By Angula ’Bishop’ Reuben (Microbiologist)

Pandemic is managed in three stages
Step 1: is to CONTAIN
Step 2: is to DELEY
Step 3: is to MITIGATE

STAGE 1: CONTAINMENT
Containment here means trying to reduce or minimize the number of people that are going to be infected with the outbreak.

That can be done through:
i. CONTACT TRACING: example, if Mr. A is confirmed positive, this method will help in finding out where, when and who gets in contact with Mr. A and who gets sick or shows symptoms because of Mr. A.

ii. TESTING: If you come in contact with a suspected case or a confirmed case then you should get tested. Lots and lots of testing will help to contain the outbreak within a short period of time.

Extensive contact tracing and continuous testing can help to isolate, quarantine and support to heal without others becoming infected.

Examples of countries that have done exceptionally well at this stage are South Korea, China, Malaysia, Nigeria, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Examples of countries that have failed woefully at this stage include Italy, USA, France and UK.

STAGE 2: DELAY
Slowing down the outbreak is key. This is where “flattening of the curve” comes in. This simply means the idea of slowing down the spread of the virus so that fewer people are infected until a vaccine is discovered.

We can delay the COVID-19 through:
i. SOCIAL DISTANCING: People should stay away from each other at least 6 feet without handshaking, hugging, kissing or sex.

ii. REDUCED GATHERING: No gathering of more than one should be allowed. Not that people will not get infected but this is done to reduce the number of cases until a vaccine is discovered.

iii. SELF-ISOLATION: this means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. This is done to stop the outbreak from spreading especially when you show symptoms.

The more we practice self-isolation, reduced gathering and social distancing, the longer it will take for more people to get infected.

STAGE 3: MITIGATION
This is where to start managing people who have become sick or infected. Here we will find out the ways in which the disease can be managed.

STAGES/SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

There are three stages according to World Health Organization (WHO);

i. MILD CASES: 81% of the patients belong to this group.

They show symptoms like
fever 98%
Dry cough 78%
Tiredness
Some have aches and pains
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Sore throat or diarrhea

Medical facilities or resources are really not needed at the mild stage other than you calling your doctor to report and discuss symptoms.

But please note that these symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.

Most of these people here can be managed by isolation, containment or quarantine while your doctor treat and take care of the symptoms (E.g prescribe drugs for the fever and cough. Take Vitamins C & D supplements, drink a lot of water and eat healthy).

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS;
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

ii. SERIOUS/SEVERE CASES: 14% of the patients belong to this group.

These are the people that develop shortness of breath.

This is serious because shortness of breath here means there is a damage going on in the respiratory system and this is an indication that the disease is progressing. It is also an indication that the patient needs serious medical attention otherwise there would be damage to your system and this may be life threatening.

Please remember that shortness of breath can also occur as a result of anxiety, panic and fear because we are breathing fast and washing out more carbon dioxide than we are taking in. It has many other reasons but in this period of COVID-19, please consult your doctor once you experience shortness of breath.

According to WHO, “around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.”

PEOPLE WHO ARE AT HIGHER RISK
Older people, immunocompromised patients and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

iii. CRITICAL CASES: 5% of the patients belong to this group.

They are going to need;
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome management facilities,
Multiple Organ Failure management facilities,
and Septic Shock management facilities

This is where many countries including Nigeria are having challenges. The truth is; no country in the world was prepared for this outbreak, it came as a surprise.

The patients with critical cases need to be on full admission in the Intensive Care Unit for either non invasive ventilation, resuscitation or invasive mechanical ventilation depending on the severity of the case.

#StaySafe #AvoidPanic #WashYourHandsRegularly

Source: https://www.facebook.com/100000281130481/posts/3275647085787964/?d=n