All you need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus is a newly discovered virus and known to cause infectious disease “Coronavirus disease” also called (COVID-19).

Mild to moderate respiratory illness with a dry cough is the main characteristic of COVID-19. In most cases, people recover from such a state without taking any treatment.

People suffering from different medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease and cardiovascular diseases are at high risk to develop coronavirus disease.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Corona is a Latin word which means crown or halo. The microscopic picture of coronavirus shows that it is surrounded by a solar corona. On January 7, 2020, Chinese authorities have identified the novel coronavirus. They also named it as SARS-CoV-2. It has also been confirmed that it can be transmitted from human to human.

World Health Organization explains that coronavirus belongs to the family of viruses that can cause various illnesses such as common cold and flu. It can also lead to severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Research shows that coronavirus can be transmitted from animals to people. Civet cats can cause SARS in humans while camel can lead to MERS in humans.

The researchers have suspected that coronavirus is also circulating in other animals as well but not yet infected humans.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Origin of coronavirus

Wuhan, the city of china is thought to be the origin of coronavirus. According to Chinese health authorities, the seafood market of Wuhan might be the origin of COVID-19.

Various health authorities of the world also pointed towards the snakes and bats as possible sources of coronavirus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The signs and symptoms of coronavirus as described by WHO include

Breathing problems such as shortness of breath
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Cough
Muscle aches
Loss of smell and taste
Diarrhea

Severe cases of coronavirus disease can cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure and ultimately death.

How coronavirus can be spread?

Nasal discharge and saliva droplets are the two primary reasons for the spread of COVID-19.
Sneezing and coughing from an infected person can spread this disease quickly.
Respiratory etiquette is very much important in this regard.
Sneezing or coughing into a flexed elbow can control the spreading of germs/virus that causes coronavirus disease.

What is the mortality rate of coronavirus?

According to WHO, the mortality rate of coronavirus is 3.4 percent. Whereas the death rate rapidly increasing in countries like the USA, Italy, and Spain.
The report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the risk of coronavirus illness is higher in older people.
Serious complications have been seen in people suffering from severe medical conditions like lung, heart diseases, or diabetes.
The mortality rate of COVID-19 is much higher in immunocompromised patients as compared to other patients due to weak immunity. Immune-boosting foods and supplements can strengthen your immune system to fight against COVID-19. Vitamin-C is helpful in boosting your immune system.

Vitamin-C tablets (Immunity boosting supplements)

What is the Incubation period for COVID-19?

The time frame between infection and the initiation of symptoms is called the incubation period. The incubation period of coronavirus is about 14 days. In infected people, the symptoms of coronavirus can appear within five to six days. Moreover, some infected patients can also be asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 in most patients show similarity with common cold and flu. That’s why diagnosis may be problematic with a physical examination. Many hospitals and health authorities rely on laboratory tests for the confirmation of coronavirus.

Who can be tested for COVID-19?

Experiencing symptoms such as breathing difficulty, high fever, and dry cough.
If you are living conditions like chronic lung disease, hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

Prevention from coronavirus

Steps must be taken on individual bases to prevent the spread of coronavirus. You can protect yourself and prevent the spread of coronavirus by the following ways

Maintaining physical and social distancing.
Practicing good hygiene i.e., washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds.
Taking steam for 2-3 minutes.
Doing saltwater gargles.
Avoid touching your face and by wearing a mask and gloves.
Respiratory etiquette must also be observed during coughing and sneezing
Sanitize your hands when required or after toughing metallic objects

Prevention from coronavirus (COVID-19)

Treatment of COVID-19

After many claims from all around the world, still, we don’t have any treatment available for COVID-19. Or there is no vaccine for COVID-19 to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

Various health authorities, drugs, and therapeutic committees carrying research to find the treatment of COVID-19. They might prepare a coronavirus vaccine soon.

Various hospitals use supportive measures to relieve the symptoms of patients. However, FDA approves research trials on antimalarial drugs such as Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine on hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Drugs approved for clinical trials in COVID-19

Med and Health info

All you need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19)