Respiratory Diseases Resources & COVID-19

 There are many kinds of respiratory diseases which effect the effectiveness of the way an individual takes in and expels air. 

This is a link to a website where it explains the different types of respiratory diseases including Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Pneumonia, and many others:

https://www.webmd.com/lung/lung-diseases-overview



However, during this pandemic, COVID-19 has been a huge focus for many. The actual name of the current virus, is under the name SARS-CoV-2, which stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2. Since this is a new virus, this means that no one (unless you previously had it), has antibodies (the bodies defense system, which recognize and attack viruses and bacteria) against it, meaning that everyone who has not had it before is at risk of catching and spreading the virus. Exposure to the virus SARS-CoV-2, is what causes the disease known as COVID-19. COVID-19 is a severe respiratory illness, which means it affects the airways, lungs and blood vessels that help in breathing. COVID-19 can spread mainly through contact (from touching) and droplet (during exhalation e.g., breathing, speaking, singing, coughing, sneezing). These droplets can be taken in by the nose, mouth or eyes. It can spread by touch from exposure to contaminated surfaces.  Recent research shows that it can sometimes be spread through airborne transmission in special cases, such as in:

1.Enclosed spaces, within which a susceptible person can get it shortly after the infected person has left the room.

2.Prolonged exposure to respiratory particles, often due to expiratory exertion (e.g. shouting, singing, or exercising), that increase the concentration of suspended respiratory droplets in the air

3.Inadequate ventilation or air handling, which allows a buildup of suspended small respiratory droplets and particles. 

Symptoms of COVID-19:

Most common symptoms:

fever

dry cough

tiredness

Less common symptoms:

aches and pains

sore throat

diarrhea

conjunctivitis

headache

loss of taste or smell

a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

chest pain or pressure

loss of speech or movement


                                                                      Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 5). Scientific Brief: SARS-CoV-2 

and Potential Airborne Transmission. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-sars-cov-2.html        

Hoffman, M. (2020, April 8). Lung Diseases Overview. Web MD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/lung/breathing-diagnostic-tests.      

World Health Organization. (2020, October 12). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Retrieved 

From

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses