1.What are coronaviruses? Why is it important?
As long as humanity exists, there is a risk of infection by viruses. Conspiracy theories are circulating claiming that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a man-made virus. It has been proven that this is not true, that the genome sequence is natural and that it is a well-designed virus that cannot be made by human hands. Such conspiracy theories reduce the energy and discipline to fight the disease. There have been many epidemics in history that caused viral pandemics. 50 million people died in the Spanish flu between 1918 and 1920.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. The SAR-CoV-2 virus from this family causes the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19). The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was first seen in China's Wuhan Province in a group of patients who developed respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in late December 2019. It was first identified on January 13, 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined the new coronavirus outbreak (COVID 19) as a PANDEMIC on March 11, 2020. In order for a viral outbreak in humans to be defined as a pandemic, there must be roughly three criteria: 1. it must be a new virus, 2. it must be easily and continuously transmitted from person to person, 3. it must affect many countries. It has been defined as a PANDEMIC because it fits these definitions.
The first detected COVID-19 case in Turkey was announced by the Ministry of Health on March 11, 2020. This date was also the date when the pandemic was declared by WHO.
As of March 1, 2021, there have been 114 million COVID 19 patients and 2.53 million deaths worldwide. In our country: There have been 2.69 million COVID 19 patients and 28.5 thousand deaths.
2. How does COVID-19 infection progress?
The disease generally affects people aged 60 and over more. The disease is rare and mild in children. No deaths have been observed in children so far. But it is seen in all age groups and causes fatal consequences.
- 80 percent of the cases have a mild disease.
- 20% of the cases are treated in hospital conditions.
- The death rate is 2%.
3. Who are the People Most Affected by the Disease?
- Healthcare workers: the highest risk group, PCR positivity has reached 30% in our country.
- Those over 60 years of age
- People with serious additional chronic medical conditions: Heart disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Chronic Respiratory disease, Cancer, kidney disease
-People living in public places: schools, barracks, prisons, nursing homes
4.What should be done to prevent the spread of the disease?-Personal measures: mask, distance, hygiene
>-Social: vaccination
5. What is Vaccine, How Does It Work?
Viruses, bacteria, etc. that are capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Biological products developed by purifying the disease-causing properties of microbes, weakening them, or eliminating the effects of toxins secreted by some microbes are called vaccines. The vaccine is administered to healthy and at-risk individuals. In this way, the body recognizes microbes or toxins that do not harm it and develops a defense against them. So later when he encountered the real germ; It fights with the previously developed defense system and the person does not get the disease. This person is now immune to that disease. Vaccine DOES NOT cause disease in a healthy person. Therefore, our most important weapon in protecting against disease is vaccination.
6.How many types of COVID 19 vaccines are there?
There are vaccines produced by 3 methods:
1.Inactive vaccine: The virus is weakened and its effect is reduced in the vaccine formula. A version is being posted. These types of vaccines, which aim to enable the body to develop defenses that will provide immunity when faced with a weak form of the virus, are called "inactive vaccines".
2. mRNA vaccines:RN Vaccine formulas containing genetic building blocks such as A are being developed. These vaccines aim to activate some enzymes that help immunity with genetic components taken from the virus and to stimulate immune responses at the cellular level.
3. Vector vaccines: Genetic components from virus species are added to the target virus. Virus vectors aim to create an immune response in the body through virus components transferred to a weakened and non-replicating version of another virus.
Vaccinated people can carry the disease in the nasal mucosa. For this reason, one must pay attention to issues such as masks and distance. Otherwise, they will infect their relatives without getting sick themselves.
7.What are the Side Effects After COVID-19 Vaccination?
To date, no serious side effects have been encountered in both the clinical studies and current vaccine applications for COVID-19 vaccines. Side effects after vaccination are often mild. These; Mild side effects such as fatigue, headache, fever, chills, muscle/joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, redness and swelling in the vaccinated area. However, although rare, allergic reactions may occur.
What to do when experiencing side effects:
• In case of pain/swelling/redness in the vaccinated area: cold application and paracetamol tablets can be used
• Fatigue: Rest and adequate fluid intake
• Mild fever, chills: Rest, adequate fluid intake, paracetamol tablets
• Headache, muscle-joint pain: paracetamol
• Vomiting, diarrhea: If plenty of fluid supplementation is necessary, serum can be given.
8.Where is the Covid 19 vaccine administered?
Covid-19 vaccination is carried out by application units established in Family Health Centers, public and university hospitals and private hospitals. Each vaccinated citizen is waited for at least 30 minutes after vaccination to observe possible side effects.
2nd vaccination: 30 days after the first vaccination a is done.
9.What is the COVID-19 Vaccine National Implementation Strategy?
The Ministry of Health divides our citizens who will be vaccinated into groups according to the order of priority. Vaccination planning has been made at this stage.
During vaccination, vaccination is carried out sequentially according to the following order.
Phase 1:
A.healthcare workers
B.The elderly, those staying in shelter homes and their employees
C.Individuals over the age of 65 (decreasing by 5 years, starting from the age of 90)
Phase 2:
A. Priority sectors for the continuation of the service (MSB, Ministry of Internal Affairs, personnel in critical positions, police-private security, Ministry of Justice, prisons , Teachers and faculty members, food sector employees, transportation sector employees
B. Our citizens between the ages of 50-64
3rd Stage:
Athose with chronic diseases (A1: 40-49 years, A2: 30-39 years, A3: 18-29 years)
B.Other groups (B1:40-49 years, B2:30-39 years, B3:18-29 years)
4th Stage:
Those who do not get vaccinated when it is their turn to get vaccinated.
10.Who cannot be vaccinated against Covid 19?
* It is not recommended to administer the vaccine if there is a history of allergy/anaphylaxis to any substance contained in the vaccine.
*It is recommended to postpone the administration of the vaccine for a while (about 15 days) during high fever (38ºC and above), disease with an unclear picture and attacks of chronic diseases.
* Vaccination can be done at least 2 weeks after receiving the flu and/or pneumonia vaccine.
*In people who have previously had COVID-19 and have a positive PCR test in the system; Vaccination can be administered 6 months after experiencing the disease. Since healthcare workers are in the high risk group, they are exempt from this rule.
* Inactive COVID-19 during breastfeeding. There is no data regarding the administration of the 19 vaccine. Breastfeeding women who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 can be vaccinated at their own request.
* Since people under the age of 18 are not in the priority risk group determined by the Coronavirus Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Health, COVID-19 vaccination is not currently administered to children.
* Contacted persons can be vaccinated if they are in the priority risk groups after completing the quarantine process.
*Vaccination, including childhood vaccinations, is not mandatory in Turkey. Getting vaccinated is a person's responsibility to society.
Read: 0
