COVID-19. Frequent questions
We must do everything necessary to prevent the transmission of the virus and that the spread of the disease is not reactivated. At this time, with the current vaccination coverage and the natural immunity generated by the passage of the disease, it is considered that the majority of the Madrid population is protected against severe COVID. Efforts should focus on protecting the most vulnerable population at risk of developing serious conditions.
Below you will find frequently asked questions about COVID-19, grouped by topic
Updated on 14/09/2023
Symptom
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms are: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever and feeling of shortness of breath. Other symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste, diarrhea, chest pain or headache, among others, can also be considered. symptoms of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe shortness of breath, kidney failure, and even death.
What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection?
As with any acute respiratory infection, it is recommended to take certain precautions during the presence of symptoms:
- Wear the mask while you have symptoms, to protect others. Especially when around people at higher risk of developing serious illness.
- Reduce social interactions and do not participate in mass events.
- Maintain proper hand hygiene.
- If possible, telecommute.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
In case of presenting criteria of severity or poor evolution (feeling of shortness of breath, fever greater than 38ºC maintained for more than three days...):
You should contact your Primary Care health center or 112 during weekends and holidays. It is recommended to wear a mask to protect others.
What to do if you have a positive diagnosis?
As a general rule, insulation is not necessary. The same recommendations from the previous section must be followed.
Whether or not you can request temporary disability (low leave) will be assessed by your primary care doctor based on your clinical status.
It is recommended inform people around you of their positive diagnosis so that they observe the recommended prevention measures.
Information for COVID-19 cases
What to do if you have had contact with a case?
- The appearance of symptoms will be monitored in the following days. If these appear, the instructions in the section What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection will be followed?
- In particularly risky environments, such as senior centers, the instructions of the Action guide for the prevention and control of outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in residential centers in the CM.
Transfer
How can you get infected?
The form of contagion is by close contact with respiratory secretions. of an infected person and that are generated when coughing, ahe sneezedar, when talking, when yelling, etc. These secretions would infect another person if they come in contact with their nose, eyes, or mouth.
There is no evidence of transmission through food, water, pets, or mosquito bites.
COVID-19 vaccination
On this page you can find all the information on vaccination against Coronavirus in the Community of Madrid:
- Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination
- Documentation and links for professionals
Diagnostic tests
What types of tests are currently available to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
Rapid antigen test
The antigen test detect virus protein in the nasopharyngeal exudate. It tells us if we are infected, that is, if we have the infection and lets us know that, being infected, you can spread it.
The sample for the antigen test is obtained from the nasal or pharyngeal exudate, by introducing a swab in the nostrils and back of the mouth.
The result is obtained after 10 to 15 minutes.
PCR laboratory tests
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test detect the presence of genetic material virus (viral RNA) in the nasopharyngeal exudate. It requires the processing and interpretation of the samples in a microbiology laboratory. Due to its sensitivity and specificity, it is the reference test for the diagnosis of active infection.
Our samples are obtained from the nostrils and bottom of the mouth with a swab.
Due to the need to process the samples in the laboratory, it can take several hours to get the results.
Protection measures
What to do to protect yourself and others?
It is recommended to follow the following recommendations:
- Wear the mask while you have symptoms, to protect others. Especially when around people at higher risk of developing serious illness.
- Reduce social interactions and do not participate in mass events.
- Maintain proper hand hygiene.
- Avoid contact with people at higher risk of developing serious illness.
- If possible, telecommute.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
These measures also protect against common diseases such as flu and common colds.
When and how should masks be used to protect themselves?
When we have symptoms, so as not to infect others.The mask must cover la nose and la mouth.
Ventilation and air conditioning
How is it advisable to ventilate homes?
Homes should be ventilated daily, for at least 10 minutes in each room, in order to renew and provide fresh air from outside. If possible, opposite sides should be opened to facilitate cross ventilation. We must always remember that closed places favor the airborne transmission of viruses.
For more information on ventilation, access the following link.
Pregnancy
What are the effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is currently considered to be a situation of increased risk for complications of the clinical course of COVID-19, and also constitutes a greater risk for the course of pregnancy itself. A higher probability of preterm delivery and caesarean sections has been observed in mothers with the infection. On the other hand, it has been observed that the clinical course of COVID-19 in neonates has a good prognosis.
Can pregnant women with COVID-19 transmit the virus to the fetus or newborn?
Based on the data published to date, transmission from mother to child, in the cases in which it occurs, is considered to be produced by close contact between them after birth.
There is no firm evidence of vertical transmission (before, during pregnancy or after delivery through breastfeeding) of SARS-CoV-2.
Can a newborn be breastfed if the mother is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?
According to the scientific evidence available to date, direct transmission from mother to baby through breastfeeding has not been observed and, however, the presence of defenses (IgA antibodies) against SARS-CoV-2 in milk has been confirmed. of infected women, so breastfeeding could reduce the clinical impact of the disease in the infant, if he becomes infected.
Breastfeeding in women who have just given birth and have SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly recommended for the newborn, if the health status of the mother and the newborn allow it, favoring breastfeeding directly and always taking the appropriate respiratory hygiene measures. To reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn, the mother must adopt preventive procedures such as thorough hand hygiene, before and after being in contact with the newborn, as well as the use of a mask in accordance with the recommendations of the The OMS.
Vaccination against COVID-19 and pregnancy
Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for pregnant women, as they have a higher risk of serious illness and complications that may affect pregnancy. Vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy is safe, effective and beneficial for both the pregnant woman and the baby. Vaccination protects women against serious illness. In addition, it generates antibodies that can pass to the fetus through the placenta and protect the baby in the first months of life. Breastfeeding women who have received the vaccine have antibodies in their breast milk that can protect the newborn.
There is no contraindication for vaccination against COVID-19 in any trimester of pregnancy.
More information on vaccination against coronavirus in the Community of Madrid
