Infection Prevention During a Global Health Crisis

Infection prevention comes out as a vital aspect, especially for healthcare workers who handle these. The COVID-19 pandemic, which is a disease spread by the coronavirus, has identified steps as per the chain of infection. COVID-19 can be stopped at several points, including blocking its mode of transmission and protecting susceptible hosts more (Casadevall & Pirofski, 2020). The global pandemic proves to be a problem for modern society. However, it was first realized by a whistleblower, Dr. Li Wenliang, who passed away from coronavirus after his plea went unanswered (Bociurkiw, 2020). Practicing faith, praying for the affected and unaffected persons, and protecting oneself as required by healthcare professionals is necessary to be a compassionate neighbor

Chain of Infection

Understanding the chain of infection involved in the COVID-19 pandemic is essential for any healthcare worker. Perry, Potter, Stockert & Hall (2017) point towards the six steps of chain of infection as consisting of infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. All infectious agents, including the coronavirus (COVID-19), must go through the six steps of the chain infection, and each can get stopped at one point. The first step is the infectious agent, and it points to the pathogen that results in the disease. The pathogen comes out as what will be fought in the process, and an example would be the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease. The reservoir acts as the place where the pathogen lives, and this includes people’s respiratory tracts, skin, water particles, and other surfaces such as clothing and metal, although for some time. Perry et al. (2017) explain that the portal of exit acts as how the pathogen would leave the reservoir. These include coughing, touching of metal surfaces, aerosols, and open wounds. The pathogen would enter into a mode of transition provided there exists direct contact and staying within the vicinity of the reservoir. Afterward, the pathogen follows a portal of entry, which is how it gets and starts infecting the new host. Ports of entry may be open wounds, breathing, and the skin. That said, the susceptible hosts would be those at risk of getting the disease once the pathogen gains entry. Examples of susceptible hosts include those with comorbidities, those within extremes of age bracket, and lines in hospitals.

Historical Origin of COVID-19 and Tribute to Dr. Li Wenliang

The origins of COVID-19 got traced to Wuhan, China, and Dr. Li Wenliang is pioneered as the first person to identify the same. Dr. Li Wenliang worked as an ophthalmologist in Wuhan Central Hospital. Bociurkiw (2020) states that Dr. Wenliang raised awareness among his former classmates on WeChat as seven people from the Wuhan seafood market had been quarantined with symptoms resembling those of SARS. This pandemic occurred in 2002 (Bociurkiw, 2020). Screenshots from his conversation went viral, and Dr. Wenliang got summoned to the police station, where he got coerced to sign an acknowledgment letter for his misdemeanor (Bociurkiw, 2020). This was after his reprimand, after which Dr. Wenliang contracted COVID-19 then passed away. The Chinese government seemed to suppress any forms of digital protests to celebrate Dr. Wenliang’s whistleblowing actions. The Chinese Supreme Court reversed any punishments meted on Dr. Wenliang, where he got charged of spreading “rumors” (Bociurkiw, 2020). The doctor’s efforts continue to be recognized within and outside China, considering the now known COVID-19 became a global pandemic.

Mode of Transmission and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

The mode of transmission and spread of COVID-19 is through touch and staying close to an infected person. Coronavirus is a respiratory illness characterized by its flu-like symptoms. It spreads when the virus gets into the respiratory organs from the nose and mouth (Stewart, Connelly & Robinson, 2020). When individuals touch infected people who may have the virus on their clothes, it gets to their skin. The same happens if a healthy person reaches rails, furniture, and other items where the virus resides. Stewart et al. (2020) state that once one places their hand with the virus close to their mouth or nose, they inhale the virus, and this can advance to COVID-19 disease. When an infected person coughs, the droplets with coronavirus can land on a healthy person’s mouth or nose, after which they get inhaled. Nurses, doctors, and the public can protect themselves by distancing themselves by about one meter when communicating with anyone and avoid putting their hands close to their mouths (Stewart et al., 2020). Also, it is essential to cough into one’s elbow, and infected persons should wear a mask to prevent droplets from flying about after coughing.

How to be a Compassionate Neighbor During a Global Health Crisis

Intend to be a compassionate neighbor during the COVID-19 pandemic by having faith that it will end and praying for the wellbeing of the majority. As a nurse, I will play my role and assist coronavirus patients when called to do so, and this includes protecting myself appropriately. Praying to God to help those infected with COVID-19 and educating those around me on how to avoid being reservoirs of the virus is necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the most significant challenges in the decade, especially where its chain of infection disrupts everyday life and calls for faith and prayers. Dr. Li Wenliang, who worked in Wuhan Central Hospital, realized an illness with SARS-like symptoms and was labeled a rumor monger for raising awareness of the same. The sickness came to be recognized as coronavirus and has since become a global pandemic. People can protect themselves by practicing social distancing and avoid placing one’s hands close to the mouth.

References

Bociurkiw, M. (2020). China’s hero doctor was punished for telling truth about coronavirus. CNN. Retrieved from edition.cnn.com/2020/02/08/opinions/coronavirus-bociurkiw/index.html

Casadevall, A. & Pirofski, L. (2020). The convalescent sera option for containing COVID-19. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Retrieved from www.jci.org/articles/view/138003

Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., & Hall, A. Fundamentals of nursing (9^th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

Stewart, K., Connelly, D. & Robinson, J. (2020). Everything you should know about the coronavirus outbreak. Pharmaceutical Journal. Retrieved from www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/features/everything-you-should-know-about-the-coronavirus-outbreak/20207629.article?firstPass=false

Appendix A

Confirmation from APU Writing Center