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Is it dangerous to catch a cold while on chemotherapy?
Is it dangerous to catch a cold while on chemotherapy?

People who are receiving chemotherapy are more likely to catch colds and flu because the treatments weaken their immune systems. This condition can lead to serious problems. Therefore, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of colds, flu and other infections.

What complications can a child with a cold lead to?
What complications can a child with a cold lead to?
During the transition period, respiratory diseases in children often increase, especially colds. In order for children to receive the best care when they have a cold, parents need to know how to properly care for their children at home, as well as know when to take their children to a medical facility.
When to take antibiotics for sinusitis
When to take antibiotics for sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common nasopharyngeal pathology, which causes many unpleasant symptoms and affects the quality of life of patients. In case of sinusitis confirmed diagnosis due to a bacterial agent, antibiotic therapy is necessary to improve symptoms and prevent dangerous complications.
COVID-19

Overview
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It usually spreads between people in close contact.

COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness and death. Although a person can still get COVID-19 after vaccination, they are more likely to have mild or no symptoms.



Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die, but most people will recover without treatment.

People over age 60 and those with existing medical conditions have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. These conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression including HIV, cancer and pregnancy. Unvaccinated people also have a higher risk of severe symptoms. 

Symptoms

People may experience different symptoms from COVID-19. Symptoms usually begin 5–6 days after exposure and last 1–14 days.
The most common symptoms are:

  • fever 
  •  chills
  • sore throat.

Less common symptoms are:

  • muscle aches and heavy arms or legs
  •  severe fatigue or tiredness
  • runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
  • headache
  • sore eyes
  • dizziness
  • new and persistent cough
  • tight chest or chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • hoarse voice
  • numbness or tingling
  • appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
  • loss or change of sense of taste or smell
  • difficulty sleeping.

People with the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

  • difficulty breathing, especially at rest, or unable to speak in sentences
  • confusion
  • drowsiness or loss of consciousness
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • skin being cold or clammy, or turning pale or a bluish colour
  • loss of speech or movement.

People who have pre-existing health problems are at higher risk when they have COVID-19; they should seek medical help early if worried about their condition. These include people taking immunosuppressive medication; those with chronic heart, lung, liver or rheumatological problems; those with HIV, diabetes, cancer. obesity or dementia.

People with severe disease and those needing hospital treatment should receive treatment as soon as possible. The consequences of severe COVID-19 include death, respiratory failure, sepsis, thromboembolism (blood clots), and multiorgan failure, including injury of the heart, liver or kidneys.

In rare situations, children can develop a severe inflammatory syndrome a few weeks after infection. 

Some people who have had COVID-19, whether they have needed hospitalization or not, continue to experience symptoms. These long-term effects are called long COVID (or post COVID-19 condition). The most common symptoms associated with long COVID include fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive dysfunction (for example, confusion, forgetfulness, or a lack of mental focus or clarity). Long COVID can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities such as work or household chores.  

Reference: WHO