Masks are a remedy that we previously underestimated. But now they have become an integral part of our life, allowing us to maintain health. Tatyana Ruzhentsova, head of the clinical research department at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, told 360 about how masks help and how coronavirus differs from flu.
About medical masks
Unfortunately, in our country, unlike in Japan itself, people are not used to masks. But this is one of the main ways to create a barrier to the spread of coronavirus and reduce the number of new infections.
The mask should be worn immediately when leaving the house, because the source of infection can be encountered already in the stairwell. On the street, too, it is not always possible to maintain a distance of two meters, so you should not take it off, says Ruzhentsova.
The risk of infection is very high, because the coronavirus can remain indoors for several hours. So masks should not be removed in any case.
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Tatyana RuzhentsovaHead of Clinical Research, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Rospotrebnadzor.
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The mask usually lasts two to three hours, but if it becomes wet, it must be changed earlier. Both masks and respirators must be watched for instructions, because not all of them have a valve that impedes the spread of the virus.
How are the tests taken?
The main coronavirus test is a swab from the throat, from the tonsils, from the arches, from the back wall. The laboratory is already figuring out the genetic component of this virus using the polymerase chain reaction method.
Blood is taken as an additional analysis for antibodies. But, firstly, antibodies are not produced immediately, but only by the end of the first week of the disease. Secondly, not all patients develop them – this may be due to the characteristics of immunity, and with a small proportion of the virus. In addition, there may be a false positive result, that is, antibodies are detected due to the fact that a person has been ill with the usual, seasonal variant of coronavirus, is non-dangerous, or rheumatological pathology is present in the body. In general, even if antibodies are detected, this does not mean that the patient accurately had COVID-19.
Tests must be performed without fail for those who have been in contact with infected people who have already confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19. It is also recommended for all people over 65 years old with pneumonia or those who have discovered suspicious symptoms.
But first of all, you need to consult a doctor. Because just a high fever or loss of smell may not be associated with coronavirus infection.
How is coronavirus different from flu
Coronavirus belongs to the same acute respiratory infections as the flu. But flu to a greater extent affects the upper respiratory tract, trachea. And coronavirus affects the lungs and capillaries of the lungs. Therefore, the incubation period is longer, the disease lasts longer, and deterioration occurs sharply.
Coronavirus is dangerous just because the patient’s condition worsens very sharply when the virus transitions from the upper respiratory tract to the lower
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Tatyana RuzhentsovaHead of Clinical Research, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Rospotrebnadzor.
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In Russia, cases of re-infection have not been recorded, but in other countries they are. This may be due to the fact that the virus mutated and an infection with another strain of coronavirus occurred. It also happens that the immune response is insufficient and the body does not produce antibodies.
Those who have already confirmed COVID-19 should follow all the doctor’s instructions: in no case do not leave the house, and if necessary, refuse hospitalization. And, of course, you do not need to contact anyone in order not to become a source of the spread of this infection.
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