COVID-19 Video Series

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Thank you for choosing to listen to Allergy & Asthma Network’s Patient Learning Pathway programs.  Today’s program is COVID 101, a guide to learning more about the novel coronavirus.

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COVID-19 is a virus that, until 2019, had not been identified before. 

The name of this new virus is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ‘D’ for disease and the 19 stands for 2019, the year the virus was identified.

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This virus is not the same as coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. The official name of the COVID-19 virus is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 are mild in some people and severe in others. The virus can be life-threatening for some people. Severe symptoms often occur in people who have a weakened immune system.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, sore throat and fatigue.

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Additional symptoms include congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and loss of taste or smell.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 usually show up in an infected person within 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms most commonly appear within 5 days.

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People with asthma are not believed to be at higher risk of getting sick with COVID-19. However, if a person with asthma does get COVID-19, they may be at higher risk of becoming very sick.

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COVID-19 affects your respiratory tract – including your nose, throat and lungs. It can cause a flare in your asthma symptoms. It could lead to pneumonia and other serious lung issues.

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COVID-19 is highly contagious. It primarily spreads through inhaling respiratory droplets in the air.

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It’s important to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you and your family are eligible to get a vaccination, it’s important to do so as soon as possible.

The vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing the virus, as well as preventing severe symptoms if you do get the virus.

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If you think you have COVID-19, the first thing you should do is stay home and stay away from other people as much as possible.  Call your doctor and discuss whether you need to be tested for COVID-19. You may get tested at your local pharmacy or ask to be tested by contacting a local health department.

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Most people whose COVID-19 symptoms are mild may just need to isolate at home until the virus has run its course. 

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If you are sick, there are some things you should be sure to do:

First, STAY HOME. If you have to go to the doctor or get a COVID-19 test, wear a face mask if you are around people outside of your home. You should stay separated as much as possible even from the people in your home.

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Cover your nose and mouth if you need to cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often – for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Don’t share household objects, especially silverware and cups.

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If you have any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately:

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Emergency signs include:

• difficulty breathing
• pain or pressure in your chest that just won’t go away
• feeling confused
• not feeling like you can wake up or stay awake
• a blue tint to your lips or face

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If you develop symptoms that suggest it’s an emergency – CALL 911.  Let the dispatcher who answers know that you have or think you have COVID-19. If you can, put on a face mask while you wait for medical help to arrive.

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There are treatments available if you get COVID-19: Medications that are available include an antiviral pill or an infusion.

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Other treatments that have been successful in treating COVID-19 are monoclonal antibodies.  This medication needs to be started within 10 days of the start of COVID symptoms and is given by IV infusion.

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Monoclonal antibodies can be given to people 12 years and older who are at high risk of severe COVID-19.  They must be given soon after exposure or if symptoms get worse.

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Be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options.

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COVID-19 prevention includes the 3 Ws: 

Wear a mask.

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Watch your distance – stay at least 6 feet apart from others and avoid large crowds.

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Wash your hands frequently.

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Remember, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is important – if you’re concerned about the vaccine, talk with your doctor.

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Thank you for joining us for COVID-19 101. Allergy & Asthma Network is working every day to end the needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions through outreach, education, advocacy and research.

Please join us for another patient learning pathway presentation as we partner with you to breathe better together.

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Thank you for joining us for Allergy & Asthma Network’s Patient Learning Pathway. 

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Today we’ll look at how to reduce your risk of becoming very sick with the COVID-19 virus.

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First, what is COVID-19? It’s a coronavirus that is part of a broad group of respiratory viruses. COVID-19 is a specific coronavirus that emerged in late 2019.

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There are many different kinds of coronaviruses. If you get a coronavirus, your symptoms may be mild like a common cold or it can cause severe symptoms in some people. The COVID-19 virus has spread globally and is considered a pandemic.

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COVID-19 is easily spread from person to person. Transmission can occur through close contact with an infected person.

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Transmission can happen when respiratory droplets are released into the air. This can occur from an infected person’s cough or sneezes, or simply by talking.

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These droplets can land in mouths, noses or eyes of people who are nearby and cause infection.  Some recent studies have suggested COVID-19 may be spread by people who have no symptoms. COVID-19 can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

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How can you prevent the spread of COVID-19? 

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First, and most important: GET VACCINATED. Several vaccines are available. If you are eligible for a vaccine, it’s very important to get one as soon as possible.  COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from COVID-19, especially severe illness and death.

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Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccine booster shots are available for certain groups of people – contact your doctor with any questions about your eligibility for getting a vaccine booster shot.

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When trying to avoid becoming sick from a virus, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

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Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet) if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.

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Wear a mask when with others – especially in groups of people and where people may not be vaccinated.  Be sure the mask covers both your nose and your mouth.

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Practice the 3Ws – Wash your hands, Watch your distance, Wear a mask!

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Other prevention tips include: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available.

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Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose. Avoid sharing anything including cups, water bottles and eating utensils.

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Disinfect all frequently touched surfaces. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  If you don’t feel well, stay home from work or school.

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If you think you have COVID-19, ask your doctor if you should get tested.  Active COVID-19 infection can be identified through molecular or antigen tests that are typically collected with a nasal or throat swab, or saliva collected by spitting in a tube.

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For more information on testing, listen to our Patient Learning Pathways presentation on COVID-19 Testing and Treatments.

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If you do test positive for COVID-19, there are treatments available to help you.  There are antiviral pills and IV infusions that your doctor can prescribe for you.

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Another treatment is monoclonal antibodies – an IV infusion that can help you not get as  sick with COVID-19 and may keep you from needing to go to the hospital.  This treatment must be given within 10 days of the beginning of your COVID-19 symptoms.

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Monoclonal antibodies can be given to people 12 years and older who are at high risk of severe COVID-19.  Talk to your doctor as they can be given soon after exposure or if symptoms get worse. 

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Working together, we can help to stop the spread of this virus and reduce our own risk of getting very sick with COVID-19.

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Join us for another Patient Learning Pathways presentation. Allergy & Asthma Network is working every day to end the needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions through outreach, education, advocacy and research. 

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Thank you for listening to today’s Patient Learning Pathways program from Allergy & Asthma Network. 

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Today we’re going to look at testing and treatment for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that has caused the pandemic we are experiencing.

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Diagnostic tests can show if you have an active COVID-19 infection. If your test is positive, you will need to take steps to quarantine and isolate yourself from others. 

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Active COVID-19 infection can be identified through molecular or antigen tests that are typically collected with a nasal or throat swab, or saliva collected by spitting in a tube.

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Molecular tests, which include PCR testing, detect the virus’s genetic material. They are the most accurate tests for detecting the virus. The nasal swab or saliva tests can be done yourself and can be used whether you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not.

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Antigen tests, sometimes called rapid tests, look for specific protein on the surface of the virus.  These tests are done with a nasal swab. The results are usually available more quickly than other tests.

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Antibody tests can tell if you have had COVID-19 in the past. This test is performed by drawing blood through a finger stick. Antibody tests cannot tell if someone can get the virus again.

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When should you get a COVID-19 test?

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, even after vaccination
• If you have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated

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• If you took part in activities that put you at higher risk for COVID-19 because you could not socially distance as needed. This could be due to travel, attending large social gatherings, or attending events in crowded indoor settings
• If you have been asked or referred to get tested by your healthcare provider, or local or state health department

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Who does NOT need to be tested?

• People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms

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COVID-19 testing does not specifically test for virus variants, but the current tests are designed to check broadly for the virus. This includes the delta variant. 

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Treatments for COVID-19 should be prescribed by a healthcare provider who can decide on the best approach to take for your treatment.

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For mild COVID-19 cases: Take medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and drink water to stay hydrated. Be sure to get plenty of rest to help your body fight the virus.

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Some people who have COVID have severe symptoms that include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and bluish lips or face.

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If these symptoms are present, call 911 and get medical care immediately

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The good news is that there are medical treatments available for COVID-19.

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An important medical therapy includes monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are created in a laboratory. They can target a particular virus or infection such as COVID-19, just like the natural antibodies our immune system can develop.

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Monoclonal antibodies are given by IV to people diagnosed with COVID-19. This therapy uses COVID-19 antibodies to help a person’s body fight off the infection. Monoclonal antibodies can also be used for prevention for high risk patients who have been exposed to COVID-19.

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Who should get monoclonal antibodies?

• People ages 12 and older with symptoms less than 10 days who are athigh risk for developing severe COVID-19
• People with a positive COVID-19 test and have not yet been admitted to the hospital

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Talk to your doctor about monoclonal antibodies. Post-exposure preventive monoclonal antibodies are not a replacement for vaccination. We highly encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

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A new antiviral pill that can reduce symptoms and speed recovery from COVID-19 has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. This pill is for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

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Be sure to ask your doctor about what treatment might be right for you.

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Join us for another Patient Learning Pathways presentation. Allergy & Asthma Network is working every day to end the needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions through outreach, education, advocacy and research.