CORONA : "THE DANGEROUS EVIL"

INTRODUCTION

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, and has since spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 corona virus pandemic. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, sputum production, diarrhea, sore throat, and loss of smell and taste. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptom%

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

Diarrhoea                            3.7 to 31

Haemoptysis                            0.9

Conjunctival congestion        0.8

Those infected with the virus may be asymptomatic or develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, difficulty waking, and bluish face or lips; immediate medical attention is advised if these symptoms are present. Less commonly, upper respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, or sore throat may be seen. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been observed in varying percentages. Some cases in China initially presented only with chest tightness and palpitations. Loss of the sense of smell and distortion of the sense of taste are reportedly common symptoms among those who are otherwise asymptomatic. In some, the disease may progress to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death. In those who develop severe symptoms, time from symptom onset to needing mechanical ventilation is typically 8 days.

As is common with infections, there is a delay between the moment when a person is infected with the virus and the time when they develop symptoms. This is called the incubation period. The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically five to six days but may range from two to 14 days. 97.5% of people who develop symptoms will do so within 11.5 days of infection.

CAUSE:

The disease is caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), previously referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is primarily spread between people via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. A study investigating the rate of decay of the virus found no viable viruses after four hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard, 72 hours on stainless steel, and 72 hours on plastic. However, detection rates did not reach 100% and varied between surface type (limit of detection was 3.33×100.5 TCID50 per liter of air for aerosols, 100.5 TCID50 per milliliter of medium for plastic, steel, and cardboard, and 101.5 TCID50 per milliliter of medium for copper). Estimation of the rate of decay with a Bayesian regression model suggests that viruses may remain viable up to 18 hours on copper, 55 hours on cardboard, 90 hours on stainless steel, and over 100 hours on plastic. The virus remained viable in aerosols throughout the time of the experiment (three hours). The virus has also been found in faeces, and transmission through faeces is being researched.

The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID-19 because the virus accesses host cells via the enzyme ACE2, which is most abundant in the type II alveolar cells of the lungs. The virus uses a special surface glycoprotein called a "spike" (peplomer) to connect to ACE2 and enter the host cell. The density of ACE2 in each tissue correlates with the severity of the disease in that tissue and some have suggested that decreasing ACE2 activity might be protective, though another view is that increasing ACE2 using angiotensin II receptor blocker medications could be protective and that these hypotheses need to be tested. As the alveolar disease progresses, respiratory failure might develop and death may follow.

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.