Understanding COVID-19 Pandemic; pathophysiology, presentation and epidemiological & its implications
The session on Understanding COVID-19 Pandemic was held on 14th May 2020.
Speakers and Topics:
- Dr. Anant Mohan, Professor, Pulmonology, AIIMS New Delhi: Key features of COVID in Respiratory System: Treatments and Redflag for Hospitalization
- Role of Public Health Surveillance in Responding to COVID-19: Dr. Ankur Nair, Surveillance Medical Officer, NPSP, WHO
- Dr. Mathews Numpeli: Meet the Expert
Key Learning Points:
- Clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic , uncomplicated mild illness to moderate and severe pneumonia, to ARDS with septic shock.
- Mortality rate among those with severe disease requiring ventilation is very high.
- In India, COVID patients are 10 years younger (average) than those reported from other countries, but the reason for this is not known.
- The ICMR guidelines for testing should be followed,
- To discharge hospitalized patients, another set of testing protocol to be followed.
- Disease directed treatments are not yet proven, there may be some role for hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and convalescent plasma.
- There is currently no evidence regarding prophylactic use of hydroxychloroquine.
- Public health surveillance is critical to to limit spread of disease, enable economic and social activity to return to normal slowly and gradually.
- It is anticipated that there will be an increase of cases after lockdown. It is important to continue to follow hand hygiene and use of mask to reduce spread of infection.
- Health system surveillance: all hospitals are to report daily regarding number of new admissions due to SARI/pneumonia, number of positive cases, number of discharges/recovery, number of deaths.
- Community level surveillance is also done, with house to house surveying to assess travel history and symptoms.
The echo series is available below.
