It is essential for people with COVID-19 or their caregivers, family members, and friends to report any symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, fever, fatigue) to the local health authority. Reporting early signs will help in getting a fast diagnosis. Also, allow healthcare professionals to check and control the spread of this disease.
Investigations of COVID-19 cases and clusters should take into account the following principles:
1. Rapid Case Identification
Rapid case detection and notification are essential aspects of a COVID-19 investigation. To contain outbreaks, public health officials must identify patients, notify, quarantine them, and treat affected individuals whenever possible. After symptoms start, this should happen within 48 hours.
2. Contact Tracing
The principle of contact tracing is to identify, assess and check people who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 disease. It includes persons within 1 meter of the patient and those with direct contact with secretions or feces. (E.g., coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea).
Contact tracing is essential because it is a vital part of preventing the further spread of COVID-19 disease across the country. Through tracing your contacts, you can also reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Co-operate with a Department of Health investigator if they contact you so they can keep track of people in contact with those with COVID-19.
3. Proactive Case Finding and Source Control
Investigation of a COVID-19 case begins with identifying the patient: their family, close contacts, and anyone who might have come into contact with them. Proactive case finding refers to this process.
It is possible to find out more about a patient by following up with people who have been in contact with them. Screening high-risk individuals (e.g., those who work in healthcare or live with someone with COVID-19) or at-risk individuals. Residents of areas where outbreaks occur (e.g., those living in an outbreak area).
It is essential to inform close contacts of a person with COVID-19 right away. Additionally, they should receive antiviral prophylaxis to prevent infection symptoms. After testing for COVID-19 and coming out of quarantine, they will have to stay away from other people.
The next step is source control: Ensuring any items that could spread the virus—including clothing, linens, leftover food, or drink containers. Dispose of them, so no one else comes into contact with them.
4. Follow-Up of Contacts
The follow-up of contacts of cases is crucial to investigating individual cases and clusters. It allows the investigator to identify new issues. Also, determine their epidemiological links with the original case. They are assessing whether contacts are receiving treatment.
Follow up with the contact twice a day for 21 days after the last report of symptoms onset in the index case if the connection is from the same household
5. Isolation, Quarantine, and Self-Isolation
The United States Government commits to protecting the American people from COVID-19. Through implementing strategies that prevent the spread of the disease. These strategies include isolation, quarantine, and self-isolation.
Isolation means separating infected people from others after they are no longer infectious. Quarantine means separating suspected cases from other people in the community. Until they provide a diagnosis for COVID-19 symptoms or their risk of infection subsides. Self-isolation refers to when individuals with possible exposure to the virus, isolate themselves to avoid spreading it to others.
When implemented, isolation, quarantine, and self-isolation are practical tools for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in individuals and clusters of cases.
6. Rapid Laboratory Testing of Suspected Cases
A rapid laboratory test can help reduce the time between the onset of a disease and its diagnosis. Here are some recommendations:
- Untrained personnel can perform rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) on-site, such as in clinic settings.
- Infection with CVID-19 can be detected at the point of care by point-of-care testing (POCT).
7. Supporting People Affected by COVID-19
It’s important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic impacts millions of people. However, though each case is unique, some principles can help to support everyone affected by the disease.
First, it’s essential to recognize that no one is immune from COVID-19. It’s not a matter of being lucky or unlucky. It could happen to anyone. Having a friend or family member with this disease makes it essential for you to take precautions in case of your infection.
Second, if you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical care right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances are of beating this disease before it takes over your body in its entirety.
By talking about their experience, people diagnosed with COVID-19 can learn from their experiences and avoid making the same mistakes they did during their illness period. Knowing what to expect will help others feel less alone during this challenging time in the country’s history.
8. Communication With the Public
Communication with the public is essential to any public health response, and the COVID-19 answer is no exception. The CDC will take a proactive approach to communicating with the public. The development of an open, transparent system allows the public to submit questions or concerns about COVID-19. Yet seek information about their own risk for infection or exposure.
To maintain a high level of transparency, all communications from CDC must be accurate, on time, and complete. The CDC will also provide a mechanism for individuals to report errors or omissions in communications materials.
Protect Your Family From COVID-19
The symptoms of Covid-19 disease are straightforward and can be like many other ailments. If you, a loved one, or a member of your family suffers from one of these conditions. The moment you suspect that you are susceptible to Covid-19, consult your physician immediately.