Coronavirus Disease COVID-19 - North Texas Allergy & Asthma Center

What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV .

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

The pandemic outbreak of respiratory disease is caused by a novel/new coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19).

What are the symptoms of someone infected with COVID-19?

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Respiratory symptoms
Breathing difficulties

Reported COVID-19 related illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, septic shock and death.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19, and no vaccine is currently available. The treatment is symptomatic, and oxygen therapy represents the major treatment intervention for patients with severe infection. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary in cases of respiratory failure refractory to oxygen therapy, whereas hemodynamic support and IV fluids is essential for managing septic shock.

Who is at risk?

For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. At this time, pregnant women and children are not considered at high risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are believed to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 and any close contacts of persons with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.

Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring are also at elevated risk of exposure, with increase in risk dependent on the location.

How is it spread?

The virus is though to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How can I protect myself and my family?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Take steps to protect yourself.

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about long enough to sing the ABC or Happy Birthday song), especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Protect others: cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Avoid all non-essential travel including air travel and especially cruise ships.

Stay home if you are sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get necessary medical care.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask).

Clean and disinfect

Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Other options include:

- Diluting your household bleach
  To make a bleach solution, mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.
  - Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

- Alcohol solutions
  Ensure solution has at least 60% alcohol.

Here is a summary of everyday preventative actions you can take:

Clean your hands often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about long enough to sing the ABC or Happy Birthday song), especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Avoid all non-essential travel including air travel and cruises.

What does this mean for patients with primary immune deficiency?

The following information has been reported by the Immune Deficiency Foundation. Please see links below for more information.

COVID-19 is a disease that clearly can be spread by person-to-person contact, e.g. cough, sneezing, etc. Thus, patients with immune deficiency are at risk. There is no data on how severe this respiratory virus can be in Primary Immune Deficiency (PI) patients but judging from the China experience this virus is very serious.

We do not know if there are protective specific antibodies in immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations (IVIG or SCIg). Therefore, we cannot depend on replacement Ig to protect PI patients. Thus, PI patients must be cautious and stay connected with health authorities in their geographic location (CDC or local health department) as to whether there have been any persons in their location with coronavirus infection. If possible, avoid gatherings in which people may be coughing. This time of year, there are many respiratory viruses circulating, so it may not be possible recognize individuals with COVID-19 based on symptoms alone.

While masks can catch bacteria and some virus-containing droplets, they are less effective in filtering out fine viral particles in the air. If you decide to wear a mask, it must be worn consistently and correctly. Face masks will not provide protection if they do not have a good fit over your mouth and nose. Additionally, face masks get soiled and need to be changed regularly. As always, frequent hand washing is a must.

Are Immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations (IVIG or SCIg) affected by COVID-19?

The following information has been reported by The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). Please see links below for more information.

The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) has issued a statement (February 17, 2020) stating that the virus, a lipid envelope virus, is not a concern for the safety of plasma protein therapies, including immunoglobulin (Ig), manufactured by PPTA member companies (this covers all U.S. suppliers).

According to PPTA, “based on strict screening procedures for plasma donors and the established processes of virus inactivation and removal during the manufacturing of plasma-derived products, PPTA concludes that the SARS-CoV-2 is not a concern for the safety margins of plasma protein therapies manufactured by PPTA member companies.”

Resources

The CDC Coronavirus page has guidelines for the community, prevention and travel

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Coronavirus FAQ

https://education.acaai.org/system/files/frequently_asked_questions_Coronavirus.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Best way to sneeze

https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/best-sneeze-22258478

Getting your household ready for coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fget-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

Daily updates on cases in the US and guidance

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html