COVID

We are living through unprecedent times and Covid has impacted all aspects of our life. The situation is fluctuating very rapidly and fortunately our region of Gold coast has had a good run so far but situation can change rapidly if our guard is lowered at any point.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness and the lesser common symptoms are generalized aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Who is at highest risk of Covid?

In Australia, the people most at risk of catching the virus are:

• travellers who have recently been overseas or those is contact with a patient of Covid
• people in correctional and detention facilities
• people in group residential settings.

Risk of serious illness from COVID-19 is in people:

• age 70 years and older
• with certain chronic diseases like immune deficiencies, Diabetes etc

Do patients with existing lung disease have higher risk of Covid?

There is growing concern that patients with pre-existing lung problems may suffer from more severe illness. This may be because these patients may have increased risk of having superadded bacterial infections leading more severe disease and also at times the diagnosis of Covid is delayed as some of the symptoms of Covid may overlap with those of pre-existing lung problems. So, these patients need to be vigilant to pick up any change in symptoms.

Should I wear a mask if I have a pre-existing lung disease?

Masks have proved to an effective way of breaking the chain of transmission of Covid. Therefore, masks have been mandated in different regions at different times. They are absolutely safe to be worn by patients with respiratory ailments and they should endeavour to use them to protect themselves. In certain situations, like during ongoing exacerbations patient may find it hard to breathe through the masks and in those conditions should consult physician to seek exemption.

What is lung fibrosis after Covid?

Increasing number of patients worldwide who have survived COVID-19 continue to battle the symptoms of the illness, long after they have been clinically tested negative for the disease. They are called as long – haulers. They may have ongoing fatigue and body aches to severe forms requiring long term oxygen therapy due to lung fibrosis. Different treatment regimens are being tried to deal with this and most of the times these changes are slowly reversible.

Should I get Vaccinated for Covid?

Vaccines offer a great hope out of this crippling epidemic and is likely to be rolled out soon in Australia. These have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy across the world and have noted to be very safe with few people experiencing minor self-limiting side effects. Unless advised otherwise in certain conditions like immunodeficiencies these vaccines are safe for most patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

Stay vigilant, stay safe, follow the public health directives and hopefully good times shall return soon!