Understanding Coronavirus Disease 2019
Coronavirus is the name used to indicate COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, which is an infectious disease that first appeared in china and spread to other countries.
The virus belongs to the corona group, which usually affects mammals and birds. The newly discovered virus is not quite lethal like SARS or MERS, and it causes respiratory tract infection.
The infection can be mild, like cold and flu, but in old people or those with chronic diseases it can be lethal.
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The infection starts in the upper respiratory tract then it affect the lungs causing pneumonia and kidney failure. There is no certain drug to cure the disease, or vaccine to prevent the infection.
There is a group of human corona viruses that first appeared in 1960. The discovery studied cases of patients with common cold and later they defined the infection as coron avirus 229E and OC43.
New identifications of corona viruses appeared later and were named as follows:
SARS-COV-2003
HCOV NL63-2004
HKU1-2005
MERS-COV-2012
SARS-COV2-2019
How Dangerous Is Coronavirus Disease 2019?
Coronavirus disease 2019 causes mild to severe respiratory illness that becomes lethal in old people and those with weak immunity or chronic diseases. The infected people experience symptoms of common cold which may include upper or lower respiratory illness. The good news is, most people will recover without treatment or medical assistance.
Coronavirus disease spreads like cold and flu through the coughs and sneezes. The virus is primarily found in the saliva and nasal discharge, so the best way to prevent the infection is to use paper tissue when you cough or sneeze.
You should also practice social distancing, avoid shaking hands or hugs and kisses, and stop touching your face. Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to eliminate the infection.
There are many clinical trials for discovering treatment for coronavirus disease, but so far there is no specific drug, treatment or vaccine for the virus.
As I mentioned above, people with certain health conditions or chronic diseases are more prone to infection and it can be lethal.
Underlying medical problems include:
-Cardiovascular diseases
-high blood pressure
-Chronic respiratory diseases
-Diabetes
-Immunity diseases
-Pregnant women
-Cancer patients
Reference:
World Health Organization