Covid-19

Overview of COVID-19

• COVID-19 Definition: Stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019

• Cause: Caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

  • Family: Belongs to the Coronaviridae family

  • Discovery: First discovered in Wuhan, China, December 2019

  • Spread: Rapid global spread leading to a pandemic

Nature of Coronaviruses

• Types: RNA viruses affecting mammals and birds

  • Common Cold: Symptoms often caused by coronaviruses

• Severe Coronaviruses:

  • SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

  • MERS: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

  • COVID-19: More prevalent and detrimental than SARS or MERS

Statistics and Impacts

• U.S. Cases: Over 47 million cases reported by mid-November 2021 (14,000 cases per 100,000 people)

• Mortality Rate: Nearly 770,000 deaths, about 230 deaths per 100,000 people

  • Historical Comparison: 52,000 deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season

• Reasons for High Case Counts:

  • Slow initial response to testing and containment

  • Possible underreporting in other countries

  • Variation in vaccine uptake

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

• Contagion: Highly contagious; can spread through:

  • Respiratory Droplets: Exhalation can transmit from person-to-person

  • Fomites: Contaminated surfaces, though risk is low

  • Suspension in Air: Small particles can remain airborne for extended periods

• Symptoms Development: Approximately 5 days after exposure

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Common Symptoms:

  • Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue

  • Myalgias, gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches

  • Loss of taste or smell

• Complications:

  • Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac injuries

  • Long COVID recognized as a disability under ADA

High-Risk Groups

• Older Adults: Over 80% of deaths occurred in individuals over 65 years

• Minority Groups: Unequal impacts due to social and racial inequity

• People with Disabilities: At higher risk due to underlying conditions

• Comorbid Conditions: Obesity and diabetes deemed highest risk factors

• Occupational Risks: Care staff, first responders, food/agriculture workers, etc.

COVID-19 Vaccines in the U.S.

• Available Vaccines:

  • Johnson & Johnson (Janssen): Viral vector vaccine, single dose for adults 18+

  • Moderna & Pfizer-BioNTech: mRNA vaccines, 2 doses for adults; Pfizer authorized for ages 5+

  • EUA Status: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) approved for ages 16+

• Dosing Information:

  • Moderna: 28 days apart

  • Pfizer: 21 days apart

Vaccine Administrations and Efficacy

• Immunocompromised Patients:

  • 3rd dose recommended for moderate/severe cases post-mRNA vaccination

  • Responses differ between immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals

• Booster Doses:

  • Difference from 3rd dose; given when immunity wanes (6 months post-mRNA or 2 months post-Janssen)

Reactions and Safety Concerns

• Common Reactions: Pain, swelling, redness at the site, fatigue, headache, myalgia, etc.

• Rare but Serious Reactions:

  • GBS: (Noted with J&J vaccine)

  • Thrombosis: Related to J&J vaccine

  • Myocarditis/Pericarditis: Seen post-mRNA vaccinations, especially in young males

  • Anaphylaxis: Possible reaction, especially to specific components in vaccines

Vaccine Documentation Requirements

• Provider Obligations: Document within 24 hours, report to immune systems within 72 hours

• VAERS Reporting: For severe reactions and adverse events

• Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets: Required for all vaccine recipients

• Vaccination Record Card: Essential for tracking doses and entry into events

Important Notes

• Administration Timing: COVID-19 vaccines can be given with other vaccines

• Immunity from Infection: Reinfection risk is elevated in unvaccinated compared to those fully vaccinated

• Continuous Updates Needed: The topic is evolving; utilize provided references for the latest information.