At the present time, a new type of virus is in the news all over the world for spreading to countries across the globe at unprecedented rates. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause ailments like common cold, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
In December 2019, a new type of virus (officially named COVID- 19), originated in a animal and seafood market in Wuhan, China. Around 80 countries have been reported to be affected by COVID- 19, including United States of America and United Kingdom.
India got its first case in Kerala, where the patient had a recent travel history from China. Till date there are more than 20 confirmed cases in India. More than 70, 000 have been infected by COVID- 19 in China. The death toll by the disease across the world has risen to 2000. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global health emergency.
Information on the virus at the present time is very scarce and limited. It is being speculated that the virus originated in snakes and bats, and were transmitted to humans. The Wuhan animal food market, which is believed to be the epicentre of COVID- 19 have almost all kinds of animals sold live or dead for human consumption.
Causes: Types of Virus and Mode of Transmission
Coronaviruses are zoonotic i.e. they first develop in animals before getting transmitted to humans. They belong to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae. Common types of coronavirus are:
=>> 229E (alpha coronavirus)
=>> NL63 (alpha coronavirus)
=>> OC43 (beta coronavirus)
=>> HKU1 (beta coronavirus)
The strains of viruses which cause severe complications include MERS- CoV, and SARS- CoV. They cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. In December 2019, a dangerous new strain of virus called SARS-CoV-2 started spreading from China, causing the disease COVID- 19.
Coronavirus is speculated to be developed in animals, but no definite link to any specific animal has been found. Researchers believe that virus originated in bats and other animals, such as snakes or pangolins, and transmitted to other animals and humans. The open food market in Wuhan, China is the most vulnerable place for such transmission.
If a person comes in close contact with the infected animal, the virus would be transmitted to him, and then to other humans through him.
Coronavirus spreads from one person to another via respiratory droplets, that is released in the air when a person coughs or sneezes. When such droplets land on some surface, a person who comes in contact with such surface is infected. Thus the virus spreads like a regular flu.
If a person has a recent travel history to China, or is in contact with any person who had such recent travel history, or is in contact with a health worker who is treating the infected patients, then he/ she is likely to be infected.
Coronavirus infects humans mostly during winter season or early spring, as the viruses are not heat resistant.
Symptoms of COVID- 19 may surface 2 to 15 days after the initial infection. It may vary from mild to severe, and it can be fatal in some cases, particularly in persons with a compromised immunity due to HIV/ AIDS, cancer treatment, or in younger children or older people.
Symptoms are similar to flu and include:
=>> Dry Cough
=>> Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
=>> Sore throat
=>> Pneumonia (in severe cases)
Research is still going on for definite symptoms.
COVID- 19 is diagnosed by taking samples of blood, saliva or tissues. Nasal swab or a throat swab of respiratory secretions may be taken and sent to laboratories for testing. The test confirms the presence of a viral material or the antibodies that respond to the virus.
There is currently no treatment available for COVID- 19. The primary focus of treatment is on managing the symptoms by over- the- counter medications and self- care. It includes fever and pain relievers, cough medications, consumption of fluids and taking rest.
Researchers suggest the virus is not so severe as it is portrayed in the news and there are more life- threatening viruses than COVID- 19. The mortality rate is only 2%, and the severe cases are of those patients who already have other health complications.
It is found that these viruses are not heat resistant, so the body should maintain its heat energy to destroy virus. Avoiding cold drinks and foods, consuming hot water and other hot fluids, including ginger and garlic in diet, and exercising may help the body retain its heat energy and destroy the viruses.
Those diagnosed with COVID- 19 are quarantined and completely isolated to prevent the spreading of the infection. The infected persons should wear face masks, that should be changed every four hours.
Doctors may suggest a person with mild cases to stay at home and isolate himself from other family members. While those with severe cases are kept in hospitals in intensive care units and closely monitored.
Since the speed of transmission of COVID- 19 is very rapid, the best way to prevent the spread is to avoid any contact with infected persons. Experts suggest that one should avoid mass gatherings as much as possible until the virus is controlled. Apart from that, good hygiene is necessary. One should wash hands frequently with an alcohol-based soap or sanitizer and warm water. Covering the mouth while sneezing or coughing would prevent the virus from being released in air through an infected person. One should keep the surroundings clean and use disinfectants for cleaning.