Coronavirus Q and A | wzzm13.com

Grand Rapids, Michigan — Spectrum Health released a set of frequently asked questions about coronavirus pandemics on Thursday. It’s all about how the virus differs from a flu or common cold, to whether the mask really works.

Find all the questions and answers below.

Q: How is COVID-19 different from influenza and colds?
A: A cold is caused by a strain of coronavirus that is different from the strain that causes COVID-19. It is also different from the virus that causes seasonal flu. COVID-19 spreads faster and easier than the flu and can be more severe and fatal than the flu or cold. Most coronavirus infections cause a similar type of respiratory illness at the onset. People with COVID-19 may have mild symptoms and develop high fever, dyspnea, persistent chest pain, and even pneumonia. The initial symptoms of COVID-19 are often similar to those of a cold or flu, so diagnostic tests can help determine if a person has COVID-19. Even people with mild symptoms have some signs of long-term complications from COVID-19.

Q: Who has a very high risk of getting sick with COVID-19?
A: Individuals of all ages are at risk of infections and severe illness. Those at high risk include: 65 years of age or older. Underlying health conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes and obesity; weakened immune system. CDC has Comprehensive list Of people at high risk.

Q: How deadly is COVID-19?
A: Most people with COVID-19 will recover. However, there remains a significant risk of serious harm and death from this disease. Older people and people with underlying illnesses are more likely to die of COVID-19. In the United States, black and Latin communities have more deaths than expected based on population.

Q: Does the mask really work?
A: COVID-19 spreads easily from coughs, sneezes, or close conversations with others. Masks can block respiratory droplets that contain viral particles, and help people with COVID-19 help spread the virus to others. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced if the mask is used in conjunction with other preventative measures such as social distance, frequent hand washing, cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces. To be most effective, the mask should fit properly and cover both the nose and mouth. (Note: Bandanas and gaiters have been shown to be less effective than other forms of face masks due to different materials.)

Q: When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available and will Spectrum Health support it?
A: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services expects more information on vaccine potential at the end of autumn 2020 or early 2021. SpectrumHealth will support vaccines if scientific evidence shows that they are safe and effective. Spectrum Health does not offer vaccinations without FDA approval.

Q: Do the symptoms of COVID-19 differ between children and adults? Will children be at higher or lower risk?
A: The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. People have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing deeply. Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. Some children and young children are ill with COVID-19, but adults account for most of the cases known to date. Overall, some large studies have reported that children with COVID-19 require hospitalization, but the disorder appears to be less severe in children than in adults. CDC Multisystem inflammatory syndrome For children associated with COVID-19.

Relation: Do face masks protect me or people around me?

Q: Can anyone spread the COVID-19 virus without getting sick?
A: It is possible to spread the virus for about two days before signs and symptoms appear, and to maintain the infectivity for at least 10 days after the signs and symptoms first appear. If someone is asymptomatic or the symptoms disappear, they can remain contagious for at least 10 days after a positive COVID-19 test.

Q: Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aggravate the disease course of people with COVID-19?
A: The CDC is currently unaware of any scientific evidence establishing an association between NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) and COVID-19 deterioration.

Q: Is convalescent plasma therapy effective in treating COVID-19?
A: Spectrum Health is Michigan’s first healthcare system to offer convalescent plasma therapy as a treatment option for COVID-19. The FDA has authorized emergency use of this treatment for COVID-19. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and who meet the criteria can donate blood plasma that is transfused to critically ill patients to boost their immune system. A small nationwide controlled study coordinated by the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project suggests that convalescent plasma improves outcomes in patients with COVID-19 virus.

Q: What is COVID-19’s outpatient treatment?
A: There is no specific cure at this time, so the focus is usually on the care provided for respiratory disorders. Individuals with confirmed cases of COVID-19 should be isolated from others, closely monitored for symptoms, and followed up with a doctor, go to the emergency department, or if the symptoms are life-threatening 9-1- Call 1

Q: Can I get COVID-19 twice? How long will the antibodies appear on the COVID-19 antibody test?
A: The presence of the antibody indicates that it may be infected or exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. How long an antibody remains in someone’s system varies from person to person. Studies on antibodies and immunity to COVID-19 are ongoing. According to the CDC, reinfection is unlikely within 90 days, but the potential immunity beyond that period is unknown.

Q: Why does COVID-19 have two different nasal swab type tests? Which is more accurate?
A: There are two nasal swab tests, and some countries use saliva tests. Traditional long cotton swabs require more training and more personal protective equipment (PPE) and are more uncomfortable. We continue this test for patients with symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. We, as in most of the countries, are much easier to perform, much more comfortable for patients, and have less PPE if they have unclear or vague symptoms. I moved to a small swab in front of my nose. The difference in accuracy is negligible. We are currently evaluating the widespread use of nasal swabs and the recently approved new saliva test.

Q: Is the COVID-19 virus weakening and reducing the number of causes of death?
A: Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 mortality rates are very low from the beginning of inpatients compared to national data. Overall mortality has also declined as more tests have been performed and more young people have tested positive in the population as a whole.

Q: Is the COVID-19 virus mutated?
A: There are many studies around the world on this. At this point, it is unclear whether clinically significant mutations have spread.

Spectrum Health offers virtual COVID-19 screening for those with symptoms. Any Michigan resident can screen and schedule their own COVID-19 test. Spectrum Health My Chart.. You do not need to be a Spectrum Health patient to use this service. Call 911 if you have serious or life-threatening symptoms.

For more information on COVID-19, spectrumhealth.org/covid19..

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