Articles: coronavirus.
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continuous assessment of healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic will help in proper planning and to prevent an overwhelming of the Nigerian healthcare system. In this study, we aim to predict the effect of COVID-19 on hospital resources in Nigeria. ⋯ substantial increase in hospital resources is required to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, even as the infection growth rate declines. Given Nigeria's limited health resources, it is imperative to focus on maintaining aggressive public health measures as well as increasing hospital resources to reduce COVID-19 transmission further.
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The novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak quickly spread across many countries and has become a worldwide threat to health, trade and travel. In terms of clinical manifestations, although it starts as an acute respiratory disorder, it could eventually lead to death by causing damage to many organs such as: lung, liver, kidney and heart. It has been shown that COVID-19 pathology is mediated by an excessive inflammation, oxidation and an aggravated immune response. ⋯ Vitamin D has a high safety profile, and thus could be beneficial against multiple organ damage in COVID-19 patients. This paper aims to highlight the potential benefits of vitamin D against multiple organ damage caused by COVID-19 (Fig. 1, Ref. 109). Keywords: COVID-19, cytokine, inflammation, vitamin D.
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As the novel coronavirus continues to spread globally and across Africa, efforts are being accelerated to identify effective preventive and therapeutic measures to mitigate its burden. Convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulin are being considered as potential therapeutic options for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We highlight and contextualize the findings of a recent Cochrane rapid review that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of convalescent plasma or hyperimmune immunoglobulin transfusion in the treatment of people with COVID-19. ⋯ The evidence was limited by the small number of participants and low-quality of included studies, as well as the inconsistency of outcome measures and reporting across studies. As African countries brace for the further spread of the virus, while exploring potential therapeutic options to mitigate its morbidity and mortality at peak, convalescent plasma transfusion may offer a therapeutic ray of hope for the continent. Considering the limited evidence of the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19, it is imperative for this therapy to be investigated within African contexts to ascertain not only its effectiveness and safety, but also its practical implications within the capacity of national blood transfusion services and health systems in the region.
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Front Public Health · Jan 2020
Economic Consequences of the COVID-19 Outbreak: the Need for Epidemic Preparedness.
COVID-19 is not only a global pandemic and public health crisis; it has also severely affected the global economy and financial markets. Significant reductions in income, a rise in unemployment, and disruptions in the transportation, service, and manufacturing industries are among the consequences of the disease mitigation measures that have been implemented in many countries. It has become clear that most governments in the world underestimated the risks of rapid COVID-19 spread and were mostly reactive in their crisis response. As disease outbreaks are not likely to disappear in the near future, proactive international actions are required to not only save lives but also protect economic prosperity.