These Three Populations are at Risk of COVID-19

Good Doctor – Until recently experts thought COVID-19 first spread to people from animals in China that had the virus. But later it can also spread from person to person, similar to the flu and there are populations at high risk of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan.  

People with COVID-19 can have symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Problems with breathing occur when the infection affects the lungs and causes pneumonia.  

Who can be exposed to COVID-19?

There are three populations or groups that are at high risk of suffering from this disease.

1. Children’s population

Children are particularly vulnerable due to the low immune system of this population. Until recently, infants, toddlers and children were known to be highly susceptible to influenza and pneumonia. But according to WHO, this population is still very unlikely to be at risk of COVID-19.  

2. Adult population

This population is vulnerable because they have a declining immune system. When immunity is low, the body cannot defend itself from all threats that can disrupt health including COVID-19.

Symptoms of a lowered immune system can be seen in lack of appetite, weakness, lack of energy, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms.

3. Parent population

The elderly population at risk of developing this disease are those with a history of certain diseases. Such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, chronic diseases affecting the lungs, and others.

Those with these criteria are also susceptible to COVID-19

In addition to the three populations above, here are some criteria for people at risk of COVID-19. 

• Have a history of travel to China or an infected country (according to disease progression) within 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.
• A health worker who becomes ill with symptoms such as Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) after treating a severe ARI patient with no known cause of illness, regardless of residence or travel history.
• Have a history of close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
  • Close contact includes: 

1. Health workers who examine, treat, escort and clean rooms in specialized care settings.
2. A person who cares for or waits on a patient in a room.
3. People who live in the same house as the patient.
4. Guests who are in the same room as the patient. 

• Work or visit a healthcare facility in contact with COVID-19 confirmed patients in China or the affected region/country.
• Have a history of contact with infectious animals (if infectious animals have been identified) in China or the affected region/country.
• Have a history of traveling to Wuhan and have (fever ≥38 degrees Celsius) or a history of fever.

Symptoms of someone suspected of being exposed to COVID-19

Most COVID-19 cases are in China. But it has spread rapidly, and there are cases in many other countries, including Indonesia. Most of this happens when people get the infection and then travel to other countries.  

Symptoms of COVID-19 usually start a few days after a person is infected with the virus. But in some people symptoms can appear even longer.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling tired
• Muscle pain

Some people may have no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. But for others, COVID-19 can cause serious problems such as pneumonia, which is a breathing disorder that leads to insufficient oxygen in the body or even death.  

This condition is more common in people who have other health problems.

While in people who have mild symptoms, treatment is enough to rest at home until it gets better. But in people with more severe symptoms, intensive care is needed in the hospital such as ICU admission. There is no specific treatment for this disease.

Efforts to prevent exposure to COVID-19

As the government has often campaigned, there are various efforts that can be made to prevent exposure to COVID-19.

1. Avoid traveling to certain countries where there are many cases of COVID-19. If you are living or traveling in one of these areas, try to stay away from people who have symptoms of infection.  
2. Protect yourself by washing your hands with soap and water frequently and wearing a mask. 
3. Avoid animals and markets that sell animal products.
4. Don’t eat raw meat, and don’t eat foods that may have come into contact with animals without washing, peeling or boiling them first.

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