Case Study on Maternal- Infant Physiologic Problem Which Affects the

Health Status of The Family

INTRODUCTION

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses causing a range of illnesses, from the common cold to
more serious infections such as those caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus
(MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus can
also cause a variety of diseases in farm animals and domesticated pets. Last 31 December 2019, a
clustering of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China was reported to the WHO Country
Office. The outbreak was later determined to be caused by a new coronavirus strain that has not been
previously identified in humans. On February 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced
that the novel disease is officially called Coronavirus Disease 19 or COVID-19, and the virus infecting it is
referred to as COVID-19 virus caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person via droplets, contact, and fomites. It is transmitted
when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva containing the COVID-19 virus.
These droplets are then inhaled by another person. COVID-19 transmission usually occurs among close
contacts -- including family members and healthcare workers. Most people infected with the virus will
experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However,
some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying
medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more
likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any
age. It could be fatal, but this happens rarely. According to WHO, 82% of infected patients will have mild
presentations, 15% will have severe manifestations, and only 3% will be critical. As mentioned before, older
people, people with compromised immune systems, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, such
as diabetes and heart disease, are more prone to fall severely ill with the virus. Around 2% of people
infected with the disease have died. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well
informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by
staying at least 1 meter apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using
an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance. DOH advises
the public to practice protective measures. It is still the best way to protect oneself against COVID-19. It
affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and
recover without hospitalization. Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.   Always
call before visiting your doctor or health facility. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy
should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with
the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.