| Abstract | COVID-19 je bolest uzrokovana RNA virusom SARS‐CoV‐2 koji pripada obitelji koronavirusa. Iako je primarno respiratorna, ipak se smatra sistemskom bolešću jer je obilježena širokim spektrom kliničkih manifestacija koje su posljedica zahvaćenosti više organskih sustava. Najčešći simptomi su vrućica i kašalj, dok se anosmija i disgeuzija smatraju karakterističnima za ovu bolesti. Perzistencija simptoma i nakon akutne faze bolesti se naziva post-COVID sindrom. Najvažniji put širenja virusa je prijenos s čovjeka na čovjeka kapljičnim putem, a dijagnostika se provodi RT-qPCR-om, brzim antigenskim testovima te serološkim testiranjima. Širenje SARS‐CoV‐2 diljem svijeta izazvalo je pandemiju koja ima velik utjecaj na sve sfere života, pa tako i na profesionalni sport. Donošenje mjera lockdowna dovelo je do odgađanja ili otkazivanja velikih sportskih natjecanja i ograničavanja sportaša na treninge kod kuće, a takvi uvjeti izolacije i zatvorenosti su ostavili različite posljedice na njihovo tjelesno i psihičko zdravlje. Nakon popuštanja dijela mjera započeo je postepeni povratak sportskim aktivnostima, ali u novim uvjetima. Profesionalni sportaši su mogli ponovno normalno trenirati tek nakon provođenja post-COVID preventivnih pregleda, da bi se isključile kardiovaskularne, pulmonalne i druge moguće posljedice bolesti koje mogu predstavljati rizik za njihovo zdravlje. Adekvatnim probirom je na razini individualnog sportaša odlučeno hoće li, kada i kako nastaviti s treninzima i natjecanjima te je donesen protokol postupnog vraćanja sportu. Također, bilo je potrebno implementirati razne mjere prevencije da bi se mogućnost zaraze tijekom bavljenja profesionalnim sportskim aktivnostima svela na minimum. Fizička distanca, nošenje maski, održavanje higijene, praćenje osobnog zdravstvenog stanja te poštivanje protokola testiranja su samo neki od načina na koje sportaši mogu zaštiti sebe, ali i sve ostale iz svoje okoline. Budući da svjedočimo održavanju velikih sportskih natjecanja, iako pandemija i dalje traje, može se zaključiti da je prilagodba profesionalnog sporta na uvjete „novog normalnog“ bila uspješna, no dugoročne posljedice na sport i sportaše tek treba utvrditi nakon njenog završetka. |
| Abstract (english) | COVID-19 is a disease caused by the RNA virus SARS‐CoV‐2 from the coronavirus family. Although it is primarily a respiratory illness, based on the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with the involvement of multiple organ systems, it is now considered to be a systemic disease. The most common symptoms are fever and cough, while anosmia and dysgeusia are believed to be characteristic of this disease. The persistence of symptoms after the acute phase of the disease is called post-COVID syndrome. The virus is most commonly transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and the illness is diagnosed by RT-qPCR, rapid antigen tests, and serologic tests. The spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 around the world caused a pandemic that has a major impact on all spheres of life, including professional sport. The lockdown measures led to the postponement or cancellation of major sports competitions and the restriction of athletes to training at home. Such conditions of isolation and confinement have left various consequences on their physical and mental health. After partial re-opening, a gradual return to sports activities has begun, but within the new conditions. Professional athletes were able to restart normal training only after undergoing post-COVID preventive examinations to rule out cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other possible consequences of the disease that may pose a risk to their health. With an adequate screening process, it was individually decided if, when, and how an athlete will continue training and competition, and the protocol for graduated return to play was adopted. Also, it was necessary to implement various prevention measures to minimize the possibility of infection while engaging in professional sports activities. Physical distancing, wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, monitoring personal health, and adhering to testing protocols are just some of the ways athletes can protect themselves and everyone else around them. Although the pandemic is still not over, we now witness major sports competitions being held, so it can be concluded that the adaptation of professional sports to the "new normal" conditions was successful. The long-term consequences for sport and athletes have yet to be determined after pandemic completion. |
