COVID-19 is a new and potentially serious coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 epidemic as an international health emergency that poses an international problem.

There are many coronaviruses, ranging from the common cold to much more serious viruses such as Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). These are viruses that are transmitted from animals to humans. In severe cases, coronaviruses can cause lung infection (pneumonia), kidney failure, and even death. There is currently no COVID-19 vaccine.

Common signs are flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and muscle aches. Symptoms usually begin 3-7 days after exposure to the virus, but in some cases it took 14 days for symptoms to appear.

People of all ages can be infected. For many (more than 80% of cases), COVID-19 is mild, with minimal flu-like symptoms. Some have no symptoms or only very mild symptoms, a more common cold. Most people with viral illnesses did not need inpatient care. However, in approximately 15% of cases, COVID-19 was severe and in approximately 5% of cases it caused a critical illness. The vast majority of infected people to date (approximately 98%) have survived.

Corona guidelines 800 px. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma) are more vulnerable to being severely infected with the COVID-19 virus. When people with diabetes develop a viral infection, treatment may be more difficult due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and possibly the presence of complications of diabetes. There are two reasons for this. First, the immune system is compromised, making it difficult to fight the virus and likely lead to a longer recovery. Second, the virus can develop under conditions of elevated blood glucose.

Like any other respiratory illness, COVID-19 is spread by airborne droplets that disperse when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs. The virus can survive from a few hours to several days, depending on environmental conditions. It can be spread by close contact with an infected person or by contact with air droplets in the environment (for example, on the surface) and then by contact with the mouth and nose (hence the usual advice on hand hygiene and social distance).

What can diabetics and their loved ones do?

Precautions are needed for diabetics to prevent the virus if possible. Recommendations that are given to the general public are doubly important for people with diabetes and those in close contact with people with diabetes.

Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.

Try to avoid touching the face until you have washed and dried your hands.

Clean and disinfect any items and surfaces that are frequently touched.

Do not share food, glasses, towels, tools, etc.

When coughing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a towel or use an arm wrap if you do not have a towel on your hand (use a suitable cloth after use).

Try to avoid those who have symptoms of a respiratory illness such as coughing.

Think about it, you can make changes that will help protect you or your loved ones. For example, can you avoid unnecessary business travel? Can you avoid large gatherings? Can you avoid public transport?

If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home.

COVID PROSPECTS If you have diabetes:

Be prepared if you become ill.

Make sure you have all the relevant contact information if you need it.

Pay extra attention to glucose control. Regular monitoring can help you avoid complications caused by high or low blood glucose.

If you experience flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), it is important to consult a healthcare professional. If you have a cough, this may indicate an infection, so you should seek medical help and treatment immediately.

Any infection is going to raise glucose levels and the need for fluids, so make sure you have enough water.

Make sure you have the medication you need for diabetes. Think about what you will need if you have quarantine for a few weeks.

Make sure you have enough food.

Make sure you can correct the situation if your blood glucose drops suddenly.

If you live alone, make sure the person you can trust knows you have diabetes because you may need help if you are sick.

Keep a regular schedule, avoid overwork and sleep well.

Healthy eating is an essential component of managing diabetes. That is why it is important for people with diabetes to eat a varied and balanced diet to stabilize and strengthen blood glucose levels