Corona Virus - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Corona Virus or severe acute respiratory syndromecoronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. The disease caused by this viral infection is called COVID-19. Virus Corona can cause mild disturbance of respiratory system, severe lung infections, to death.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) better known as the Corona virus is a new type of coronavirus that is transmitted to humans. This virus can attack anyone, such as the elderly (older groups), adults, children, and infants, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Corona virus infection is called COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) and was first discovered in the city of Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019. This virus is contagious very quickly and has spread to almost all countries, including Indonesia, in just a few months.

This has made several countries implement policies to enforce lockdown in order to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. In Indonesia itself, the government implemented the policy of Enforcing Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) to suppress the spread of this virus.

Coronavirus is a collection of viruses that can infect the respiratory system. In most cases, this virus causes only mild respiratory infections, such as the flu. However, this virus can also cause severe respiratory infections, such as lung infections (pneumonia).

This virus is transmitted through phlegm (droplets) from the respiratory tract, for example when in a crowded closed room with poor air circulation or direct contact with droplets.

In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus or Corona virus, Viruses that are also included in this group are viruses that causeSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the viruses that causeMiddle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Although caused by viruses from the same group, namely coronaviruses, COVID-19 has several differences with SARS and MERS, including in terms of speed of spread and severity of symptoms.

If you need a COVID-19 test, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:

  • Rapid Test Antibodies
  • Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
  • PCR

Death Rate Due to Corona Virus (COVID-19)

The Corona virus that causes COVID-19 can attack anyone. According to data released by the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 of the Republic of Indonesia, the number of confirmed positive cases as of August 6, 2021 is 3,568,331 people with a death toll of 102,375. Death rate (case fatality rate) due to COVID-19 is around 2.9%.

When viewed from the percentage of death rates divided by age group, the age group > 60 years has a higher percentage of death rates than other age groups.

Meanwhile, based on gender, 53.1% of patients who died from COVID-19 were male and the remaining 46.9% were female.

Symptoms of Corona Virus (COVID-19)

Early symptoms of Corona virus infection or COVID-19 can resemble flu symptoms, namely fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, and headache. After that, the symptoms may disappear and heal or even get worse. Patients with severe symptoms may experience high fever, cough with phlegm and even blood, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms appear when the body reacts to the Corona virus.

In general, there are 3 general symptoms that can indicate a person is infected with the Corona virus, namely:

  • Fever (body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius)
  • dry cough
  • Hard to breathe

There are several other symptoms that can also appear in Corona virus infection although it is less common, namely:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Loss of ability to taste
  • Loss of ability to smell (anosmia)
  • Rash on the skin

These symptoms of COVID-19 generally appear within 2 days to 2 weeks after the patient is exposed to the Corona virus. Some patients infected with the Corona virus can experience a decrease in oxygen without any symptoms. This condition is called happy hypoxia.

To determine whether these symptoms are symptoms of the Corona virus, a rapid test or PCR is needed. To find a place to do a rapid test or PCR around your home, click here.

When to go to the doctor

Immediately self-isolate if you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection (COVID-19) as mentioned above, especially if in the last 2 weeks you have been in an area that has COVID-19 cases or has been in contact with COVID-19 sufferers. After that, contacthotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further guidance.

If you may be exposed to the Corona virus but don't experience any symptoms, you don't need to go to the hospital, just stay at home for 14 days and limit contact with other people. If symptoms appear, then do self-isolation and ask the doctor by phone or application about what actions you need to take and what drugs you need to take.

If you need a direct examination by a doctor, do not go directly to the hospital because it will increase your risk of contracting or transmitting the Corona virus to others. You can make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through the ALODOKTER application so that you can be directed to the nearest doctor who can help you.

ALODOKTER also has a feature to help you check your risk of contracting the Corona virus more easily. To use this feature, please click the image below.

Causes of Corona Virus(COVID-19)

Corona virus infection or COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that infect the respiratory system. In the vast majority of cases, the coronavirus only causes mild to moderate respiratory infections, such as the flu. However, this virus can also cause severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) andSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

There are allegations that the Corona virus was originally transmitted from animals to humans. However, it was later discovered that the Corona virus was also transmitted from human to human.

A person can get COVID-19 in various ways, namely:

  • Accidentally inhale the droplets of saliva that come out when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes
  • Holding your mouth or nose without washing your hands first after touching an object that has been splashed by a person with COVID-19
  • Close contact with people with COVID-19

Corona virus can also be transmitted through objects that are often touched, such as money, doorknobs, or table surfaces.

Corona virus can infect anyone, but the effect will be more dangerous or even fatal if it occurs in elderly people, pregnant women, people who have certain diseases, smokers, or people whose immune systems are weak, for example in cancer patients.

Because it is easily transmitted, the Corona virus is also at high risk of infecting medical personnel who treat COVID-19 patients. Therefore, medical personnel and people who have contact with COVID-19 patients need to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

From the data released by WHO, there are currently several variants of SARS-CoV-2 that cause COVID-19. Here are the details of the new variant types:

  • Variant Alpha (B.1.1.7) originally invented in the UK since September 2020.
  • Beta variant (B.1.351/B.1.351.2/B.1.351.3) which was originally discovered in South Africa since May 2020.
  • Gamma variant (P.1/P.1.1/P.1.2) originally discovered in Brazil since November 2020.
  • The Delta variant (B.1.617.2/AY.1/AY.2/AY.3) which was originally discovered in India since October 2020.
  • Eta variant (B.1.525) whose distribution has been found in many countries since December 2020.
  • The Iota variant (B.1526) was originally discovered in America since November 2020.
  • Kappa variant (B.1617.1) which was originally discovered in India since October 2020.
  • The Lambda (c.37) variant originally discovered in Peru since December 2020.

Corona Virus Diagnosis(COVID-19)

To determine whether the patient is infected with the Corona virus, the doctor will ask the patient's symptoms and whether the patient has recently traveled or lived in an area that had cases of Corona virus infection before the symptoms appeared. The doctor will also ask whether the patient has had contact with people who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

To confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19, the doctor will perform the following examinations:

  • Rapid test, to detect antibodies (IgM and IgG) produced by the body to fight the Corona virus
  • Rapid test antigen, to detect antigens, namely proteins that are on the outside of the virus
  • Swab test or PCR test (polymerase chain reaction), to detect the Corona virus in phlegm
  • CT scan or chest X-ray, to detect infiltrates or fluid in the lungs
  • Complete blood count, to check the levels of white blood cells, D-dimer and C-reactive protein

In addition, the test using the GeNose tool can also be used as a screening or initial examination to detect the Corona virus.

Results rapid test COVID-19 or a positive GeNose test most likely indicates that you are already infected with the Corona virus, but it could also mean that you are infected with other germs or viruses. On the other hand, a negative COVID-19 rapid test result does not necessarily indicate that you are absolutely free from the Corona virus.

Corona Virus Treatment(COVID-19)

There is no truly effective drug to treat Corona virus infection or COVID-19. However, some drugs such as favipirapir and remdesivir can already be used in moderate to severe cases of COVID-19. Meanwhile, other drugs, such as molnupiravir, are still being studied for their effectiveness and benefits as a COVID-19 treatment.

Treatment options will be tailored to the patient's condition and severity. Some patients with mild or asymptomatic symptoms will be advised to carry out self-isolation protocols at home while still taking steps to prevent the spread of Corona virus infection.

In addition, doctors can also provide several steps to relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of the corona virus, namely:

  • Referring severe COVID-19 sufferers to undergo treatment and quarantine at a referral hospital
  • Provide fever and pain relievers that are safe and according to the patient's condition
  • Advise COVID-19 sufferers to self-isolate and get enough rest
  • Advise COVID-19 sufferers to drink lots of water to maintain body fluid levels

Corona Virus Complications(COVID-19)

In severe cases, Corona virus infection can cause the following complications:

  • Pneumonia(lung infection)
  • Secondary infection in other organs
  • Kidney failure
  • Acute cardiac injury
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Death

Moreover, currently appearing the term long haul COVID-19. This term refers to someone who has been declared cured through a negative PCR test result, but still feels complaints such as weakness, cough, joint pain, chest pain, difficulty concentrating, palpitations, or fever that comes and goes.

Corona Virus Prevention(COVID-19)

Currently, Indonesia is conducting periodic COVID-19 vaccinations to the Indonesian people. Even though vaccination has started to run, the best way to prevent it is to avoid factors that can cause you to be infected with this virus, namely:

  • Apply physical distancing, namely maintaining a minimum distance of 1 meter from other people, and never leaving the house unless there is an urgent need.
  • Use a mask when active in public places or crowds, including when going shopping for groceries and attending worship on holidays, such as Eid al-Adha.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, especially after activities outside the home or in public places.
  • Do not touch your eyes, mouth and nose before washing your hands.
  • Increase endurance with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and preventing stress.
  • Avoid contact with people with COVID-19, people who are suspected of being positively infected with the Corona virus, or people who are sick with fever, cough, or cold.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Keep objects that are frequently touched and the environment clean, including the cleanliness of the house.

For people suspected of having COVID-19 (including the category of suspect and probable) previously referred to as ODP (people under monitoring) and PDP (patients under surveillance), there are several steps that can be taken so as not to transmit the Corona virus to others, namely:

  • Do self-isolation by staying apart from other people for a while. If this is not possible, use a bedroom and bathroom that is different from that used by other people.
  • Do not leave the house, except to get treatment.
  • If you want to go to the hospital when your symptoms get worse, you should first contact the hospital to pick you up.
  • Forbid other people to visit or visit you until you are fully healed.
  • As much as possible do not have meetings with people who are sick.
  • Avoid sharing the use of eating and drinking utensils, toiletries, and sleeping equipment with other people.
  • Wear a mask and gloves when in public or with other people.
  • Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash immediately.

Conditions that require direct treatment by a doctor in a hospital, such as childbirth, surgery, dialysis, or child vaccination, need to be handled differently with some adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to prevent transmission of the Corona virus while you are in the hospital. Consult with your doctor about the best course of action that needs to be taken.

If you want to get more information about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Corona virus infection, please download ALODOKTER application on Google Play or App Store. Through the ALODOKTER application, you can also chat directly with the doctor and make an appointment with the doctor at the hospital.