NATIVE americans COVID 19

COVID causes

infection with SARS-CoV-2,

COVID structure

coronaviruses are enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses. Spherical with lipid-containing spike protein

how is covid transmitted

through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces

risk factors for covid

older age, chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease), obesity, certain genetic/ socioeconomic factors

viral entry covid

sars-cov -2 binds spike protein

binds to ace 2 protein, abundant on type in alveolar epithelial cells, cells in the heart and vascular endothelium

heart protease TMPRSS2 primes spike protein

enabling membrane fusion and viral entry

once inside the virus releases

RNA and hijacks cell machinery producing viral proteins

infected cells release

cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells

cytokine storm

excessive activation leads to a hyper-inflammaatory response

respiratory system

alveolar tissue damage leads to impaired gas exchange

can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome

cardiovascular system

can trigger myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle)

inflammation increases cardiac workload

digestive system

ACE2 expression in gut epithelium can lead to GI symptoms

common symptoms covid 19

dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, extreme tiredness/ fatigue, digestive symptoms (stomach pain, nausea), cold like symtpoms

asymptomatic

many individuals can present with no symptoms but still test positive with covid 19 virus

covid 19 MILD

basic cold like symptoms does not affect lungs

covid 19 moderate

signs of infection deep inlungs

covid 19 severe

lungs dont work correctly, indvidual needs oxygen or medical attnetion

covid 19 critical

lungs and breathing system fails and there is damage throughout the body

covid 19 treatments

vaccine, corticosteroids, supportive care, antiviral drugs

vaccine

most effective intervention for preventing severe illness and death

corticosteroids

anti inflammatory medications; reduces body’s immune response and calm inflammation

supportive care

oxygen therapy, fluids & electrolytes, management of symptoms

antiviral drugs

taken during early infection