COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus, as it has been frequently called, is actually a family of viruses including SARS-CoV (SARS) and MERS-CoV (MERS) along with SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome that causes a wide array of symptoms that range from influenza-like to neurological (see symptoms). Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness it is most commonly spread through the respiratory droplets emitted by individuals when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Less commonly it is spread through surfaces and aerosols. Regardless, it remains essential to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, maintain six feet between yourself and others that do not live in your house or apartment, and wear a face mask when in public to reduce viral load emissions.
Coronavirus, as it has been frequently called, is actually a family of viruses including SARS-CoV (SARS) and MERS-CoV (MERS) along with SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome that causes a wide array of symptoms that range from influenza-like to neurological (see symptoms). Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness it is most commonly spread through the respiratory droplets emitted by individuals when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Less commonly it is spread through surfaces and aerosols. Regardless, it remains essential to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, maintain six feet between yourself and others that do not live in your house or apartment, and wear a face mask when in public to reduce viral load emissions.
COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on the lifestyle of individuals around the
world. While SARS-CoV-2 itself does not target specific communities or races, the disproportionate allocation of medical resources has amounted to a rather discriminatory pandemic that impacts African American, Latinx, Indigenous, and other underserved medical communities most heavily.(2) Beyond the scope of individual lives the COVID-19 pandemic has created a stressful environment for medical device manufacturers due to a 7.5% increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).(3)
An epidemic is defined as “an outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many individuals at the same time.” A pandemic is a type of epidemic (one with greater range and coverage), an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the global population. COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic on March 11th, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), which now has had a significant global impact.(4)
The increased demand for respiratory medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for manufacturers to keep up. MicroBio consulting works with such manufacturers to ensure a quick, effective, and safe approval of medical device cleanrooms to meet the surge in demand for such resources. Our consultants are staying well versed in the guidelines and requirements set forth for ventilators, respirators, and PPE by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).(5)
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are as follows:
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are not feeling well the CDC suggests remaining at home and quarantined. Should symptoms worsen to the point of trouble breathing persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or sleep, and/or bluish lips or face seek medical attention immediately. Please keep in mind that if infected you can easily spread the virus to others while pre-symptomatic, symptomatic, and shortly after recovery. For this reason, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands often regardless of whether you are expressing these symptoms.
Vaccination Guidelines
The three FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 vaccination are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Both Pfizer and Monderna consist of a two-immunization series, while the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single immunization. According to CDC guidelines, most immunity is acquired 14 days after your second Pfizer or Moderna shot or your first, and only, Johnson and Johnson shot. After which time it is safe to be outside, in uncrowded areas, without a mask. Otherwise, if you will be indoors with a large group of people or in crowded outdoor space, a mask is still recommended. The CDC does not advise receiving multiple vaccinations (i.e., the immunization series from Pfizer and Moderna, or Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, etc.).
Sources Referenced
