COVID-19 pneumonia: Everything you wanted to know
You all know about the novel coronavirus pandemic. As per WHO, 80% of people with COVID-19 recover without needing any specialist treatment. Only about one in six-person develops severe symptoms like pneumonia and difficulty breathing. But, how does the virus develop into pneumonia, and what happens to our lungs and body afterward? Today let’s delve deep to know the answer.
How does coronavirus affect?
People who suffer from COVID-19 can be divided into four categories.
1st category: In this stage, people are infected with the virus but develop no symptoms. This is also called a subclinical or least severe stage. These patients can transmit the virus without even knowing.
2nd category: People who get coronavirus infection in the upper respiratory tract come under this category. They get a fever, cold, and mild symptoms like headaches and conjunctivitis.
3rd category: People of this category develop flu-like symptoms, and most likely need to be admitted to the best multispecialty hospital in Chennai. There is a large group of people who come under this category.
4th category: People who develop a severe illness like pneumonia fall under this category. Mostly elderly and people with a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, and lung problems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness.
Is COVID-19 pneumonia different?
COVID-19 pneumonia is different from common pneumonia. Most types of pneumonia are bacterial, and they respond to an antibiotic. But, pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is particularly severe. Coronavirus pneumonia affects both the lungs entirely, instead of just small parts. After lungs, if it involves the air sacs, then the body first tries and destroys the virus and limits its replication. But, this process can be impaired in people with underlying heart and lung conditions, diabetes, and the elderly
Who is at risk of developing pneumonia?
- People aged 65 and over
- People with prolonged medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, etc.
- People with a chronic disease affecting the lungs, heart, kidney or liver
- Smokers
- Infants aged 12 months and under
Can age factor cause death from pneumonia?
Elderly people aged 65 or over are at a higher risk of death from pneumonia. Your immune system naturally weakens with age. As a result, it becomes harder for your bodies to fight off infections and diseases.
COVID-19 pneumonia symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Heavy sweating
COVID-19 Pneumonia Prevention
If you lead to a high-risk group for COVID-19 pneumonia, these are the preventive measures for you recommended by the best multispecialty hospital in Chennai
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, or eyes.
- Stay home and avoid meeting sick people.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, keyboards, etc.
Takeaway
We don’t have any medicine to cure coronavirus, so never think that the pneumonia vaccine is useful. It protects against a kind of bacteria, not the coronavirus. If you’re older or have a weak immune system, consult your doctor.
