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COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The virus is very contagious, so any person who suspects they are infected with the coronavirus should take all measures to prevent the further spread of the infection. We asked dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Dzieśćtkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness and muscle aches. Some patients may even develop breathing problems that require oxygen or even a ventilator. Other symptoms of coronavirus infection These include headache, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, stuffy nose, chills, and conjunctival hyperaemia.
Severe forms of COVID-19 mean that patients develop sepsis, septic shock and severe multi-organ failure. In extreme cases, the disease ends in death.
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It is worth remembering that in some people the disease is asymptomatic. Course of COVID-19 largely depends on the general health of the patient.
Anyone can become infected with the coronavirus, but statistics show that the elderly, with reduced immunity and various comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological diseases are at the highest risk. The number of cases among children is relatively low.
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If we suspect at home coronavirus infection, you should contact the nearest sanitary and epidemiological station as soon as possible. Please do not leave your home or contact other people until we have received help and further instructions. We should behave responsibly and bear in mind the safety of others.
The doctor will make a decision about possible hospitalization. The indication for hospitalization is high fever (above 38 degrees C), a strong, dry cough and shortness of breath or chest pains.
It is best to go to the hospital with your own transport to minimize the risk of infection to other people. Under no circumstances should you travel by public transport. If we don’t have a way to get to the hospital, the doctor can send us a medical transport that will take us straight to the ward.
Each sanitary and epidemiological station has its own emergency number. It is open XNUMX hours a day and can be found on the website of each district station.
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The oncological patient should exercise extreme caution. Each person with suspected COVID-19 should contact the infectious disease or observation-infectious ward. Such a person may also go to a hospital that is unnamed, which only deals with coronavirus infected patients.
However, for cancer patients, home quarantine is recommended to protect them from an environment that is source of coronavirus infection. They should monitor their health and inform the doctor about any disturbing symptoms. Your doctor will decide what steps to take.
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Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected] You can find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.