Covid Flashcards
What causes Covid
SARS CoV 2
Infects humans and bats
What is the structure of Coronavirus
Spike protein on viral surface binds to ACE2 receptor in respiratory system
Define the term epidemic
Sudden increase in number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in the particular population
What is a pandemic
An epidemic that becomes widespread over a number of countries
What is an endemic
Disease that is consistently present but limited to a particular region
How is Covid transmitted
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Aerosol generating procedures
- Vertical transmission
- Touch- fomites
How long does Covid infection last
Intubation period 1-14 days
Median 5-6 days
Describe the process of Covid infection 1
- Viral entry and early infection causes localised inflammation
Describe the process of Covid infection 2
- Host immune response - macrophages/dendritic cells + CD8 T cells
Describe the process of Covid infection 3
- Hyper-inflammatory phase – virus infects macrophages and T cells
Releases pro-inflammatory cytokines
Cytokine storm causes SOB in lungs
Describe the process of Covid infection 4
- Multiorgan dysfunction - spread to other organs via direct infection or mass inflammatory process
Who is at risk from covid
- Elderly
- Immunocompromised
What are the symptoms of COVID
- Rhinorrhoea
- General malaise
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
(Rhinorrhoea - clear thin nasal discharge)
What are the complications from covid
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Patchy lungs filled with fluid (decreases surface area)
- Extrapulmonary symptoms
- Thrombosis
What were the tests for covid
Viral PCR- nasopharyngeal swab
What are the different types of O2 therapy
