My Infection with Covid-19
Youssef L. Elkadragy
Project Engineer - Mechanical Design - MMaster - Material Handling & Automated Systems
Introduction:
·??????Sharing my experience with Covid-19 infection. Hope it helps in your protection and awareness about the virus.
·??????If you would like to get a quick overview, the brief will be enough. The rest of the talk will be more beneficial for better understanding.
·??????As a consideration for your time. Reading the brief with the introduction takes 5 minutes and the detailing will take about 17 minutes to read for average reader.
·??????I hoped if I knew this information before, what would facilitate the experience we had with the infectious. Though the talk could be long, it is going to help you or someone close in a tough time. For example, I have included the FDA warning about a medicine called “Ivermectin”, which is used in the medication protocol in some prescriptions. FDA received variable reports about infected patients who needed medical care includes clinical care after self-medication with Ivermectin intended for livestock [13].
·??????The sickness experience had a good impact on me and the family. It helped us to flash back our life, revise our selves, and release how does the time run so fast, and it increased our cling to God.
·??????The subject is for my personal experience. What is included of the scientific materials and studies, I had copied from the accredited sources in the end of the article.
Youssef L. Elkadragy
19 September 2021
Brief:
·??????The infection is transmitted fast. Whenever you felt the symptoms isolate yourself and be cautious to distribute the infectious to nearby ones.?If you knew you had infected with the virus, tell the people who were and are close. Sanitize the surfaces you touch if you had to go out for emergency like to make x-rays.
·????????Symptoms I had, increasing in the body temperature for 9 days. Tiredness in the body lasted 20 days. Cough lasted 25 days. Anosmia in day six from the beginning of the symptoms. It is much better now after a month, but still not normal. Some pre infected people advised that the smell sense took few months with them to be fully recovered [59], like the other comorbidities that the virus infection left in the body.
·??????According to CDC: Second, new data began to emerge that the Delta variant was more infectious and was leading to increased transmissibility when compared with other variants, even in some vaccinated individuals (Breakthrough infection). [36][37]
·??????Never mix vinger with bleach, as the combination will release dangerous fumes.
·??????Disinfectants that eliminate the virus and are available at home, such as (alcohol with a concentration of at least 60%, chlorine and Dettol). Vinegar is a cleaner, not a disinfectant, and does not kill the virus. [20:24]
·??????FACT: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from COVID-19. [24]
·??????Shortly Antigen is fast, easier and you can do it yourself at home but it is not sensitive like the PCR, which is "extremely sensitive," meaning "can detect very small amounts" of a pathogen in a given sample. [56]
·??????While the lungs are the primary target, this disease involves multiple other organs, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver. 7 Up to 11% of patients with COVID-19 have liver comorbidities and 14% to 53% show elevated transaminase levels (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) during the progression of the illness. [49]
·??????A healthy individual with normal lungs, will have an arterial oxygen saturation of 95% – 100%. According to WHO training manual on pulse oximetry. if the oxygen saturation is 94% or lower, the patient needs to be treated quickly. A saturation of less than 90% is a clinical emergency. [46]
·??????You should not use an oxygen concentrator at home unless it has been prescribed by a health care provider. Deciding to use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription can lead to serious health problems, such as oxygen toxicity caused by receiving too much oxygen. It can also lead to a delay in receiving treatment for serious conditions like COVID-19. [52]
·??????Pulse oximetry is used as an assessment tool to gauge the severity of COVID-19 infection and identify patients at risk of poor outcomes. The accuracy of integrated pulse oximetry in the Samsung 9 smartphone during stable arterial oxygen saturations (SaO2) between 70% and 100% was evaluated in 12 healthy subjects. There is a report of smartphone derived pulse oximetry measurements that meet full FDA/ISO accuracy certification requirements. Both Samsung S9 and S10 contain the same integrated pulse oximeter. [53]
·??????Take care of the medicine side effects and follow the doctor prescription. Even too much vitamin can cause anxiety and pain to the stomach, especially for the elderly who take many medicines. [55]
·??????Be careful of taking [X] Ivermectin [X]. FDA warns about using it to treat or prevent covid-19. However, the FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical attention, including hospitalization,?after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for livestock.[13]
·??????Accourding to CDC as September 14,2021 update. Ending Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19: [54]
Detailing:
First protection from the virus:
It is well known that the infections are widely spreading among us. We should be keen to make ourselves and nearby ones safe. Many of whom have called me in the last period had got infection or knowing nearby one who had.
·??????Disinfectants that eliminate the virus:
o??Alcohol at a concentration of at least 60%, according to the FDA [20].
o??Chlorine like in bleach according to the EPA, and detergents that kill viruses, such as Dettol. Use them to clean surfaces and clothes only (chlorine and detergents are “toxic” substances if they enter the mouth and are swallowed and are harmful to the skin and eyes) [21].
o??Vinegar does not eliminate the virus, it is a good cleaner, but not a good disinfectant, and vinegar has not been approved as a disinfectant by EPA [22].
o??This link is for the list of disinfectants (not detergents, we must differentiate) that eliminate corona according to the EPA, which is called List N Tool [23].
o??Disinfectants should be able to kill 99.9% of germs in a time of 5 to 10 minutes. These substances are considered disinfectants (chlorine, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium, and phenolic compounds) [24].
·??????The virus is transmitted very quickly. When you feel the symptoms of the infection isolate yourself and those close to you must take their precautions. If your test was positive tell the people who were in a direct contact with you. When I went out a few times for necessity like to make an x-ray, I was informing the people who came to talk to me from afar that I am infected. Wear your face mask, wash your hands before going out and sanitize the surfaces you touch if you need to go down for necessity. [43].
Secondly information about the virus:
-Rapid tests to identify the virus (Antigen) and PCR tests:
·??????The PCR and Antigen tests are the most common tests for determine the infection. Antigen result appears in about a quarter of an hour. It is used to diagnose respiratory pathogens such as influenza. FDA has granted emergency use authorization for the antigen tests that identify the coronavirus [1].
·??????The sensitivity of the Antigen test to determine infection. Based on a study that took place in Liverpool, England, they made the Antigen test in a plan called “Innova lateral flow test” according to the government’s plan to implement mass vaccinations in the country. "The goal was for workers to return to their offices and allow family rapprochement again," notes Prof. Deeks. But this plan backfired when they found that the sensitivity of the Antigen test was 79% when the study was done by laboratory scientists, and the sensitivity of the Antigen test was 49% on people who had no symptoms according to the study [4].
·??????PCR searches for a genetic material called RNA that guides the virus to make proteins (the proteins that are on the surface of the virus).
·??????In the PCR test, the sample must go to the lab and be heated and cooled with specialized devices to convert the RNA of the virus into DNA, and then millions of copies of the DNA are made that help to identify the virus. The process requires special equipment and time, but it almost gives extremely sensitive result to identify the infected people.
·??????The Antigen test includes types, such as the swab which enters the nose, after that the swab immersed in a solution, and then to put the solution on the tester that comes with the kit to show positive or negative in 15 minutes or less. There is a test by spitting the same way, but the spittle is what added to the solution instead of the swab. The solution releases the viral proteins, and the mixture of the swab or spit sample with the solution is placed on the tester, which contains an antibody that shows if the proteins associated with the virus are present or not (what if it is present, means the virus exists).
·??????Shortly Antigen is fast, easier and can do it yourself at home but not sensitive like the PCR, which is "extremely sensitive," meaning " can detect very small amounts" of a pathogen in a given sample. [56]
Delta variant [36][37]:
Vaccination for infected people:
She answered that you can take the vaccine once you've recovered from COVID. So, waiting for a few weeks is recommended. You should have no symptoms at all, and you should feel perfectly well when you take your vaccination. However, there are differences between countries. Some countries recommend that people wait for three months, or six months till after the infection. And this is because you have natural antibodies which will keep you protected for at least that long. And because there are shortages of vaccine supplies in many countries, they are requesting people who've had the infection to wait for three or six months. But from a scientific and a biological point of view, you can take the vaccine as soon as you've fully recovered from COVID.[38]
Thirdly symptoms I had:
·??????The first day: Dry cough and a feeling pain in the throat without having sore throat.
·??????Second day: Exhausting with any effort done.
·??????Third day: Alternation in the body temperature, reaches 39,2’ and alternate to lower. Temperature increasing last six days after the third day till reached the normal body temperature again 37’.
·??????Fourth day:
o??Having three Antigen tests that was all positive. Then started taking the medication protocol (I will write the medication protocol I had according to the doctor we consulted, I will mention the active the substance or the vitamin obtained from the medication, the doses and the type of the medication should be prescribed by the doctor)
o??Afternoon, begun to have painful sore throat lasted for 5 days.
·??????Day five: Cough increased, and I started to take the medication protocol, which is explained more below in a separated part of the “medication protocol” [lactoferrin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Zinc, Azithromycin, Paracetamol].
·??????Day Sixth: Anosmia by a large percentage. I was not able to smell anything other than it was very close to the nose and have a strong scent. A slight loss of the sense of taste (some people lose it badly to tase sugar like salt without any savor).
·??????Day seven: I had the lab tests that shows the virus effect. (It is illustrated below in a separated part)
·??????The next week after beginning to feel the symptoms: the body exhausting was in the peak and was sleeping a lot. Sometimes had headache, nervosity, anxiety and bad psychological state.
·??????Shortly the body temperature increasing period was 9 days. The tiredness in the body lasted 20 days. The cough lasted 25 days. The smell is much better now after a month from when the symptoms appeared, but still not normal. Some pre infected people advised that the smell sense took few months with them to fully recover as the other comorbidities that the virus left in the body. [59][60]
Fourthly treating the sickness:
- While the lungs are the primary target, this disease involves multiple other organs, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver. [49]
·??????A healthy individual with normal lungs, will have an arterial oxygen saturation of 95% – 100%.. if the oxygen saturation is 94% or lower, the patient needs to be treated quickly. A saturation of less than 90% is a clinical emergency. [46].
·??????Use pulse oximeters frequently to track the arterial oxygen saturation. To get the best reading instructions when using a pulse oximeter at home are discribed in the reference number [52].
·??????Be familiar with other signs of low oxygen levels: [52]
·??????Take care of the medicine side effects and follow the doctor prescription. Even too much vitamin can cause anxiety and pain to the stomach, especially for the elderly who take many medicines. [55]
o??Vitamin D is safe at daily intakes up to 100 mcg (4,000 IU) for adults. Higher intakes can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. Extremely high doses can cause kidney failure, damaged blood vessels and heart valves, heart rhythm problems, and death. .
o??Zinc is safe at daily intakes up to 40 mg for adults. Higher intakes can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. High intakes of zinc over a long time can cause decreased immune function and low blood levels of copper.
o??You need resting, sleeping and nutrition when you are infected. Taking many vitamins or medicine than necessary can get you side effects. It is preferable to follow your doctor prescription.
Medical tests:
While the lungs are the primary target, this disease involves multiple other organs, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver. Up to 11% of patients with COVID-19 have liver comorbidities and 14% to 53% show elevated transaminase levels (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) during the progression of the illness.
·??????CT scan of the chest to show the effect of the virus on the lungs. Should be made for necessity that the doctor determines due the radiation side effects: [45]
o??Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.
o??It's thought exposure to radiation?during CT scans could slightly increase your chances of developing?cancer many years later, although this risk is thought to be very small (less than 1 in 2,000).
·??????The upcoming part summarized in the medical tests set that helps to show the infection effect. The illustration of every test is explained below for those who want to know more. But you do not have to read it all, and the references are at the end of the topic for those who want to know more.
·??????The Medical tests set: [CBC- Ferritin - D-Dimer - CRP - AST - ALT]:
o??D-Dimer analysis to show the effect of the virus on the body in the presence of clots [32].
o??Ferritin is the protein in the body that contains iron and helps to know the percentage of iron in the body. Its usefulness in relation to the virus; Studies have shown that people with severe corona injuries have a high rate of ferritin level [33] [34] (corona injuries may be mild or moderate or severe, and what is important is the speed and method of dealing with all of them, such as constantly measuring the percentage of oxygen in the blood and using an oxygen respirator if the percentage reached or decreased to 94% according to WHO [46]).
o??The CRP test is a diagnostic test to identify the percentage of infections in the body, which is useful in knowing the extent of the virus’s effect by measuring the proportion of C-reactive protein in the blood. There are studies found that people with corona have a high CRP rate of 20~50 mg/L] 35].
o??Blood picture analysis CBC, according to the study published in the NIH, which included 51 patients in the ICU intensive care unit, 39 patients outside the ICU, and 30 negative cases of COVID-19 patients in intensive care [47]. It concluded that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 should have daily CBC screening with a manual WBC differential for observations that predict poor outcomes and disease recurrence factors.
o??White blood cells (WBCs), which are the cells of the immune system associated with protecting the body from infection and foreign attacking bodies. All white blood cells are produced and derived from multipotent cells in the bone marrow known as hematopoietic stem cells. [48]. Glory be to the One who created this integrated system in our creation “Indeed, we created humans in the best form” (Figs - verse 4). [6]
o??AST is used to detect cellular damage and is often used to help assess the condition of the liver and can provide insight into other health concerns as well. [50]
o??The purpose of the ALT test is to help assess the health of the liver. Damage to liver cells can cause ALT to leak into the blood, so ALT testing can help detect liver problems. [51]
o??Regarding the Serology antibody test, we talked about it and explained why it is not necessary.
Comfort, Nutrition and Environment:
·??????It is very important to sleep, rest and have proper nutrition to help your body fight against the virus.
·??????Nutrition:
o??I will try to elaborate on the proper nutrition in an addition or another topic, but this will take a lot of time now to detail useful foods such as honey, ginger, and lemon.
o??WHO states that some spices have properties that may be beneficial to health and recommends eating appropriate fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. [18]
o??According to the publication in Clinical Trials, natural honey has been proven to be a powerful antimicrobial in many research investigations and has been considered a good alternative to antiviral drugs for the treatment of some viral infections [25]. Glory to who said (And your Lord inspired to the bee, "Take for yourself among the mountains, houses [i.e., hives], and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.) (The Bee - verse 68 & 69).[57] [58]
·??????The environment of the place in the case of isolation at home: [24]
o??The first and important point is that the injured person to be in a separate room and there must be at least a distance of one meter between him and any other person.
o??Second, it is necessary to have good ventilation in the patient's room and any common areas. Which means new and fresh air flows as much as possible.?
o??Third, only one person is the caregiver for the infected person and the caregiver must have no underlying symptoms.
o??Fourth, at the time of providing care to the injured, medical masks must be worn, and the caregiver must wash his hands as soon as he leaves the room.
o??The patient must have his own things, such as plates, cups, towels, and bed linen. They are washed with soap and water at least once a day.
o??It is also important that any surfaces frequently touched by the patient are cleaned and disinfected every day and any waste generated by the patient must be safely packed.
o??There should be no visitors during the patient's illness. It is preferable for the injured person to be in contact with people by phone or by means of communication, which positively affects the mental and physical health during the recovery period from the disease.
·??????Final part “ending isolation”: [54]
·??????According to CDC as updated September 14, 2021, under the heading “Interim Guidance” (many things are still in the study phase as explained).
Finally, this subject is for my personal experience. What is included of the scientific materials and studies, I had copied from the accredited sources below.
Hope that article helps everyone to be safe,
Youssef L. Elkadragy
*??????Appreciations:
·??????NHS
National Health Service
https://www.nhs.uk/
·??????CMH
The Commission on Human Medicines
领英推荐
·??????NIH
National Institutes of Health
https://www.nih.gov/
·??????CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.nih.gov/
·??????NLM
National Library of Medicine
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
·??????NCBI
National Center for Biotechnology Information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
·??????FDA
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
https://www.fda.gov/
·??????WHO
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/
·??????EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
https://www.epa.gov/
·??????PAHO
Pan American Health Organization
·??????ISO
International Organization for Standardization
https://www.iso.org/home.html
·??????COVID-19
The Virus.
Corona.
·??????PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction
·??????RNA
Ribonucleic acid
·??????DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
·??????CBC
complete blood count
·??????HGB
Hemoglobin
·??????HCT
Hematocrit
·??????CRP
C-reactive protein
·??????AST
Aspartate transaminase
·??????ALT
Alanine transaminase
·??????ICU
intensive care unit
·??????WBC
White blood cells
*??????References:
[1]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html
[2]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html
[3]https://www.islamweb.net/ar/article/225385/%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87
[4]https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/pcr-antigen-and-antibody-five-things-know-about-coronavirus-tests
[5]https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-COVID-19-Antibody-Test-Authorized/dp/B08X67137P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21IWPXLPGZOY6&dchild=1&keywords=antigen+test+covid+19&qid=1631425154&sr=8-1
[7]https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-49/lactoferrin
[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7664603/
[9]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D [10]https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
[11]https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/supplements/vitamin-c/
[12]https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/supplements/zinc/
[13]https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19
[14]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azithromycin
[15]https://www.cdc.gov/patientsafety/features/be-antibiotics-aware.html
[16]https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-to-treat-symptoms-at-home/
[17]https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/commission-on-human-medicines
[18]https://www.who.int/southeastasia/outbreaks-and-emergencies/covid-19/What-can-we-do-to-keep-safe/fact-or-fiction
[19]https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04323345
[20]https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-hand-sanitizers-and-covid-19
[21]https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2020/06/08/does-chlorine-kill-coronavirus/
[22]https://www.healthline.com/health/is-vinegar-a-disinfectant#disinfectant-properties
[23]https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/disinfectants/
[24]https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-36---safe-care-at-home?gclid=CjwKCAjwp_GJBhBmEiwALWBQk9wLMAadfyD2ZJYPatko8zNfcHGdMJnxismm2xRCSMgJomVJP0JDdBoCTsEQAvD_BwE
[26]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html
[27]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8149/
[28]https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm
[29]https://portlandpress.com/bioscirep/article/40/8/BSR20200817/225914/Blood-routine-test-in-mild-and-common-2019
[30]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA
[31]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA
[32]https://labtestsonline.org/tests/d-dimer
[33]https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ferritin-test/about/pac-20384928#:~:text=A%20ferritin%20test%20helps%20your,result%2C%20you%20could%20be%20anemic.
[34]https://www.paho.org/journal/en/articles/ferritin-levels-and-covid-19#:~:text=In%20one%20study%20with%2020,291.13%20ng%2Fml%20%5BIQR%3A
[37] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/why-measure-effectiveness/breakthrough-cases.html
[38] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-50---do-i-still-need-the-vaccine-if-i-have-covid-19
[39] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutralizing_antibody
[46] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1715273
[47] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33269374/
[48]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_blood_cell#:~:text=White%20blood%20cells%20(WBCs)%2C,known%20as%20hematopoietic%20stem%20cells.
[49] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7771523/
[50] https://labtestsonline.org/tests/aspartate-aminotransferase-ast
[60] https://hms.harvard.edu/news/how-covid-19-causes-loss-smell
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Thrilled to see your dedication to exploring the depths of what it means to truly live. As Steve Jobs once said, your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work - And, indeed, the great work often starts with such reflections ?? Keep igniting those sparks of curiosity! ???
Auditor at USAID Office of Inspector General
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