The body's reaction when infected with the Corona virus is to form an immune system to eradicate the virus. If the immune system is strong, the virus will die. However, in people whose immune systems are weak, the Corona virus can be difficult to fight, resulting in severe symptoms and fatal complications.
Corona virus can be transmitted between humans through sprinkling of phlegm or saliva of COVID-19 sufferers when coughing or sneezing. These splashes of phlegm and saliva can enter another person's body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
In addition, the Corona virus can also enter a person's body through hands that have been contaminated with this virus when touching objects that contain splashes of saliva from a COVID-19 patient, if the person touches their nose or mouth before washing their hands.
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
What Happens When The Corona Virus Enters The Body?
When entering the body, the Corona virus will stick to the cell walls of the respiratory tract and lungs, then enter them to multiply there.
The process will be detected by the immune system. After that, the immune system or immune system will react by sending white blood cells and forming antibodies to fight and kill the virus.
When the body's resistance reaction to the Corona virus occurs, several symptoms will appear, such as fever. These symptoms will usually appear within 2-14 days after exposure to the Corona virus.
In some people who are infected with the Corona virus, the body's immune system reaction will successfully fight the virus, so that the symptoms subside and the person recovers on their own.
However, if a person's immune system is not strong enough to fight the Corona virus or overreacts, then that person will experience more severe COVID-19 symptoms, namely high fever and shortness of breath, or organ damage.
This is more at risk for the elderly or people who have previous co-morbidities, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV.
Some Complications of Corona Virus Infection
Some people with Corona virus infection do not experience symptoms or only experience mild symptoms and will recover on their own. However, there are also sufferers who experience severe symptoms until complications arise, such as:
Respiratory disorders
Complications that most often occur due to Corona virus infection are problems in the respiratory tract, such as respiratory failure or ARDS and pneumonia. This condition occurs when the lung tissue becomes inflamed and filled with fluid, thus interfering with the breathing process.
When experiencing these complications, patients with Corona virus infection can experience a lack of oxygen. This is what makes many COVID-19 patients need respiratory assistance, such as installing a ventilator and giving oxygen.
Heart problems
Corona virus infection can make the heart work harder, making it dangerous for people who have a history of heart problems, such as heart disease and heart failure.
Several studies have also shown that the risk of dying from COVID-19 is much higher in people with a history of heart disease than in previously healthy people.
Kidney and liver disorders
Several case reports related to Corona virus infection stated that some patients with severe symptoms may experience liver failure and impaired kidney function.
Until now, the cause of these complications is not known. However, the body's immune reaction to the Corona virus is thought to be one of the causes.
In addition to some of the complications above, patients with Corona virus infection are also at risk of developing sepsis. This condition is more likely to occur in COVID-19 patients who are weak and have been hospitalized for a long time.
A strong immune system is able to fight the Corona virus well so that the symptoms of COVID-19 that appear are mild and this disease can heal by itself. On the other hand, if the immune system is unable to fight the Corona virus, severe COVID-19 symptoms can appear and there is a risk of complications.
Therefore, in addition to taking preventive steps so as not to contract the Corona virus, you also need to strengthen your immune system with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you have a fever accompanied by coughing or shortness of breath, especially if in the last 14 days you have been in a COVID-19 endemic area or have had contact with a person who is positive for the Corona virus, do self-isolation and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
Use the Corona Virus Infection Risk Check feature which is provided free of charge by Alodokter to find out how likely you are to have been infected with this virus. If you have questions about COVID-19 or other health problems, you can chat directly with the doctor through the Alodokter application.
If you need a consultation or direct examination from a doctor, you should not go directly to the hospital because it will increase your risk of contracting the Corona virus. Make an appointment first with a doctor at the hospital through the Alodokter application, so you can be directed to see the nearest doctor who can help you.