Although 3 years have passed since the “Covid-19” pandemic spread across the world since late 2019; According to the World Health Organization, 288,631,129 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide, including 5,458,545 deaths, with massive post-pandemic consequences among the general population, particularly vulnerable groups.

There are many reasons associated with the epidemic, in particular: high disease prevalence and death rate, unknown and unpredictable nature of the disease, lack of effective medical treatment (at the beginning of the epidemic), conflicting messages, stigma, home quarantine, restriction of travel and contact with friends and relatives, widespread prohibition, and fear of financial losses and contagion.

Awareness campaign, based on several studies (Pareega et al., 2021; Bueno-Notivole et al., 2021; Forte et al., 2020; Huremovic 2019.), there is evidence that high-risk groups such as the elderly, obese individuals. , smokers and pregnant women with HIV and patients with comorbidities including cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal and various types of cancer are more likely to experience “post-infectious” effects.

Last Monday, under the umbrella of the Saudi Society for Family and Community Medicine in collaboration with “Saudi Pfizer”, an awareness campaign on “post-epidemic management of (Covid-19) among high-risk groups of patients” was launched. Company. A press conference was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Hani Al-Hashemi, Medical Director, Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Consultant at “Saudi Pfizer”. The objectives of this campaign are to define the dimensions of coexistence in the post-epidemic phase, including prevention of diseases, practicing as normal a life as possible, enjoying quality of life and attaining a state of perfect health and complete wellness, physical, psychological and spiritual.

A panel of consultants with expertise in the field participated in the conference. We present a summary of the most important topics discussed at the conference.

post-epidemic

> Coexistence of patients with chronic diseases: Dr. Ashraf Amir, Consultant Family Medicine, Vice President, Saudi Society for Family and Community Medicine, participated in the conference. In the post-epidemic phase.” He emphasized that the world will not return to the way it did after the “Covid-19” pandemic.

He said that the “corona” epidemic is not over yet, but we are living in a phase where we are living with the epidemic. We must continue to apply safety requirements and protect at-risk groups, while finding safe ways and preventive measures that give them the opportunity to enjoy life without injury and quality of life and well-being.

Society should be aware of groups at risk of contracting the “Covid-19” virus, namely: the elderly, patients with chronic diseases (respiratory diseases, heart diseases, diabetes and obesity) and oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and immunosuppression. Medicines.

It is also necessary to diagnose and provide treatment and psychological and social support for mental disorders caused by the disease of the elderly during epidemics, emphasizing the importance of “Covid-19” and other vaccines. Ministry of Health to ensure comprehensive protection for individuals and society.

Dr. Amir added that the severity of symptoms of Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) varies greatly from person to person. Mild cases account for 40 percent, moderate cases for 40 percent, severe cases for 15 percent, and critical cases for only 5 percent. Also patients suffering from chronic diseases that can be affected by “Covid-19” virus are chest diseases, high blood pressure, immune diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore, the reports of the World Health Organization indicate that the mortality rate of “Covid-19” infection, according to existing health problems, is as follows:

Cardiovascular diseases (10.5%) Diabetes (7.3%) Chronic respiratory diseases (6.3%) Hypertension (6%) Carcinomas (5.6%) No medical condition (0.9%)

Preventive measures

> Importance of prevention for the elderly: Dr. Amir pointed out that the possibility of serious symptoms increases with age. The risk increases in this group especially when people over 75 years of age have other health problems due to the weakness of the immune system, lack of immune cells and slow immune response and the possibility of many chronic diseases. and poor functioning of vital systems in the elderly.

According to age groups, the mortality rate of “Covid-19” infection is as follows: over 80 years (14.8 percent), over 50-79 years (12.9 percent), 20-49 years (0.8 percent), 0-19 years (0.2 percent).

How to protect the elderly from the risk of infection caused by the “Covid-19” virus?

Avoid gatherings as much as possible.

Avoid close contact with someone who has symptoms of the emerging “corona” virus.

– Continue to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizer after sneezing or coughing, and before cooking or eating.

– Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Continued preventive measures: Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands with soap and water for 40 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Unavailable for 20 seconds.

– In case of chronic diseases, prescribed medicines should be taken regularly.

> Protection of respiratory patients: “Covid-19” virus targets the lungs. Therefore, a person is more likely to develop severe symptoms if they already have chronic lung disease: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – lung cancer – cystic fibrosis – pulmonary fibrosis – moderate to severe asthma attacks – pulmonary hypertension.

> Prevention of heart patients: Many heart diseases aggravate the symptoms of “Covid-19” virus in the patient. These include: cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart failure and coronary artery disease.

> Prevention of diabetes and obesity: Diabetes and obesity generally increase the risk of infection, weaken the efficiency of the human immune system and reduce the ability to fight infections.

> Steps for Living with Chronic Illnesses After “Covid-19” Pandemic:

– Emphasis should be placed on the use of preventive measures, hand washing and disinfection, physical distancing and wearing masks.

Maintaining contact with children and parents.

Make sure they take their medications on time and stick to their treatment plan.

A commitment to follow up with the medical appointments they need.

Make sure they get enough rest.

Add fluids and fiber to their diet.

“Covid effects

> Effects of “Covid-19” on patients suffering from chronic diseases: Dr. Raja Muhammad Al-Radadi, Preventive Medicine Consultant, Associate Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Epidemiology Society and Director of the Society’s office in Jeddah, participated in the conference. He explained that chronic diseases are medical conditions that last for a year or more, require ongoing medical attention, and arise from a group of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Four major chronic diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases (eg: heart attack and stroke).

– Crabs.

Chronic respiratory diseases (eg: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma).

Diabetes, high blood pressure.

“Covid-19” brings together chronic diseases and infectious diseases, which because infectious and chronic diseases interact, “Covid-19” patients are more likely to develop severe symptoms and have an increased risk of hospitalization. and death. Most of those who died from the “Covid-19” pandemic were suffering from previously diagnosed chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Accordingly, the current risks of the “Covid-19” pandemic must be understood and understood, especially with regard to those most at risk due to chronic diseases that increase the risk of contracting “Covid-19”. The patient should go to the nearest hospital. Initiate treatment as soon as possible within 5 days of the onset of symptoms as recommended by the WHO-China Collaborative Work.

> Current Situation of “Covid-19”: Dr. Raja Al-Radadi cited a study conducted in Saudi Arabia that showed that about 80 percent of hospitalized “Covid-19” patients suffered from at least one chronic disease. disease The combined effects of chronic and infectious diseases highlight the need to vaccinate patients with chronic diseases and progress toward complete protection.

He explained that the severity of symptoms of infection with the “Covid-19” virus has now become very different from one person to another. Some people may have no symptoms. Others are so ill that they need to be hospitalized and may become dependent on artificial respiration.

The risk of developing severe symptoms due to the “Covid-19” virus infection increases in the elderly. People of all ages may be at increased risk for other health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, weakened immune systems, obesity and diabetes. This is similar to what happens in other respiratory illnesses like the flu.

> “Covid-19” cycle:

– Symptoms appear after 5-6 days of infection, and with the use of medicines, the infected person recovers after 14 days.

– If the drug is not used, the symptoms will worsen and increase in intensity after 7 days, and this may correspond to recovery after 2-5 weeks or death after 42 days.

> Treatment of “Covid-19” in patients suffering from chronic diseases:

– Currently, there is a treatment available for “Covid-19” that is taken orally. If a patient suffering from chronic diseases experiences any symptoms, or the test result is positive for “Covid-19”, the patient should go to the nearest hospital. Hospital, and start treatment in the first place. 5 days after onset of symptoms.

– Ministry of Health guidelines recommend the use of oral “COVID-19” treatment for 5 days, for 5 days, for sick children under 12 years of age weighing ≥ 40 kilograms. Severe “Covid-19” virus. A moderate risk of disease progression is high.

– The Ministry of Health was keen to strengthen and support all health care facilities, impose infection control measures, monitor the skills and abilities of health workers, monitor isolation beds and medical supplies.

– It also worked on developing a diagnostic and treatment protocol for “Covid-19” patients, and provided necessary support to health facilities by securing all requirements for providing high-quality health care, regardless of eligibility for treatment. The Ministry of Health continues vaccination activities with doses of the “Covid-19” vaccine, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination for patients who are most vulnerable to infection.

Community Medical Consultant