Care of the COVID-19 Patient

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illnesses, like  a common cold.

SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) occured in 2002, and caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS virus disappeared in 2004.

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) appeared in 2012, and is caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2021).

The virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared in late 2019, and causes COVID-19 (WHO, 2021).

Genetic variations of a virus are common and expected. SARS-CoV2 will naturally develop mutations. There are a number of variants the Canadian government is monitoring. A variant is a concern when it affects:

• Disease spread
• Disease severity
• Tests used to detect the virus
• Vaccine and treatments (Government of Canada, 2021a)

Please review the following PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Lisa Barrett on COVID-19 variants. It contains significant information on how these variants are changing the course of this disease and, in turn, our ability to recognize and treat these viruses.

COVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others via respiratory droplets or aerosols that are created when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks.

The infectiousness of droplets varies; droplets may come in direct contact with the mucous membranes (person’s nose, mouth or eyes), or they may be inhaled via nose, mouth, airways and lungs.

SARS-CoV2 virus may also spread when a person touches a surface or object (fomite) that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Transmission may occur from individuals who do not have signs or symptoms of infection (pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic).

(Government of Canada, 2021b, 2021d)

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact (i.e. within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer) with a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of whether the patient has symptoms. Persons frequently in congregate settings (e.g. homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, college or university dormitories) are at increased risk of acquiring infection because of the increased likelihood of close contact. Those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission may also be at higher risk of infection.

All persons can reduce the risk to themselves and others by wearing a mask, practising physical distancing, washing their hands often, and following other Public health recommendations.

Vaccinations, following public health guidance, and following IPAC guidance are the best strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Government of Canada, 2021b).

Vaccinations

Several vaccines have been approved by Health Canada to prevent COVID-19. Read more information regarding Canadian vaccines (Government of Canada, 2021b).

Health care workers who have direct contact with patients who have COVID-19, or are under investigation for COVID-19, are being prioritized to receive a vaccination. Public health guidance and IPAC guidance continue once you are vaccinated; you implement these measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. Please note: vaccination does not negate the health care provider or public's responsibility to maintain all IPAC principles, and strict adherence to public health measures (masking, social and physical distancing, hand washing, etc.).

Public Health Guidance

How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Steps you can take to stay safe, help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect your community:

• Get vaccinated
• Watch for symptoms
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Wear a mask
• Protect people at higher risk
• Gather safely
• Visit and travel wisely
• Maintain healthy habits like hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette
• Keep your workplace safe

Monitoring for COVID-19

Health care workers must:

• Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 daily
• Not report to work if symptomatic
• Notify their manager regarding symptoms
• Follow occupational health guidance for testing