Coronavirus, Its types, and COVID- 19

Coronavirus is a single-strained RNA virus. The term “coronavirus” refers to a large group of viruses that affect birds and mammals, including humans. COVID-19 is a disease also caused by the coronavirus. It was discovered in China in 2019, December.

The spiky projection on the surface is the reason behind its name. These spiky projections look like a crown. So, the Latin word corona with its meaning "crown" came in the name of the virus. The spiky projection is "glycoprotein" or "peplomer". And they are necessary to enter the host cells. 

There are hundreds of coronaviruses existing in the world. Among them, only seven affect humans. Accordingly, Four human coronaviruses only cause mild cold- or flu-like symptoms, and three other coronaviruses have more serious risks to humans. 

    

Types of corona-viruses affecting human

All types of humans affecting coronaviruses cause upper respiratory infections. Symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu and also may include: 

• nasal congestion 
• sore throat 
• cough 
• headaches 
• fever 

Coronaviruses cause complications in the lower respiratory tract, such as pneumonia according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 The virus can affect:

• Infants 
• Older adults 
• People with a weakened immune system and other weaknesses.

We can categorize such humans affecting coronavirus into two groups. 

1.  Common human coronaviruses
2. Other human coronaviruses

1. Common Human Corona-Virus

 Four common human coronaviruses are: 

•  229E 
• NL63 
• OC43 
• HKU1 

Diseases by such viruses usually cause mild to moderate symptoms. 

These viruses develop within people over their lifetime. But one in contact with these viruses can recover on their own.

2. Other Human CoronaVirus

Three additional such viruses originate as animal infections. Over time, these evolved viruses were transmitted to humans.

These coronaviruses cause more serious risks to human health. Here one can know about them from the description below.

a. SARS-CoV 

SARS-CoV causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The first case according to the World health organization is from southern China in November 2002.

The study supposed the virus originated from bats and has been transmitted to other animals before infecting humans.

It was an epidemic during 2002- 2003. The cases of such coronaviruses were handled with the implementation of infection control practices like quarantine and isolation. Since then few cases were recorded. After then the cases of SARS transmission have not been reported since then. However, the re-emerging of the virus could be a significant threat to the world.

b. MERS-CoV 

MERS-CoV causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Although the virus emerged in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia, initial cases later traced the fact back to Jordan, according to WHO. 

It came to know that contact with infected camels transmitted coronavirus. It also transmits by coming into very close contact with the infected person physically.

Since 2012, 27 countries reported more than 2,400 MERS cases. To date, the majority of cases occurred in Saudi Arabia. There were more than 200 reported cases of MERS-CoV in 2019 according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC). 

c. SARS-CoV-2 

SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. This new virus was identified in Wuhan city, China, in late December 2019. Before people noticed an increase in pneumonia cases with no known cause. The spreading of this disease to the human race has been linked to a market selling seafood and poultry. Its exact source is unknown, though the virus likely evolved from an animal source. 

Within a few months, SARS-CoV-2 has spread to many countries around the world transmitting through person-to-person contact rapidly. And the medicines for care and preventive vaccines are under observation. For this purpose, WHO declared COVID- 19 Epidemic as a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

COVID- 19

COVID- 19 is the official name given to the disease spread in human races caused by a coronavirus in 2019. This disease is caused by the coronavirus of type SARS-CoV-2.

Settings for easy transmission of COVID- 19

Any situation in which people are close to one another for a long period increases the risk of transmission. Indoor locations with poor or no ventilation are risker than other outdoor locations.

The 3 C's setting for easy transmission of COVID- 19.

1. The Crowded place with many people nearby
2.  Close contact settings
3. Confined and enclosed space with poor ventilation.

Mode of transmission

These viruses are transmitted mainly when an infected person is in close contact with another person. The major mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is the liquid particles from the mouth and nose of an infected person.

The size of the liquid particles ranges from larger respiratory droplets to small aerosols. Getting such liquid particles into the mouth, nose, and eyes of other persons is more likely to happen when people are close to or in direct contact with an infected person. this might happen directly or indirectly.

Test for coronavirus

Rapid Antigen, RTPCR, and Truenat or CBNAAT are the test to detect and diagnose this viral strain.

Symptoms of COVID- 19

The symptoms are variable ranging from mild to severe illness symptoms. Most of the symptoms observed in the cases of COVID- 19 are categorized into the following groups.

Most Common Symptoms

1. Fever
2. Dry cough
3. Tiredness

Less Common Symptoms

1. Aches and pains
2. Sore throat
3. Diarrhoea
4. Conjunctivitis
5. Headache
6. Loss of taste and smell
7. A rash on the skin, or discolouration of fingers and toes.

Serious Symptoms

1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
2. Chest pain or pressure
3. Loss of speech or movement.

Curing Measures for COVID- 19 Victims

To date, there are no approved vaccines and curing medicines for these diseases. Besides, many potential vaccines are in the phase of clinical trials. Though, there are some measures for curing the victims. They are:

1. Stay in a separate room.
2. Use a dedicated bathroom if possible
3. Cleaning and disinfecting the frequently touched surfaces.
4. Drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of nutritious food.
5. Maintain sound sleep and stay active.
6. Drink lukewarm water
7. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, then seek medical care.

Preventive measures for transmission

Many types of research are in the process of the clinical test phase. Some of the vaccines under clinical test are "BNT162b2" and "mRNA- 1273". WHO has not authorized any of them. Though, certain national regulatory authorities have authorized the use. So, It is better to prevent COVID- 19 than to seek care. Thus, one should take appropriate precautions to protect their self, and others around with updated facts. So, follow the advice provided by local health authorities to prevent the transmission of coronavirus "SARS-CoV-2". Accordingly, some of the common advice provided is enlisted below:

1. Sanitizing hands with alcohol-based hand sanitisers, or soap and water
2. Maintaining a safe distance from anyone, especially from one who is coughing, sneezing, talking aloud, or with a heavy breath.
3. Wearing a mask and gloves where physical distance is not possible.
4. Avoiding the touch in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. Covering mouth and nose if you are coughing or sneezing.
6. If you feel unwell then stay home.

Conclusion:

In short, COVID- 19 has created a panic situation throughout the world. To reduce such panicking, one has to take appropriate precautions and follow the advice provided by health authorities. Though keeping a safe social distance, should not affect relations socially. Also, there should not be any discrimination or hesitations to talk with victims. Instead, proper care and precaution should be taken to make them mentally strong. This helps the victims to increase their hope of being recovered.