Coronavirus disease 19

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Revision as of 12:45, March 24, 2020 by Loopy (talk | contribs) (→‎Symptoms: quote)
The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19.
Author: CDC

Coronavirus disease 19, commonly known as COVID-19, is the infectious respiratory illness caused by the novel (new) SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.[1][2] The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is an enveloped virus, which means it is easier to kill outside the body than non-enveloped viruses like Coxsackievirus, or Poliovirus.[3][4]

COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.[5] These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.[6]

Common Symptoms

  • fever
  • tiredness
  • dry cough[5] or shortness of breath[6]

Other Symptoms

  • aches and pains
  • nasal congestion
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • diarrhea[5]

Emergency Warning Signs*

  • trouble breathing
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • new confusion or inability to arouse
  • bluish lips or face[6]

*This list is not all inclusive. Consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Additionally, there are reports that patients have lost or have a reduced sense of smell or loss of taste, but are otherwise asymptomatic.[7]

The American Academy of Otolaryngology on Sunday posted information on its website[8] saying that mounting anecdotal evidence indicates that lost or reduced sense of smell and loss of taste are significant symptoms associated with Covid-19, and that they have been seen in patients who ultimately tested positive with no other symptoms.[7]

The symptoms, in the absence of allergies or sinusitis, should alert doctors to screen patients for the virus and “warrant serious consideration for self isolation and testing of these individuals,” the academy said.[7]

ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

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Risk of COVID-19 in patients with ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

There is a lack of evidence about ME/CFS patients developing COVID-19 illness; but a number of medical advisors have given their expert opinions on this.

ME/CFS includes immune symptoms including a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms, but patients are generally not considered to be immunosuppressed and immunosuppressant medications are unlikely to be used by most ME/CFS patients.[9][10]

  • Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen and other bruprofen drugs are anti-inflammatories commonly used for cold/flu symptoms and for ME/CFS. There have been some reports that ibuprofen taken for COVID-19 may prolong the illness and increase it's severity. Several countries including the UK and France now recommend that people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 avoid ibuprofen and use paracetamol / acetaminophen instead, although the evidence for this is relatively limited.[11][12][13] There is no suggestion that ibuprofen affects the risk of catching COVID-19.
  • Rituximab - The MS Society has stated that taking rituximab, which has been used in clinical trials for ME/CFS, may affect the risk of catching COVID-19.[14][15]
  • Ampiglen - Ampiglen or rintatolimod is sometimes used by ME/CFS patients, it is an antiviral immunostimulant rather than immunosuppressing drug, and is being tested for the treatment of COVID-19 illness in Japan.[16] There is no information about whether it may help prevent COVID-19 in ME/CFS patients.
  • The unproven autoimmune hypothesis states that a subtype of ME involves autoimmunity, which is an overactive immune system rather than a weakened immune response.[17]
Advice from the UK's ME Association

I have now reached the conclusion that people with pre-existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to lung complications (which may or may not be the case with ME/CFS – at this stage we just don’t know), or have a condition like ME/CFS where an infection such as this will almost certainly cause a relapse, or significant exacerbation of symptoms, need to be doing far more to protect themselves, and to socially distance themselves from other people, than official NHS guidance indicates.

In particular, for those who are not housebound, this applies to social mobility and what you can do (and cannot do) if you decide to leave your home.

Charles Shepherd, ME Association


Risk of death or serious complications[edit | edit source]

25% ME Group for Severe ME

Although ME is a "chronic condition" my gut feeling is that they are not actually at greater risk of dying from the virus itself than healthy people. The conditions which put people at extra risk would be things like severe asthma or COPD, or immunosuppressed people eg those on chemotherapy for cancer.

The biggest worry therefore for ME sufferers is that catching the virus will make their ME much worse, and of course people in the 25% group do not have much leeway.

It might even be that worsening of their already severe ME could be a bigger threat to life than the virus itself.[18]


Risk of developing ME/CFS after COVID-19[edit | edit source]

ME/CFS has been linked to many different viruses, but it is not known what the likelihood is of developing ME/CFS after COVID-19 illness.

ME/CFS charity medical advisors COVID-19 statements[edit | edit source]

Prevention[edit | edit source]

image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Image author: CDC


CDC advice[edit | edit source]

  • Know How it Spreads
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid close contact
  • Stay home if you're sick (may have the virus)
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Wear a face mask if you are sick (may have the virus)
  • Clean and disinfect

High touch surfaces: disinfect daily[edit | edit source]

High-touch surfaces: disinfect daily. Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones keyboards, remote controls, toilets, faucets, sinks, hard-backed chairs. Source: Coronavirus disease 19 Prevention - CDC, March 2020. Public domain image.


The CDC currently recommends people clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily:

  • tables
  • doorknobs
  • light switches
  • countertops
  • handles
  • desks
  • phones
  • keyboards
  • remote controls
  • toilets
  • faucets
  • sinks
  • hard-backed chairs[21][22]


To clean use:
  • Detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. [21]
To disinfect use:
  • Disinfectants used against SARS-CoV-2 (list)
  • Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work, or
  • Diluted household bleach (mix: 5 tablespoons bleach per gallon of water, OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water), or
  • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check the product is not past its expiration date. (Updated Mar 18, 2020)[21]
Check for updates:

Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases:
If possible the sick person should also clean:

  • soiled items and surfaces (as needed)
  • if a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person
  • provide personal cleaning and disinfectant supplies in ill person's room (unless unsafe, e.g. they are a young child) - include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants[21][22]

Disinfecting your home if someone is sick[edit | edit source]

Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases:

If possible the sick person should also clean:

  • soiled items and surfaces (as needed)
  • if a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person
  • provide personal cleaning and disinfectant supplies in ill person's room (unless unsafe, e.g. they are a young child) - include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants[21][22][23]
  • Disinfecting your home if someone is sick - CDC
  • COVID-19 pneumonia[edit | edit source]

    Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) is the name for the type of pneumonia caused by COVID-19.[24] A clinical trial is in progress to determine if intravenous vitamin C is an effective treatment for SARI.[24]

    Myth, Hoaxes, Scams and Fake News[edit | edit source]

    Many myths, hoaxes and fake news have been spreading, particularly on social media, some of which claim to be from doctors or health professionals.[25][26] Scam include seeking fake cures or ineffective protective equipment like masks, scammers pretending to be from the World Health Organization asking for donations, or a stranger asking for money on behalf of a relative's medical bills.[27][28]

    Posters for those self-isolating to avoid infection[edit | edit source]

    Mental health[edit | edit source]

    Anxiety around COVID-19 illness may cause anxiety or affect mental health.

    News articles[edit | edit source]

    Learn more[edit | edit source]

    See also[edit | edit source]

    References[edit | edit source]

    1. 1.0 1.1 World Health Organization. "Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)". www.who.int. Retrieved March 16, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (February 27, 2020). "Human Coronavirus Types | CDC". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved March 16, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    3. US Environmental Protection Agency (January 29, 2020). "Coronavirus Cases Trigger EPA Rapid Response". US EPA. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    4. Firquet, Swan; Beaujard, Sophie; Lobert, Pierre-Emmanuel; Sané, Famara; Caloone, Delphine; Izard, Daniel; Hober, Didier (June 2015). "Survival of Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses on Inanimate Surfaces". Microbes and Environments. 30 (2): 140–144. doi:10.1264/jsme2.ME14145. ISSN 1342-6311. PMC 4462923. PMID 25843687.
    5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)". www.who.int. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
    6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 CDC (March 20, 2020). "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Symptoms". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
    7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Rabin, Roni Caryn (March 22, 2020). "Lost Sense of Smell May Be Peculiar Clue to Coronavirus Infection". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
    8. 125249 (March 15, 2020). "Coronavirus Disease 2019: Resources". American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Retrieved March 24, 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    9. Carruthers, Bruce M.; Jain, Anil Kumar; De Meirleir, Kenny L.; Peterson, Daniel L.; Klimas, Nancy G.; Lerner, A. Martin; Bested, Alison C.; Flor-Henry, Pierre; Joshi, Pradip; Powles, A C Peter; Sherkey, Jeffrey A.; van de Sande, Marjorie I. (2003), "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Working Case Definition, Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols" (PDF), Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 11 (2): 7-115, doi:10.1300/J092v11n01_02
    10. Carruthers, BM; van de Sande, MI; De Meirleir, KL; Klimas, NG; Broderick, G; Mitchell, T; Staines, D; Powles, ACP; Speight, N; Vallings, R; Bateman, L; Bell, DS; Carlo-Stella, N; Chia, J; Darragh, A; Gerken, A; Jo, D; Lewis, DP; Light, AR; Light, KC; Marshall-Gradisnik, S; McLaren-Howard, J; Mena, I; Miwa, K; Murovska, M; Stevens, SR (2012), Myalgic encephalomyelitis: Adult & Paediatric: International Consensus Primer for Medical Practitioners (PDF), ISBN 978-0-9739335-3-6
    11. 11.0 11.1 Shepherd, Charles (March 16, 2020). "ME Association Guidance: Coronavirus and ME/CFS by Dr Charles Shepherd | 16 March 2020". ME Association. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    12. Day, Michael (March 17, 2020). "Covid-19: ibuprofen should not be used for managing symptoms, say doctors and scientists". BMJ. 368. doi:10.1136/bmj.m1086. ISSN 1756-1833. PMID 32184201.
    13. National Health Service (February 28, 2020). "Stay at home advice - Coronavirus (COVID-19)". nhs.uk. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    14. MS Society. "COVID-19 coronavirus and MS". www.mssociety.org.uk. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    15. Renal Association (March 17, 2020). "Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its associated illness (COVID-19) | Information and Guidance for Children on Haemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Immune suppression (including Renal Transplants)" (PDF). renal.org. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    16. "Rintatolimod - AIM ImmunoTech - AdisInsight". adisinsight.springer.com. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
    17. Open Medicine Foundation (February 28, 2018). "OMF-funded research: T cells and molecular immunology". Open Medicine Foundation. Retrieved July 11, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    18. 18.0 18.1 Speight, Nigel (March 2020). "re Coronavirus and members of the 25% ME Group, Severe ME charity Types | Message from Dr Nigel Speight, Medical Advisor to 25% ME Group". 25megroup.org. William Weir.
    19. Shepherd, Charles (March 17, 2020). "Coronavirus Covid-19: Latest Government advice and what it means for people with ME/CFS | 17 March 2020". ME Association. Retrieved March 23, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    20. Speight, Nigel; Weir, William (March 2020). "re Coronavirus and members of the 25% ME Group, Severe ME charity | Message from Dr Willy Weir and Dr Nigel Speight, Medical Advisor to 25% ME Group | Update to the advice given on 29 February 2020". 25megroup.org. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
    21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 CDC (March 16, 2020). "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Prevention & Treatment". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 17, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 CDC (February 11, 2020). "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 18, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    23. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-your-home.html
    24. 24.0 24.1 "Vitamin C Infusion for the Treatment of Severe 2019-nCoV Infected Pneumonia - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov". clinicaltrials.gov. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
    25. World Health Organization. "Coronavirus 2019 | Myth busters". www.who.int. Retrieved March 17, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    26. "Here Are Some Of The Coronavirus Hoaxes That Spread In The First Few Weeks". BuzzFeed News. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
    27. FTC (March 6, 2020). "Coronavirus Scams: What the FTC is doing". Consumer Information. Retrieved March 17, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
    28. World Health Organization. "Communications | Cybersecurity". www.who.int. Retrieved March 17, 2020. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)