CORONA : "THE DANGEROUS EVIL"

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19, short for Coronavirus Disease 2019, is an infectious illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was initially identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and has since become a global pandemic, affecting populations worldwide.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include muscle pain, production of sputum, diarrhea, sore throat, and loss of smell and taste. While many cases present with mild symptoms, some individuals may develop pneumonia and experience multi-organ failure, particularly in severe cases.

Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have included widespread vaccination campaigns, social distancing measures, and the promotion of hygiene practices such as handwashing and mask-wearing.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Here's a breakdown of the percentage of individuals experiencing each symptom associated with COVID-19:

- Fever: 87.9%

- Dry cough: 67.7%

- Fatigue: 38.1%

- Sputum production: 33.4%

- Loss of smell and taste: 30% to 66%

- Shortness of breath: 18.6%

- Muscle or joint pain: 14.8%

- Sore throat: 13.9%

- Headache: 13.6%

- Chills: 11.4%

- Nausea or vomiting: 5.0%

- Nasal congestion: 4.8%

- Diarrhea: 3.7% to 31%

- Haemoptysis (coughing up blood): 0.9%

- Conjunctival congestion: 0.8%

These percentages reflect the prevalence of each symptom among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. It's important to note that symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can present with a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic, while others may develop symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, and bluish discoloration of the face or lips, requiring immediate medical attention.

Less common symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Interestingly, loss of smell and taste are frequently reported symptoms, even in asymptomatic individuals. In some cases, symptoms initially present as chest tightness and palpitations.

For those who develop severe symptoms, COVID-19 can progress to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death. The time from symptom onset to requiring mechanical ventilation is typically around 8 days. 

The incubation period—the time between infection and symptom onset—is typically 5-6 days but can range from 2 to 14 days. Around 97.5% of symptomatic individuals will develop symptoms within 11.5 days of infection. These timelines are crucial for understanding and managing the spread of the virus.

CAUSE:

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), previously known as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It primarily spreads between people through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Studies have shown that the virus can survive on surfaces for varying durations, with longer survival times on plastic and stainless steel compared to copper and cardboard. The virus can also remain viable in aerosols for several hours.

The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID-19, as the virus accesses host cells via the ACE2 enzyme, which is most abundant in the type II alveolar cells of the lungs. The virus binds to ACE2 using a spike glycoprotein, initiating infection. The severity of the disease in different tissues correlates with the density of ACE2 receptors. Some research suggests that decreasing ACE2 activity may be protective, while others propose that increasing ACE2 using certain medications could offer protection. However, these hypotheses require further investigation.

As the disease progresses, respiratory failure may occur, leading to death in severe cases. Understanding the mechanisms of viral entry and tissue involvement is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies for COVID-19.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES :

1.There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

2.The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

3.Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

4.Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

 5.Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

6.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

7.Avoid close contact with people who are sick

8.Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

9.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.

10. Wearing a mask

11.If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.