COVID PNEUMONIA

                              COVID PNEUMONIA

What is the relationship between COVID & Pneumonia?

Infection of COVID begins with respiratory tract & damages the alveoli making it swell & inflammed leading to pus formation causing pneumonia.

How does COVID Pneumonia develop?

COVID patients may develop severe pneumonia by accumulation of fluid in lungs making fluid leak out of blood vessels in lungs leading to deprivation of oxygen carrying capacities of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath.

Who is at risk of developing COVID Pneumonia?

People with conditions that weaken the lungs or immune system may be more vulnerable to COVID Pneumonia. Besides older adults over 65 years of age & those living in long term health care facility are also put at high risk.

This include:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Severe heart disease
• Kidney or liver disease
• Asthma and other breathing disorders
• Obesity
• Having HIV
• Having bone marrow transplant

Incubation Period for COVID Pneumonia?

Approximately 14 days incubation period is suspected. 4-5 days after onset of symptoms is considered to be highly infectious & chances of transmission of infection is more. 

What are the symptoms of COVID Pneumonia?

• Cough may or may not be productive
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chest pain

CDC guidelines for emergency signs of COVID Pneumonia:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Persistent feelings of pressure or pain in the chest
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Bluish color of the lips, face, or fingernails
• Trouble staying awake or difficulty waking

How can COVID Pneumonia be diagnosed?

CT scans and laboratory tests found that people with COVID Pneumonia were more likely to have:

• Pneumonia that affects both lungs as opposed to just one.
• Lungs that had a characteristic “ground-glass” appearance via CT scan.
• Abnormalities in some laboratory tests, particularly those assessing liver function.
• Lab tests such as CBC, CXR, Nose swab is need.

How can COVID Pneumonia be treated?

• Treatment of COVID Pneumonia focuses on supportive care. 
• Patient with ARDS require mechanical ventilation.
• Systemic Antibiotic can be provided.
• Oxygen therapy needs to be provided.
• Severe cases require intubation.
• Isolation is must.

Precautions to be taken to prevent COVID Pneumonia:

• Avoid contact as much as possible. When contact is unavoidable, maintain a safe 6-foot distance from other people. Avoid physical contact with others, including shaking hands.
• Wash hands frequently by using soap and warm water.
• Not go outside remain at home and do not go out into public places if sick.
• Wear a face covering when around other people.
• Isolate in a single room and when using the bathroom to avoid spreading germs.
• Do not share personal care products.
• Practice good self-care by getting plenty of rest, eating regularly, and drinking lots of fluids.

Is Pneumococcal vaccine effective for COVID pneumonia?

According to the WHO, the pneumonia vaccine does not protect against the new COVID Pneumonia.

Vaccines for pneumonia only prevent certain types of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal pneumonia. However, these immunizations may help prevent other serious illnesses, including infections a person may contract while in hospital. 

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