As more and more cases of corona virus cases are being reported, we at IFS are closely following the directives issued by by WHO and ICMR and also the reports from the countries where it has become an epidemic.
Coronavirus (COVID 19) and Human reproduction Presently, very less is known about the impact of COVID-19 on human reproduction and its subsequent effect on the resulting pregnancy.
It is well documented that pregnant women are more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. We do have a few reports of women who have tested positive for COVID-19 and delivered unaffected babies. Chen et al. found no evidence of COVID-19 in the amniotic fluid or cord blood of 6 infants of infected women. Currently, there is inadequate data on COVID-19 and the associated risk of miscarriage or congenital anomalies and transmission.
As there are no guidelines regarding Assisted reproduction and infection, we recommend following the existing general guidelines. Patients, who present to us with fever with or without cough, or breathing difficulty, should strive to avoid a pregnancy. It is suggested that patients undertaking infertility treatment may consider freezing oocytes, embryos and postpone an embryo transfer procedure until they are disease-free or until the threat blows over.
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The novel coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the SARS-CoV-1 virus. SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China, and it caused more than 8 000 cases in 33 countries over a period of eight months. Around one in ten people who developed SARS died.
In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak in China. The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
How coronavirus is spread
Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
While as per some countries and news channels, animals are the original source of the virus, it is now spreading from person to person (human-to-human transmission).
The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale.
The virus can also survive for several hours on surfaces
(i.e. door handles and tables etc. )
Incubation period:
The time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms is estimated at between 2 and 14 days.
Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in a growing number of countries, including the U.S. Public health groups, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the situation and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing and treating the illness.
COVID-19 _ Symptoms
The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
More serious cases develop
- Severe pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Sepsis and septic shock that can lead to death.
Who are at more risk
- Elderly people: Generally elderly people and those underlying with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer) are considered to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.
- Children: Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild. A large study from China suggested that just over 2% of cases were under 18 years of age.
- Pregnant women: current evidence suggests that severity of illness among pregnant women after COVID-19 infection is similar to that in non-pregnant adult COVID-19 cases, but no need to panic as at present, there is no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to baby occurring during pregnancy. Pregnant women should follow the same precautions for the prevention of COVID-19, including regular hand washing , avoiding individuals who are sick.
Risk Factors
Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 as determined by CDC or WHO
Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 — such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person
When to see a doctor
- Contact your doctor right away if you have COVID-19 symptoms and you’ve possibly been exposed to the virus.
- Tell your doctor if you’ve recently travelled internationally. Call your doctor ahead to tell him or her about your symptoms and recent travels and possible exposure before you go to your appointment.
Preventive measures to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection.
WHO and CDC recommend following the standard precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (do this for at least 20 seconds) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(Always wash your hands when you get home or into work) - Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Always remember to put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- 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.
- Wear a mask: CDC doesn’t recommend that healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Only wear a mask if a health care provider tells you to do so.
- WHO also recommends that you:
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs. - Avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched if you’re visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases.
Diagnosis
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor. Tell him or her about any recent travels, especially international travel. Also let your doctor know if you’ve had close 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, to send for testing.
Where get tested
If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or tiredness) it is recommended that you contact healthcare departments. If your healthcare provider believes there is a need for a laboratory test for the virus that causes COVID-19, he/she will inform you of the procedure to follow and advise where and how the test can be performed
Treatment for coronavirus
There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus. Currently, no antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
Healthcare providers treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever, difficulty breathing) of patients.
Supportive care (e.g. fluid management, oxygen therapy etc.), Pain relievers ,Cough syrup or medication and Rest can be highly effective for patients with symptoms.
You’ll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.
If you’re very ill, you may need to be treated in the hospital but If your doctor thinks you can be treated at home, he or she may give you special instructions, such as to isolate yourself as much as possible from family while you’re sick and to stay home for a period of time.
Development of vaccines
The development of vaccines takes time. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on this. It will, however, take months or years before any vaccine can be widely used, as it needs to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy.
Coronavirus cases in India
India has reported its second Coronavirus death on March 13
Coronavirus Latest Updates:
14 March 2020
- Number of positive cases in India have risen to 84
- Coronavirus can not spread through dead bodies. It spreads from respiratory secretion. Coughing is necessary for the spread of this virus. So there is no risk in cremating the infected bodies.
prevention is better than cure.
At the End , we just want to say that
“Please take care everyone as prevention is better than cure. Let’s stay strong and fight the COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures “
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