5 Covid-19

'COVID-19' naming breakdown:

• 'CO' stands for corona

• 'VI' stands for virus

• 'D' stands for disease

• '19' stands for 2019, the year it was first identified

Method of Transmission

• Transmission occurs through:

  • Direct contact (most common)

  • Indirect contact

  • Droplet transmission (less common, <6ft)

  • Airborne transmission (sometimes, >6ft)

  • Aerosol-generating procedures (ex. intubation, nebulizer treatments)

Aerosol Transmissible Disease

• Aerosol Transmissible Disease:

  • Transmitted by aerosols: a gaseous suspension of fine solid or liquid particles

  • Spreads quickly, especially in crowded areas, through coughing and sneezing

S/S of COVID-19

• Mild to severe presentations:

  • Can be asymptomatic

  • May cause upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia, or ARDS

• Common Symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Dry cough

  • Fatigue

• Other Possible Symptoms:

  • Loss of taste/smell

  • Headache, sore throat

  • Myalgia (muscle aches)

  • Diarrhea, N/V

  • Skin rash or discoloration of fingers/toes

• Emergency Warning Signs:

  • Difficulty breathing/SOB

  • Persistent chest pain or pressure

  • Confusion or inability to stay awake

  • Cyanosis (bluish lips or face)

Treatment

• Prevention

  • Hand hygiene

  • Physical distancing

  • Isolation and quarantine as appropriate

  • Airborne precautions (N95 for aerosol procedures)

  • Universal masking/eye protection

  • Vaccination (primary and boosters)

• Treatment options

  • Supportive care: rest, fluids, antipyretics

  • Steroids (ex. dexamethasone) for moderate to severe cases

  • Monoclonal antibodies or antiviral agents (ex. Paxlovid, Remdesivir)

  • Oxygen therapy for hypoxia

  • Close monitoring for ARDS, sepsis, multi-organ failure

  Nursing Considerations

  • Monitor oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, and mental status

  • Cluster care to limit exposure

  • Educate on vaccination, symptom monitoring, and isolation protocols