HomeLifestyleHealth & Fitness14 little-known things about covid-19 that will surprise you

14 little-known things about covid-19 that will surprise you

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In this pandemic year, we have learned many things. For example, it is more important to ventilate than clean, no one properly vaccinated has died from the infection, and loss of smell and taste are not only part of coronavirus. And there’s still more…

When we thought we have all the answers, it turned out that question is changed. Despite this difficulty in making short-term plans in these times, the truth is that every day we learn something new about this virus and the pandemic. 

Today, we are telling you 14 facts about covid-19 that may surprise you.

Clean less and ventilate more

The controversy is served after the journal ‘Nature’ analyzed the current recommendations and protocols to prevent infection. It appears that transmission of the virus through surfaces or hands is highly unlikely. As always in medicine, this cannot be guaranteed 100%, but the authors of this study show that we must focus on ventilation measures and not on disinfecting surfaces, as their impact is much less than was believed a few months ago.

No one well vaccinated has died of covid-19

According to Dr. Marcus, from Harvard University, no person has died from either COVID or the vaccine of the 75,000 patients who have participated in the trials of the 5 vaccines that have reached phase III. This data is fantastic. Also, keep in mind that when we talk about the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine, we consider failure when a person develops symptoms of any kind, even if they are mild. In covid, what worries are hospitalizations and deaths, and vaccines are proving to be extremely effective in this regard, in addition to being extremely safe.

Greater vulnerability to mental illness

People with schizophrenia are almost three times more likely to die from the coronavirus, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The most important factor associated with mortality from infection, the next independent factor (that is, it counts on its own), is having schizophrenia.

Gum health exacerbates covid-19

Gum health matters. Periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) multiplies the mortality of infection by 8.8. This is not new, as for years we have known that patients with poor oral hygiene have had a higher rate of cardiovascular mortality.

More deaths per day than per year from melanoma

In a single day, we have more cases of covid-19 than melanoma in a whole year and in just two days almost as many Americans die from covid-19 as from melanoma in a whole year. At this time, more than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed “daily” with infection by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, and around 3,000 people die “daily” from covid-19.

Good news

A few days ago we learned three good news:

  • The natural immunity after passing the illness lasts as at least 8 months and is active, but have lost the antibodies.
  • More vaccine adding to the list(including USA, UK, Russia, India and China, there are more than 7 vaccines) and has been shown to be safe and effective.
  • Vaccinated people do not spread as much, even if they suffer from the infection, according to information from Israel, the leading country in vaccinating its population.

More reaction with the second dose of the vaccine

The vaccine reaction is more common with the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The activation of cells of the immune system (lymphocytes) causes swelling at the upper part of the arm where the vaccine is injected and symptoms such as fever and fatigue appear. The second dose of the vaccines is important because it reminds the lymphocytes that the threat of the coronavirus cannot be taken lightly, and guarantees a more robust response for any subsequent contact.

The flu also alters smell and taste

The flu also causes loss of taste and smell. Before covid, the most common cause of anosmia (loss of smell) was the flu. Infection with the influenza virus (flu virus) causes anosmia at a lower rate than SARS-CoV-2, but sometimes the symptoms may be indistinguishable.

Pregnant women do not transmit covid to the fetus

Pregnant women do not infect the fetus during the third trimester and most likely not during the first two. In general, pregnancy and childbirth do not increase the risk of acquiring the coronavirus infection, but they do seem to slightly worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people of the same sex and age; however, the majority (> 90%) of infected patients recover without complications.

The ‘covid fingers’ do not appear to be from the infection

The cause of ‘covid fingers’ remains unknown. Last spring, the cases of these ‘chilblains’ on fingers and toes surprised all dermatologists by the grouping of cases and by being out of cold season (we usually see them in winter). However, today, we have no conclusions. Many of these cases appear in patients with negative PCR and no antibodies. Some pediatricians believe that the cases in children appeared from confinement. They defend that the lack of physical activity coupled with walking barefoot on the cold floor at home are the origin of the injuries and not the virus.

Covid alopecia is reversible

Many patients reported the cases of massive hair loss weeks after becoming infected. Today we know that hair loss is reversible, we call it ‘effluvium’ and it is similar to hair loss that occurs after childbirth. In addition, it appears more frequently in patients who have had a high fever during the infection.

Vaccinated without antibodies and positive PCR

Just as people who have suffered the disease can lose antibodies, vaccinated people can test negative for antibodies, although they have cellular immunity ready in case it is necessary to produce them if there is a contagion.

On the other hand, even if you are vaccinated, you can have a positive PCR. Could it be from the vaccine? No. If despite being vaccinated you have a positive PCR, the most likely thing is that you have the infection. The vaccine helps keep you from getting sick (> 90% effective), but it is not foolproof. And keep in mind that, with the first dose and up to a week after the second, you are not very protected.

Allergic and anticoagulated, they can be vaccinated

Patients who take blood thinners or have common allergies can get the vaccine. If you take anticoagulants (you may have a larger hematoma around the injection area) and if you have common allergies (only if you have previously had an allergy to any vaccine you should be very careful and notify it).

The solution is not to vaccinate only rich countries

According to a study published in ‘The Economist’, many countries will not be able to vaccinate 70% of their population until 2023. This data contrasts with countries like Canada, which has ordered 5 vaccines per inhabitant. This lack of global vision of the pandemic, that is, vaccinating only the inhabitants of developed countries, can have two serious consequences: the appearance of resistant strains in poor countries with low vaccination rates, and the second global economic impact of leaving certain countries in the hands of the pandemic. 

Therefore, many authors are insisting on the importance of providing vaccines in a more homogeneous way, not only ethical but also economic.

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