What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus refers to a family or group of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. Human coronaviruses were initially described during the mid-1960s and were named for their crown-like shape when viewed under the microscope. Same as in any extended family, each member of Coronaviridae is unique, but there are similarities that make them all related. In addition to the crown-like spikes on their surface, every member carries RNA genetic material protected by both a corkscrew-shaped protein shell and an outer envelope layer. Coronaviruses cause infections that range in severity from a common, everyday cold to potentially deadly respiratory syndromes. Since 2003, three Coronavirus family members have become famous because of the worldwide infections they have caused.
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The three most well-known coronaviruses are Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID 19)
SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or "SARS" is a flu-like viral respiratory illness that has an alarming fatality rate of 9.6%. Scientists later identified the virus to be SARS-CoV-1. At the time of the epidemic, there were over 8000 confirmed cases in 26 countries. There have not been any new cases of SARS since 2004.
MERS
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (or MERS for short) was first seen in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS-CoV causes severe respiratory disease, leading to a global health crisis with 2,494 cases worldwide. MERS is associated with a frightening 35% fatality rate! Although dormant for several years, as recently as 2019 there have been three documented cases.
COVID19
SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the pandemic of COVID-19. A common misnomer, COVID-19 is actually the name of the viral illness, not the virus itself. As its technical name suggests, the virus that causes COVID-19 is structurally most similar to the coronavirus that caused the SARS epidemic in 2002. COVID19 is associated with a fatality rate estimated at 1-3%.
Where did COVID-19 come from?
Many of the first people to contract the 2019 novel Coronavirus in China frequented a live-animal and wholesale seafood market in Wuhan. SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic virus, meaning it initially spread from animal to person, something medical professionals refer to as a “spillover” event. It is thought that the natural reservoir host for SARS-CoV-2 is bats, but the intermediate animal between bats and humans is currently under study.
How does COVID-19 spread?
While this virus initially spread from animal to person, it is now transmitted from person to person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release as many as 100,000 tiny droplets. The larger of these droplets contain high amounts of the virus. It is thought that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 become contagious very shortly after or even before developing symptoms. Even those with mild symptoms can transmit the virus to others. The risk of spreading the Coronavirus Disease 2019 is highest when people are within six feet of an infected individual, as this is how far the larger droplets can be propelled. Although it is not thought to be the main mode of transmission, it is possible to get coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the droplet containing the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, eyes, or nose. Inanimate objects that harbor the virus are called fomites.
What are the symptoms of COVID19?
Symptoms can range from no symptoms at all to severe lung infections. The most common symptoms to watch for are:
Fever of at least 100.7
Dry cough
Loss of Smell or Taste
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Symptoms appear on average five to six days after exposure, but they can occur from as early as two days to as late as 14. It is important to remember that more than half of those people with Coronavirus Disease 2019 report no symptoms at all. However, even people carrying the virus with no obvious symptoms might still have a measurable fever, and this is an important screening tool used by health professionals.
Is Coronavirus Disease 2019 serious?
80% of the people who show symptoms develop a mild illness and can be observed at home with symptoms similar to an everyday cold. 14% of infected patients will go on to develop severe complications from the virus, most commonly pneumonia. Approximately 6% become critically ill.
How to prevent COVID-19?
While the overall percentage of infected individuals remains low, social isolation measures appear to be the most effective way to prevent the spread of this novel coronavirus. Maintaining a six-foot distance from other individuals when out in the community and avoiding crowded spaces as well as non-critical travel are of utmost importance. Frequent handwashing, especially after blowing one’s nose, coughing or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before preparing and eating food can reduce risk. Handwashing with soap and water can disrupt the envelope that surrounds and protects the coronavirus family, break its bond to the skin, and wash it away. The CDC recommends wetting the hands, applying soap, lathering the entire hand (including under the nails), and then scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying them. If soap and water are not available, then alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used. Remember to rub the gel all over the surfaces of the hands and fingers until they are dry.
Facemasks have become an important tool for preventing the spread of the virus and controlling the COVID pandemic across the world. Facemasks reduce the concentration of virus an infected person puts out into the environment, making it less likely for other people to become infected. Facemasks also can also decrease the concentration of virus an uninfected person is exposed to. Exposure to a lower concentration of the virus may lead to a milder form of the disease.
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