COVID-19: What We Think We Know

Ryan, the training and operations officer in the Emergency Response Unit at International Medical Corps, introduces Dr. John Fogle and Dr. Kevin Blust as subject matter experts. Dr. Fogle specializes in emergency medicine, while Dr. Blust is a medical anthropologist. International Medical Corps' mission is to improve quality of life through health interventions, responding to emergencies and strengthening local health systems.

Dr. Fogle prefaces the talk by stating that the information surrounding COVID-19 is constantly changing. The focus will be on current knowledge, acknowledging the rapid pace of developments. The presentation is subject to updates due to the evolving nature of the virus.

COVID-19 is an RNA virus related to SARS and MERS-CoV. Corona means crown, referring to its physical structure. Unlike SARS and MERS, COVID-19 is more transmissible but less deadly, contributing to its pandemic status. SARS and MERS were contained more effectively.

Classic symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Less typical symptoms, such as loss of smell and taste, may precede classic symptoms. Patients may present with cardiac arrest or GI symptoms. Assume every patient is COVID-19 positive and wear appropriate PPE.

COVID-19 spreads through droplets and contact. Droplet transmission requires surgical masks (for both patient and healthcare worker). Airborne precautions (N95 mask, eye shield) are needed during aerosolization (e.g., intubation). Contact precautions involve frequent hand washing and glove use due to uncertain virus survival on surfaces.

Good hand hygiene means 20-40 seconds of thorough hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. This is crucial for preventing contact transmission of the virus.