What is the key role of epidemiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A key role of epidemiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic is to estimate the burden of disease: the impact of a disease or other health outcome on a population. As scientists collect data from the COVID-19 studies, they are analyzing these data to estimate key outcomes, such as the number of infections, illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
What is the difference between epidemic and outbreak?
Epidemic refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area. Outbreak carries the same definition of epidemic, but is often used for a more limited geographic area.
What is a disease outbreak?
A disease outbreak is the occurrence of disease cases in excess of normal expectancy. The number of cases varies according to the disease-causing agent, and the size and type of previous and existing exposure to the agent. Disease outbreaks are usually caused by an infection, transmitted through person-to-person contact, animal-to-person contact, or from the environment or other media. Outbreaks may also occur following exposure to chemicals or to radioactive materials.
What does CDC stand for?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What are the CDC’s recommendations for coughing or sneezing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
When not wearing a mask, the CDC recommends covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and recommends using the inside of the elbow if no tissue is available. Proper hand hygiene after any cough or sneeze is encouraged.
How can I wash my hands to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease?
There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, before and after you eat or touch food and when you return home from being outside; if soap and water is not available, you should use a hand sanitiser, but this should not replace proper handwashing; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth avoiding any contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus. (They should be isolating if they show symptoms)
Does smoking increase the risk of serious COVID-19 disease?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2. People who smoke generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infection and of more severe symptoms once infected
When should you seek medical attention due to COVID-19 symptoms?
Get advice from NHS 111 or a GP if:• you’re feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless• you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around• you feel very weak, achy or tired• you’re shaking or shivering• you’ve lost your appetite• you’re unable to care for yourself – for example, tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult• you still feel unwell after 4 weeks – this may be long COVIDGo to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery.
Should you clean items after going shopping during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)?
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How long do I need to self isolate if you are a contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19?
If you have been informed that you are a contact of a person who has had a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 , you must stay at home and complete 10 full days isolation. Your isolation period includes the date of your last contact with them and the next ten full days.