In order to win the battle against Coronavirus, we have tobe afraid, respect the enemy and protect oneself and others. Professor andHead, Department of Chest Medicine at SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina, DrJavaid Malik told the Greater Kashmir on Monday. SKIMS Bemina has been declaredas a Covid Designated Hospital by the government and presently 77 Covidpositive patients are admitted to the facility.
GK conducted an e-mail interview with Dr Malik on thesubject for the benefit of its readers. Here are the excerpts:
Q) How important is the lockdown?
A) I will like to begin with these words: In order to winthe battle against Coronavirus, be afraid, respect the unseen enemy, protectyourself, protect your team and then head to the battlefield.
It is crucially important to continue with the lockdown soas to flatten the epidemic curve and prevent our healthcare system from gettingoverwhelmed by influx of patients and thereby minimizing COVID 19 relateddeaths. It is the responsibility of every citizen to appreciate and support the government decision.
Q) Is persistent cough and fever only indication of COVID19 or people with other symptoms should also see a doctor?
A) Common symptoms of COVID19 are fever, cough and shortnessof breath. Rarely patient can have unusual symptoms related to gastrointestinaltract, heart, kidneys, etc.
Q) Is private testing available in Kashmir?
A) As of now no private lab in Kashmir is doing COVID19testing.
Q) Is there any vaccine or drug available against COVID 19?
A) No. There is no definitive drug or vaccine availableagainst Corona virus at present. However, there are drugs like HCQ andAzithromycin with limited evidence of efficacy against the virus being used inhospitals around the world including in our hospital.
Q) Can other patients needing to see a doctor approach government hospitals at present? Will they get required treatment?
A) Yes, patients who have emergencies not related to COVID19can visit hospitals except COVID designated hospitals which include SKIMSBemina.
Q) Is the COVID19 infected patient the only source of virus transmission?
A) No. This is the misconception among the masses that youneed to have infected patient to transmit the disease. In fact, a person may beinfected but may have no symptoms and can transmit the virus in the community.This underscores the importance of social distancing. In addition to directhuman source we can get the virus home through grocery, eatables, etc.collected from the market.
It has also been seen with the help of electronic microscopethat virus can be present on door knobs, handles, clothes etc. for hours whentouched by Covid infected person who may even be asymptomatic himself.Therefore the domestic visits of relatives, neighbors, friends etc. should beavoided as far as possible to prevent community spread.
Q) Is government sector in Kashmir capable of handling the situation?
A) Yes, government has provided everything to hospitals thatis needed to handle the crisis.
So far there is no shortage of medicines, masks, PPEs,sanitizers, etc. Whole medical team in government hospitals is working hard dayand night and have full support from government.
Q) If a person comes home after visiting any healthcare facility, what immediate precautions should he or she take?
A) Back home, following steps need to be taken:
Sanitise your hands, mobile, keys with alcohol basedsanitizer. Change your clothes and preferably take bath. These clothes eitherbe washed with soap immediately or not to be used for next 3 days.
Q)What are the complications of corona virus infection?
A) Corona virus infection in 80% of the patients is eitherasymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. But is severe in 15% and critical in 5% whousually require ventilator support. This virus causes respiratory failure ofvarying severity but can also cause heart and kidney related problems inaddition to drop in blood pressure. Secondary bacterial infections are alsosignificant issues in sick COVID patients. However it is important to mentionthat complications are more common in patients with co-morbidities likeDiabetes, Hypertension, heart and chronic lung diseases. Advanced age is also arisk factor for increased mortality.