessels, etc.
Complications
Severe symptoms include difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, or confusion, chest pain.
People with severe symptoms may deteriorate rapidly and older folks or those vulnerable with other diseases/conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc may have higher risk. Individuals who are older males, living in deprived areas or from BAME Groups are at higher risk of developing a severe disease.
After a severe disease, individuals may experience prolonged symptoms that may persist for more than 4 weeks, known as long COVID.
Further Reading
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
*Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine/booster and other medicines
The COVID-19 vaccines have been widely studied and found to be effective and safe through vast number of clinical trials. They provide the best protection against COVID-19 infection.
Which vaccine will I get?
You cannot choose which vaccine you get. You will be given one that is suitable for you.
How well do the COVID-19 vaccines work?
Anyone who gets COVID-19 infection can become seriously ill or have long-term effects called long COVID. The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others around you.
The vaccines help to:
- reduce your risk of getting seriously ill/dying from COVID-19
- reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19
- protect against COVID-19 virus variants
Side effects and safety
(NB Some side effects are discussed here: See Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for fuller list.)
The COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be effective, safe, and high in quality through vast number of clinical trials.
These medicines can cause some side effects, but not everyone experiences them, and these are usually mild, lasting for a few days:
- sore arm from the injection
- feeling tired
- headache
- body ache
- feeling sick
More serious side effects, eg allergic reactions or blood clotting are very rare.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine
COVID-19 booster vaccine dose, given several months after the 2nd dose (see latest NHS guidance for timing) will improve the protection provided by the initial 2 doses of the vaccines. Vulnerable patients may also get an extra jab. Several months after receiving the first booster, a second booster vaccine is also given to vulnerable patients. Further booster vaccines may be required. Booster provides a longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19 infection.
Which booster COVID-19 vaccine will I get?
Most people will be given a booster dose of Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. The booster vaccine will be different from the vaccines you had for your 1st and 2nd vaccine doses. Some people may be given a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, if they cannot have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine ingredients
The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain egg or animal products.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca and J&J Janssen-Cilag vaccines contain a tiny amount of alcohol, but this is less than in some foods, like bread.
Other medicines
There are several medications that can help vulnerable people manage their COVID-19 symptoms at home by reducing the risk of getting seriously ill, and thereby preventing hospital admission.
A whole host of other medicines are used by Doctors in hospitalised patient with severe COVID-19 infection, depending on the prevailing conditions in the individual. These different medicines will counter the effects on COVID-19 infection on various parts of the body, eg lungs, heart and blood vessels, etc.
Further Reading
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
COVID
Written by BK Date created/updated 25.06.22
Reviewed by PJ Date Reviewed 02.07.22
