Coronaviruses are responsible for the simple colds that we know about but COVID-19 is a viral infection due to the new/novelcorona virus that was identified in China in December 2019. This new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is easily transmitted from person to person and those not exhibiting symptoms can transmit it too, unlike SARS/MERS where transmission appeared to be via those already exhibiting symptoms.
We expect that 80% of those who get infected will be able to take care of themselves at home. However, 20% will need to be admitted as they will have moderate /severe symptoms of COVID-19. We also expect that 5% of the total that will be infected will need ventilation in an intensive care setting.
Given our limited capacity to handle infected cases in our hospitals all over Zimbabwe, it is important that we avoid getting infected. Hence, we need to observe the current public health measures and practice infection prevention and control to the highest extent possible.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period appears to be about 14 days in most cases but most symptoms will appear at about day 5 of infection. Hence, WHO recommends that contacts of patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 be quarantined for 14 days from the last time they were exposed to the patient.
What is self-quarantine and self-isolation?
Self-quarantine refers to when you distance yourself from others after exposure or potential exposure just in case you may develop symptoms of COVID-19.
Self-isolation refers to those with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and therefore need to assume they are infected even if not yet tested so as to protect others around them. This will also apply to confirmed COVID-19 cases with mild symptoms and being managed at home i.e. not deemed sick enough to be admitted.
What are the symptoms?
The case definition is changing all the time but in general a new fever, dry cough, myalgia, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue warrant an exclusion of COVID-19. Thus, anyone presenting with flu-like symptoms should be assumed to be a potential COVD-19 case until proved otherwise. Children may also have poor feeding, nausea and vomiting.