What is CoronaVirus?

Coronaviruses or CoV is a large family of viruses that are known to cause ill-health and ailments from the common cold to severe conditions like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). A Novel Coronavirus is a new virus that was not previously identified. The virus that is responsible for causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID – 19) is different from the ones that commonly circulate among humans causing illness like a mild cold. The first case of coronavirus was isolated by scientists in 1937. Scientists found the first evidence of human Coronavirus(H CoV) in the 1960s in people who suffered from the common cold. 

Any case of examination with Coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43 or HKU1 is not similar to COVID-19 diagnosis. The caring for patients afflicted with COVID- 19 will be completely different from those patients who have the common Coronavirus diagnosis. 

The viruses are directly responsible for common colds more than any serious illness but they also are responsible for some severe outbreaks. In the last 70 years of intensive research, scientists have discovered that coronavirus has the potential to affect and infect rats, dogs, mice, cats, pigs, and cattle. Coronaviruses are transmitted between animals and people implying that they are zootic.

The virus belongs to the sub-family Coronavirinaw in the family Coronaviridae.

The intensity of the different types of human coronaviruses is totally dependent on how severe the diseases happen and how far they can spread. 

Experts reveal seven types of coronavirus that have infected humans.

Common types include:

• 229E (alpha coronavirus)
• NL63 (alpha coronavirus)
• OC43 (beta coronavirus)
• HKU1 (beta coronavirus)

In 2019, the circulation of a new life-threatening strain called SARS-CoV-2 started causing COVID-19

Why is the disease called COVID-19? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) gave the Corona Virus disease its official name COVID-19 on 11’th February 2020 which was first traced in Wuhan, China back in 2019. In the word COVID-19, CO denotes Corona, VI stands for Virus and D is for the disease. 

The new COVID-19 has not been previously seen in humans. The name was kept by WHO as its best practice external icon in order to name diseases causing infections.

How did the COVID-19 outbreak happen and how fatal is it?

The cause of the outbreak is believed to be from a ‘Wet-market’ in Wuhan which is known to sell dead and live animals including birds and fishes. At such places, basic standards of hygiene are tough to maintain as live animals are kept and killed on the site. Markets such as these carry a large risk of the spread of the virus from animals to humans. The market also is touted to be high in density with large crowds of humans and animals. 

The animal source has not been identified as yet, but the original host is considered to be bats. Bats were not sold in the market but it may have infected live chickens or other animals that are slaughtered there. Bats are considered the breeding ground to a gamut of zoonotic viruses including Ebola, rabies, and HIV. 

Currently, it is futile to say which way the disease will go, but based on its present orbit it is likely to spread to more countries affecting more people. Although the number of cases reported is showing a decline in China, but in the rest of the world, the numbers are increasing.

How does the Corona Virus attack the body?

For a majority of people, over 80% of the virus will inflict mild symptoms but a good number of cases are also severe with the virus impacting lungs resulting in pneumonia. Doctors in Singapore where 80 cases have been reported claim that at one glance the disease presents as SARS but is less potent. 

Once the virus attacks the lungs it further travels and progresses in various stages. Scans of the lung will reveal ‘ground-glass’ opacity after which ‘crazy paving’ patterns will emerge making it harder to breathe due to mucus spread. In many cases also when these symptoms are seen, many people also have recovered and have become stable.

Symptoms

After contracting the virus, humans will experience Cold or flu-like symptoms within 2-4 days. These symptoms are usually mild but will vary from person to person. Some other forms of the virus can be fatal too.

The symptoms include

• Runny nose
• Extreme fatigue
• Fever in rare cases
• Sore throat
• Aggravated asthma
• Sneezing and cough

As of now, there is no sure-shot treatment for the condition except the symptomatic treatment procedures to curb the symptoms. People should consider opting for self-care and the use of OTC drugs as an option.

They also should ensure that they follow these steps-

• Taking sufficient rest 
• Keeping yourself hydrated
• Avoid smoking 
• Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen should be taken for pain and fever
• Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporiser

The diagnosis of the virus can be done by taking a sample of respiratory fluids like mucus or blood.

Important differences between COVID-19 and influenza. 

One thing is for sure, COVID-19 is certainly not SARS or MERS, but it is also not influenza because it has its own unique characteristics. While one thing that is common with COVID-19 and influenza is that they both cause respiratory issues and spread via the same way that is through small fluid droplets from nose and mouth, however, there are some noteworthy differences. 

1. From the data collected so far, it has been seen that COVID-19 does not transmit as effectively as influenza. People afflicted with influenza who get infected but not sick yet are prime drivers of the transmission, which is not so in the case of COVID-19. WHO has defined a set of protocols that will direct countries the method to conduct studies on discovering antibodies. 
2. The second difference is that COVID-19 causes graver outcomes compared to seasonal influenza. This has no immunity and more people are vulnerable to its infection. At a global rate, COVID-19 has killed 3.4% of the reported cases in comparison to the flu that generally kills less than 1% of the infected. 
3. There are vaccines available for seasonal flu but currently, THERE ARE NO VACCINES available to overcome COVID-19, but there are vaccines and therapeutics for seasonal flu. But on the brighter side, clinical trials are underway and more than 20 vaccines to fight the virus are in the progress stage. 
4. The fourth difference that we usually do not talk about is check and control. For seasonal flu, containment is not possible but COVID-19 control is possible.

How dangerous is the Corona Virus?

This is the biggest mystery that needs to be unfolded. The epicenter of the outbreak – Wuhan has experienced a death rate between 2 – 4% but outside Wuhan, the death rate is around 0.7 as per WHO. Chinese scientists believe that the virus has now been altered and might give way to the second strain which can be more aggressive than the first strain. Experts all around the world are still unsure about the clinical gravity of the issue and its treatment. It is known that the elderly and people with poor health conditions are more susceptible to the disease similar to influenza but young people also are being affected according to data and this is what has become a cause of concern to experts. 

Current scenario

As per the latest figures have a look at these noteworthy figures

126,383 Coronavirus cases have been registered as of now. Countries with the top outbreak rates have been enlisted below. China is followed by S.Korea and Italy too seems to have been seriously affected by the onslaught. 

• A total of 4,635 deaths have been registered and 68,313 recoveries have happened. 
• The severity of the causes also is one of the facts that should not be missed while analyzing current trends.
• Out of the 54,435 active cases, 47,728 cases are mild condition cases while 5,707 are critical.
• Out of the 72,948 closed cases which had a definite outcome, 68313 have recovered and discharged while 4,635 have succumbed to the disease.

Based on the current projections and behavior of the current trends, WHO has officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. At present, WHO and the British government are looking at containing the disease but a mitigation plan right now doesn’t seem the case. Of course, they can concurrently run as containment will hold back the disease while mitigation will focus on reducing the impact on the society per se. Can Coronavirus be stopped?

Quarantines also are about containment but mitigation strategies are also underway. Italy has followed the example of China where it has placed more than 50,000 people under quarantine in a group of villages located to the North of the country. 

Precautions to be taken

Source: WHO

• The very first step is to stay aware and access the latest information on the outbreak. You can easily get resources on the latest information but ensure you are accessing only reliable resources like the WHO. Consider these precautions:
• Wash your hands at regular intervals. Ensure you use soap and rub the soap and lather it for at least 25 seconds. If this is not possible then rubbing your hands with a medicated alcohol-based hand rub will suffice.  Washing your hands or using a sanitizer will kill the virus that may be in your hands.
• Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and the ones who are coughing and sneezing. When someone coughs and sneezes they end up spraying liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which can contain the virus. Social distancing is very important. 
• Avoid touching your face with your hand as we touch many surfaces which can pick virus.
• Follow good respiratory hygiene because droplets spread the virus and by following a good regime, people around you will be secure too. 
• If you have any doubts or symptoms don’t delay consulting a doctor.
  

  Helpline numbers

1. NHS England has initiated a new NHS 111 online service that has been put in place to help people get quick advice about Corona Virus, as inquiries to the health service about the outbreak have surged.
2. The Australian Department of Health’s hotline number is 1800 022 222. It is also providing information about the virus on 1800 020 080.
3. Anyone in India can call on the number 011-23978046 for seeking further details.
4. Residents of North Carolina can contact 1-866-462-3821 for further queries.
5. The town of Greenwich has also set up five hotline numbers for residents who have questions about Corona virus: 203-622-7865, 203-622-7703, 203-622-7614, 203-622-7842 and 203-622-7836.
6. Bangladesh too has reported some suspect cases and has registered 01401184551, 01401184554, 01401184555, 01401184556, 01401184559, 01401184560, 01401184563, 01401184568, 01927711784, 01927711785, 01937000011, 01937110011 as its hotline numbers.
7. Guernsey Islands also has reported its first case. The proactive Island government has dedicated two helpline numbers 01481 756938 and 01481 756969 for queries and reporting. 

It is important to be aware, safe and follow every precaution by the book to combat the virus. Stay away from rumours and follow every rule that needs to be followed.

We at Chapter247 are inclined towards keeping everyone updated about whatever there is to know about Coronavirus with our detailed research and updated know-how.