Covid-19: The Deadly Coronavirus
Since the beginning of human history, mankind has always been under the threat of deadly viruses. These submicroscopic life-forms are responsible for various infectious diseases that are highly communicable. They have the capacity of infecting every possible type of life-form including plants, animals, microorganisms etc. From Plague, Rabies, Smallpox, Measles to Marburg, Ebola, Influenza, Dengue, SARS-CoV etc., human history is dotted with them. In this struggle between humanity and viruses, the year 2019-2020 has encountered virus in a deadly form. This time humans have come across Novel Coronavirus or Covid-19.
Novel Coronavirus has affected over 213 countries around the world. As of 18th April, 2020; WHO has confirmed 21,21,675 cases worldwide with over 1,42,299 deaths.
Understand Coronavirus
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Coronavirus as a family of viruses responsible for various health disorders. This includes illnesses from Common Cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
This virus has got its name from its shape as observed with the help of an electron microscope. It appears as if the virus is surrounded by solar corona. The name originates from the Latin word “Corona” which means “Crown” or “Halo”.
Several forms of these Coronaviruses are known to circulate in animals and birds. However, some of them change their structure and find a way in humans. In other words, they transmit from animals to humans. For instance, SARS finds a way in humans from Civet Cats. Similarly, MERS got to humans from Camels. Recently, a new strain of Coronavirus known as Novel Coronavirus or Covid-19 has been identified.
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus is a newly identified strain of viruses that found a way in humans from animals. It leads to respiratory disorders that are highly infectious. Most of the time, this virus infects people causing mild to moderate respiratory discomfort which doesn’t require any special treatment. However, people with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer. In such situations, infected people experience serious illness which may result in death.
According to medical health professionals, Novel Coronavirus causes Respiratory Tract Infection. It mainly affects the patient’s Upper Respiratory Tract (nose, sinuses, throat etc.) and Lower Respiratory Tract (Windpipe, Lungs etc.)
Origins Of Covid-19
The origins of Novel Coronavirus is yet unclear. However, one thing is clear. In late 2019, Chinese city of Wuhan experienced an unidentified health disorder in the form of respiratory tract infection. One of the hypotheses links its origin to a local seafood market. According to recent investigations, the virus existed in some form in the animals, preferably mammals like bats or Pangolins etc. In a rare spillover event, the virus transmitted from these animals to humans who came in contact. Later, it was identified that after the initial transmission, it began human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms Of Covid-19
It is very difficult to identify people affected with Novel Coronavirus as its symptoms are similar to Influenza, or Pneumonia. According to WHO Guidelines, people infected with this virus may develop symptoms anytime between 2-14 days after the infection. Hence, it is very important to get proper medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms.
- ➩ Dry Cough
- ➩ Fever
- ➩ Shortness Of Breath
- ➩ Ongoing Chest Pain or Feeling of Heaviness
- ➩ Muscle Aches
- ➩ Sore Throat
- ➩ Unexplained Loss Of Taste Or Smell
- ➩ Diarrhea
- ➩ Headache
- ➩ Fatigue
How To Diagnose Covid-19?
Physical Examination of Symptoms alone cannot determine the presence of this deadly disease. In order to identify people infected by this virus, a laboratory test is essential. A Swab Test is required to confirm its presence. For this, a swab is used to gather samples from your Nose and Throat. The samples are processed in the laboratory. The entire process may take 2-3 days.
Spread Of Covid-19
Scientists suggest that novel coronavirus spread from human to human by means of Respiratory Droplets. These saliva droplets or nasal discharge have the presence of this deadly virus. Whenever an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks; this virus finds a way to transmit to those who come in close contact, preferably within 6 feet.
How To Treat Covid-19?
It is a new virus which lacks complete knowledge due to absence of adequate research. A lot of clinical trials are undergoing to find potential treatments for this deadly disorder. In the absence of any proven treatment, all that medical professionals can do is cure its symptoms. This doesn’t mean that all the infected patients die. Data shows that most patients recover by beating coronavirus with their natural Immunity.
Precautions To Prevent This Deadly Disease
According to WHO, precautionary measures are the only solution to keep yourself protected against this deadly Coronavirus.
➩ Maintain Social Distance
➩ Frequently Wash Hands or Sanitize Them
➩ Stay Away from Mass Gatherings and Large Events
➩ Cover Your Face in Public Areas
➩ Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose And Mouth
➩ Respiratory Hygiene
➩ Regularly Clean and Disinfect Homes, Surfaces, Public Spaces etc.
➩ Build up your Immune System
