The number of infected people with the new COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus is still rising on a global scale. Despite all the information and reporting on the outbreak of Coronavirus, not many people know what the symptoms of Coronavirus are. Today we will go through the possible symptoms and what do you need to know if you get infected with Coronavirus in Slovenia.
In Slovenia, the first infection with the novel coronavirus was confirmed on 4 March 2020. An increase in testing helps us monitor the epidemiological situation in the country and, on the basis of the number of positive tests, measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the population are adopted and adjusted.
Latest news on COVID-19 situation in Slovenia
What is Coronavirus or COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly as we are seeing now on a global scale.
Coronavirus is manifested by malaise, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, cough, and in severe forms with shortness of breath. Exact data on the course of the disease is still being collected as it is a new virus.
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New coronavirus infections cannot be distinguished from other pathogens, including pneumonia, solely on the basis of the course of the disease and the patient’s problems. Laboratory microbiological testing is required to confirm or exclude new coronavirus infection. The coronavirus is found in the swab of the nasopharynx, in the throat swab, in the respiratory tract, and in other infections.
South African and UK coronavirus variant now in Slovenia
Minister of Health Janez Poklukar said that Slovenia has confirmed the first case of the South African coronavirus variant, detected in the Maribor area in a person who has returned from Africa. The Epidemiological Service traced all high-risk contacts and sent them into quarantine.
How does Coronavirus in Slovenia get transmitted?
The new coronavirus is transmitted by fluid drip to humans. This means that closer contact with the patient is required for transmission, the distance to the patient is 1.5 m. It is possible for new coronavirus to become infected by contact with contaminated surfaces, but it has not yet been reliably proven.
Although it is not proven that the new coronavirus is airborne (aerogenic), caution and protection in particularly risky interventions in a healthcare facility (eg, bronchoscopy where infectious aerosol is generated) are advised. Staying in the same room with the patient (if we are 1.5 m away) poses no risk.
It is unknown at this time whether transmitted via the sweat is possible. The Coronavirus is known to be transmitted by respiratory secretions, its nucleic acid has also been found in blood and stool, but it is unknown whether the virus is transmitted by non-respiratory body fluids.
It is currently unknown how long a virus can survive on surfaces. Other coronaviruses can survive on the surface for several hours to several days. Disinfectants can effectively destroy the virus and prevent the virus from spreading to humans.
Do you have the symptoms of Coronavirus in Slovenia?
In order to prevent the spread of new coronavirus in Slovenia, the instructions of the competent authorities must be strictly followed:
- If you notice any signs of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath, which is characteristic of pneumonia), STAY HOME, Avoid contact with other people.
- BY THE PHONE (LIST OF CONTACT NUMBERS HERE), consult your chosen personal physician. If this is not available, call your nearest ambulance for further instructions.
- The doctor will confirm or deny the infection. If your suspicion is justified, your doctor will give you instructions for self-isolation, unless he / she determines that your condition is critical, he / she will refer you to a health care facility (the so-called entry point for a swab).
- Drive to this healthcare facility by car and NOT by public transport (train, bus, taxi). Cough in handkerchief or sleeve. Wash hands with soap and water before leaving home. ENTRY POINTS can be found here.
- The doctor who will take your swab will evaluate where you wait for the test results, depending on your medical condition.
- Upon receipt of the result, your doctor will inform you of further action.
Who has to get tested for Coronavirus in Slovenia?
Testing for Coronavirus in Slovenia follows the next steps:
– people with acute respiratory infections in close contact with the confirmed COVID-19 case within 14 days before the onset of the disease, and
– people with fever and cough or wheezing who traveled or resided in areas where coronavirus occurs within 14 days before the onset of the disease
– patients with a severe acute respiratory infection requiring hospital treatment
The decision to perform a new Coronavirus infection test is taken by the attending physician on the basis of a case definition (available at the following link), which is changing and supplementing in the light of the changing epidemiological situation in the world.
Self-paid testing is not possible due to the allocation of available resources to persons who need testing.
Where to get tested for Coronavirus in Slovenia?
If you think you may have symptoms, first contact 112 (available 24 hours a day), where English-language operators are available to assess your condition and provide instruction on medical care. Testing is available for both foreign nationals and Slovenians. No appointment is required for the rapid antigen tests (RAT), and they are available throughout the country, including Ljubljana airport. For the PCR test, available at the Ljubljana Clinical Center, an appointment is required, but is usually available within a day. For foreign nationals, cost for RAT is 25-30 euro; cost for PCR is 93 euro. Results for both tests will be provided to you electronically within 24 hours.
Treatment of Coronavirus in Slovenia
In Slovenia, we have national guidelines for the clinical management of patients with COVID-19, which dictate that the treatment is symptomatic. This means that we alleviate the symptoms and signs of the disease. In the case of the most severe and life-threatening conditions, Slovenia has at its disposal all the measures currently recommended in the world.
So far, there is no cure for coronavirus. In case of infection, it is treated or treated. milder symptoms.
We hope you will stay healthy!
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Source: NIJZ
