Coronavirus
What is the origin of the coronavirus name?
The virus is shaped like a crown, which is derived from the Latin word corona, meaning crown. When viewed under an electron microscope, the edge of the virus has a flat, rounded surface reminiscent of a king’s crown.
What is the infection route?
RNA virus, which causes respiratory and digestive infections in humans and animals.
It is known to be spread mainly through saliva or contact. (For example, it is spread through saliva droplets generated when coughing or sneezing. It is spread when you touch objects contaminated with coronavirus, and then touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.)
History of Coronavirus and Human?
- In 2003, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome): recorded a mortality rate of 9.6%, and many people died.
- In 2015, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome): spread from the Middle East to all over the world, resulting in many deaths with a mortality rate of about 36%.
- In 2019, COVID 19 (Co for Corona, Vi for Virus, D for Disease, 19 for 2019): The mortality rate varies from country to country and is changing according to statistics every week, but it is decreasing. However, it may increase again depending on the level of contact with people. (U.S. mortality rate: currently about 3.1%)
What is the incubation period?
2-14 days (average 4-7 days)
What are symptoms?
Fever or chills, malaise, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, phlegm, headache, hemoptysis, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of taste or smell, body aches, and fatigue.
How do they diagnose?
- Test for current infection: Using a gene amplification technique called PCR, the gene of the collected coronavirus is amplified, the gene sequence is checked, and the virus gene is identified. (By inserting a long cotton swab into the nose, nasal secretions are collected from the wall behind the nose. For free examination locations, see below.)
- Test for past infection: As an antibody test, you can simply do a blood test to find antibodies that show you have been infected with the coronavirus in the past.
If there is an antibody in your blood test, it means that I have been exposed to the coronavirus in the past, but my body overcame it and made the antibody. Antibodies made in this way usually provide a protective (immune) function to prevent recurrence of the disease. So, it is also used as a treatment for people who currently have coronavirus using antibodies from other people. If antibodies are present, they can help prevent re-infection with the virus. However, even with antibodies, it is not known how effective the protective function is and how long it lasts.
If there are no antibodies in your blood test, you might not be infected with the coronavirus in the past. However, since it takes 1-3 weeks after infection for antibodies to form, there is still a possibility of infection if you have been recently exposed to the virus. This means that you can still spread the virus to others.
Since it takes 1-3 weeks for antibodies to be produced in the body, this antibody test should not be used to diagnose the current coronavirus infection.
If you have been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus:
- You must self-quarantine for 14 days from the last contact date.
- If any infection symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing occur, you should immediately test for COVID19 infection.
- If possible, avoid contact with people at high risk.
What counts as close contact?
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Who are the people with increased risks?
- 65 years old or older
- Pregnant woman
- People with underlying diseases such as cancer, chronic lung diseases, organ transplants, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, or immune disease.
What is an important thing you should know, when returning to the U.S. after traveling abroad?
According to the CDC, most foreign countries are classified as corona risk level 3. Therefore, it is prohibited to go out or return to work for 14 days after returning to the U.S., and self-quarantine is recommended.
When leaving the United States, some airlines require a doctor’s certificate and a negative coronavirus test.
Prevention
- To date, there is no definitive vaccine approved by the FDA.
- Proper hand washing
a. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds
b. Wash your hands after going out, after bowel movements, before and after meals, before and after diaper change, and after blowing your nose or sneezing. - Always wear a mask.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect and ventilate the surrounding environment frequently.
- Always maintain social distancing.
Treatment
So far, there are no definitive COVID 19 treatments approved by the FDA. However, several drugs are in clinical testing.
- Antiviral drug: Remdesivir
- Steroids: Dexamethasone: This is one type of anti-inflammatory drug being studied to treat or prevent organ dysfunction and lung injury from inflammation. A recent study fount it reduced deaths by about 30% for people on ventilator.
- Immune-based therapy: Convalescent plasma is blood donated by people who have recovered from COVID 19. It is used to treat people who are ill with COVID 19 in the hospital.
- Antimalarial drugs: Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were authorized for emergency use by the FDA during the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the FDA withdrew the authorization when data analysis showed that the drugs are unlikely to be effective. They can also cause serious heart problems.
* It is not known if any of these will prove to be effective against COVID 19. It is critical to complete medical studies to determine whether any of these medications are effective against COVID 19. Do not try these medications without a prescription and your doctor’s approval, even if you have heard that they may have promise. These drugs can have serious side effects.
Free COVID 19 Testing Locations in Seattle:
City of Seattle at Aurora (North Seattle)
Make reservations online
12040 Aurora Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 684-2489
Available: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-5:30pm
Languages: Interpretation available
Chief Sealth High School (West Seattle)
Make reservations online
2801 SW Thistle St., Seattle, WA 98126
Phone: (206) 684-2489
Available, Mon-Sat, 9:30am-5:30pm
Languages: Interpretation available
Rainier Beach High School (South Seattle)
Make reservations online
8815 Seward Park Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: (206) 684-2489
Available, Mon, Wed., Thu-Sat, 9:30am-5:30pm
Languages: Interpretation available
City of Seattle at SODO (South Seattle)
Make reservations online
3820 6th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: (206) 684-2489
Available, Mon-Sat, 9:30am-5:30pm
Languages: Interpretation available
Downtown Public Health Center
2124 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 (behind building)
Phone: (206) 477-8300; No appointment necessary
Languages: Interpretation available
International Community Health Services
Make reservations online
720 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Available: Fridays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone: (206) 788-3700
Languages: Interpretation available
Neighborcare Health at Meridian (North Seattle)
10521 Meridian Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133
Call for appointment: (206) 296-4990
Languages: Amharic, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese; interpretation available
Sea Mar Community Health Centers at South Park
8720 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: (206) 762-3730
Languages: Spanish, Interpretation available
UW Mobile Clinic at South Seattle College
6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Phone: (206) 744-0400
(Open Fridays.,7am-1pm, no appointment necessary)
Languages: Interpretation available
For other cities: Please check the following website:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/care/testing/locations.aspx
Yoon Park, MD
Family Medicine
Edmonds Medical Clinic
