All You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

All You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

All You Need to Know About the Coronavirus
Image Credits: FDA

Although it can be lethal, the recovery from Coronavirus is very much possible if you have a healthy immune system.

A novel Coronavirus is a group of viruses that can infect mammals and birds. For humans, it can cause respiratory tract infections, many of which can be treated with over-the-counter medications. COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the name for the virus outbreak that started in late 2019.

The virus also has a name, but it is often not used because it is a bit of a mouthful. Its actual name is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (aka SARS-CoV-2).

Origin of COVID-19

The first reported case of this virus was in Wuhan, China. However, the exact origin of this virus is not yet known. The zoonotic nature of this virus is the thing that makes it so threatening. In simpler words, this lethal virus can be transmitted between animals and people.

Research has shown that the Coronavirus may have been transmitted from bats. Scientists analyzed the strains of COVID-19 and its bat-derived counterparts and found striking similarities between them. Given the fact that both viruses share about 96% of the same genes, bats seemed the most likely source.

However, detailed research on this disease showed that COVID-19 might have originated from pangolins. This is because there is a 99% similarity in genetic information between the virus in pangolins and COVID-19. Despite this finding, scientists believe that an absolute conclusion cannot be drawn. Pinpointing the origin of the Coronavirus may not be necessary because it has already spread widely among humans.

How is COVID-19 Transmitted?

The virus spreads by two means: person to person and by coming in contact with a surface. It is commonly transmitted through respiratory droplets as a person coughs or sneezes. The coughing and sneezing may also transfer the Coronavirus to a surface like a kitchen countertop.

When a healthy person touches such a surface, the virus is transferred to his/her hands. Now, there are significant chances that the person will become infected. This is because the virus can enter his system easily through his/her mouth, nose, or eyes. For this reason, it’s advised that you wash your hands regularly and avoid touching these body parts.

Detection of Coronavirus

The biggest hurdle in confirming a Coronavirus case is that its symptoms are similar to a common cold. However, researchers have developed a clever way to detect COVID-19. Instead of looking for the virus, they check for the antibodies that are produced in an infected person. These tests are called Serological tests.

Symptoms

The similarity of symptoms can scare many people that have nothing but a common cold. The following signs indicate that you are infected by COVID-19 (mild symptoms).

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Shortness of Breath

Having these symptoms does not mean that you are necessarily infected with Coronavirus. This is because the possibility of a cold is very much there. However, you should consult a doctor if you have these signs.

Who is More Vulnerable to Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is far more severe for people with compromised immune systems. COVID-19 increases the chance of a person contracting pneumonia. It can cause multiple organ failure, and in some cases, it can result in death.

There is no known immunity to COVID-19 so far, so everyone is at risk of catching the virus. However, it is good to remain alert instead of anxious. Just because you might become infected doesn’t mean you’re going to fall over dead in a few hours.

COVID-19 can be dangerous, but like most infections, certain portions of the population are at a higher risk than others. Young children, elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to falling seriously ill to the virus.

Coronavirus Statistics

  • Reported Cases: 102,233
  • Deaths: 3,496
  • Recovery Cases: 57,619

Note: These are the statistics at the time of writing this article. The numbers will likely change in the future.

Precaution is Better than Cure

The best possible method to keep yourself safe from COVID-19 is to wash your hands with soap and warm water. Similarly, follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid large gatherings. For instance, if it is NOT critically important, you should avoid traveling and stay at home. Postpone those events that can assist the spread of this dangerous disease.

Wearing a mask is another effective precaution because it prevents the virus from entering your system. The following respirators could be helpful.

  1. Particulate Respirator 8670F
  2. 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F
  3. Pasture™ F550G Respirator
  4. Pasture™ A520G Respirator

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