b'INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDE| Infectious diseases are illnesses that arewas detected on December 31, 2019.spread person-to-person; they are causedSYMPTOMSCOVID-19 is still evolving. However, experts by pathogenic microorganisms, such asbelieve that not everyone who becomes infected with COVID-19 develops symptoms bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. or may only develop mild symptoms.According to the CDC, at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, ibu- weeks. However, hepatitis A can be severe andfew as two days or as long as 14 after expo-profen, and naproxen, can be used to keep thelast several months. sure. This is based on what has been seen fever at bay. previously as the incubation period of MERS Antibiotics may be prescribed if there isTREATMENT viruses.an additional bacterial infection present. ForThere is no specific treatment that heals theCommon exhibited symptoms include example, if pneumonia or an ear infectionliver of hepatitis A; in most cases, the liver isfever, cough, and shortness of breath.develops concurrently with measles, an anti- healed of damage within six months.biotic may be helpful. An antibiotic will not beTreatment is aimed at staying comfortableTREATMENThelpful in treating measles. and controlling symptoms. Rest is extremelyThere is no specific treatment for nCoV. Prevention of measles can prevent it fromimportant, as those with hepatitis A haveTreatment involves supportive care, such as occurring in the first place; vaccines givenless energy. Measures are also aimed at con- medications to reduce fever and relieve cough. between 12 to 15 months and again betweentrolling nausea. Nausea makes it difficult toProper care should be taken to rest and stay 4 and 6 years can prevent children from get- eat, which can worsen fatigue. It is often rec- hydrated, as well as to not infect others.ting measles. Adults may need a booster shot. ommended to consume small meals and eatAt this time, there is no vaccine; prevention high-calorie foods to ensure proper caloricis key in avoiding becoming ill. Avoiding con-HEPATITIS A intake is consumed. It is also important totact with those who are ill, washing hands or TRENDS stay hydrated. using hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching In 2017, there were 1,500 cases of hepatitis AAs hepatitis A impairs liver function, it isthe hands and mouth are all recommended.nin four states. However, in 2019, there wereimportant to avoid alcohol, which can harm upwards of 17,000 cases in 30 states. the liver. Certain medications can harm theRESOURCESThough hepatitis A is rarely fatal, thereliver, causing further damage. Before taking2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan,were 200 deaths in 2019; these deaths wereany medications, it is important to discussChina. (2020, January 26). Retrieved likely linked to damaged livers due to alcohol- with a healthcare provider. from Centers for Disease Control and ism or hepatitis C. Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/CORONAVIRUS coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/preven-SYMPTOMS TRENDS tion-treatment.htmlSymptoms typically do not develop until theCoronavirus sounds like a new illness, but Coronavirus. (n.d.). Retrieved from World virus has been in the body for several weeks.according to the World Health OrganizationHealth Organization website: https://Some people who carry the virus may never(WHO), coronaviruses (CoV) are a large fam- www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirusdevelop symptoms. ily of virusesthey can cause mild illnesses Hepatitis A. (2019, March 6). Retrieved Hepatitis A signs and symptoms include: to severe diseases. Examples of coronavirusesfrom https://www.mayoclinic.org/Fatigue include Middle East Respiratory Syndromediseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/Sudden nausea and vomiting (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratorysymptoms-causes/syc-20367007Intense itching Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Measles. (2019, May 24). Retrieved fromJaundice Coronaviruses are unique because they areMayo Clinic website: https://www.may-Joint pain zoonoticthey can be transmitted betweenoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/Abdominal pain, especially on the rightanimals and people. For example, SARS- symptoms-causes/syc-20374857upper quadrant CoV was thought to be transmitted cats toTough year for measles and other infec- Clay-colored stools humans. tious diseases in US. (2019, December Dark urine Coronaviruses are getting a lot of attention27). Retrieved from WTTW website: Low-grade fever right now because of the latest strain, which hashttps://news.wttw.com/2019/12/27/Loss of appetite not been previously detected in humansnoveltough-year-measles-and-other-infec-Symptoms may be mild and last a fewcoronavirus (nCoV) or COVID-19. COVID-19tious-diseases-u16 INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'