Unit:
Faculty of MedicineLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Sapounas Spyridon
Dissertation committee:
Παγώνα Λάγιου, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Γκίκας Μαγιορκίνης, Αν. Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ - Επιβλέπων
Δημήτρης Παρασκευής, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Βάνα Σύψα, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Ανδρονίκη Μάσκα, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Βασιλική Μπενέτου, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Γιώργος Μαρίνος, Επικ. Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Παρεμβάσεις ελαχιστοποίησης κινδύνου μετάδοσης COVID-19
Translated title:
Interventions to mitigate risk of Covid-19 infection
Summary:
This thesis delves into a multifaceted exploration of effective interventions to sustain the transmission of COVID-19. Drawing upon an extensive array of scientific literature and empirical evidence, the thesis evaluates the efficacy of diverse strategies in order to create a robust framework that informs evidence-based public health policies and interventions and to equip policymakers and public health officials with the tools necessary to safeguard public health and chart a course towards resolute containment of COVID-19 transmission.
At the beginning we studied the possible seasonal effect of the epidemic dynamics of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Many respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses, follow seasonal transmission dynamics. Analyzing the social and environmental mechanics of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 over the first cold season provides insight into designing targeted interventions. As for example that the drop in temperature at night implies a transfer of night activities to closed indoor spaces mainly for young people aged 18–39. It therefore follows that the shift from outdoor to indoor entertainment during the cold season must be done gradually and in a well-controlled manner.
The interventions implemented in long-term care facilities and industrial workplaces underscore the critical importance of protecting vulnerable populations. By implementing rigorous infection control measures, frequent testing, early antiviral therapy and vaccination campaigns within these facilities, the spread of COVID-19 among the elderly and working individuals was significantly mitigated.
The utilization of self-tests during the pandemic underscored the importance of implementing additional self-diagnostic tests during pandemics. Self-tests alleviate this burden by empowering individuals to conduct testing independently, thereby reducing pressure on healthcare facilities and resources. Additionally, the high transmissibility of respiratory illnesses underscores the urgency of rapid and widespread testing to contain outbreaks effectively. These tests helped prevent 2.000 deaths and 20,000 hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. By expanding the availability and usage of self-diagnostic tests, public health authorities can enhance early detection efforts, facilitate targeted interventions, and ultimately mitigate the impact of respiratory pandemics.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, Vaccines, Non pharmaceutical interventions, Prevention, Screening, self-tests, Public health
Number of references:
296
