Understanding the Coronavirus
Discovery
Coronavirus was discovered back in 1960 in chicken that caused bronchial infection while two strains were found in human that caused minor nasal infection and the common cold. The word corona is from Latin that means a crown. Coronavirus’s characteristic appearance is like a crown that is why it is named so.
Types
There were seven not so dangerous different types of coronavirus that were known to the scientists till date until the new strain; the novel coronavirus was discovered recently in December 2019 in Wuhan, China that affected many people and even caused deaths. Up till December, coronavirus was considered to cause minor respiratory ailments and more severely severe acute respiratory syndrome.
The Chinese Coronavirus Outbreak
On the 31st of December, 2019 the first case of coronavirus was reported in China in the city of Wuhan that has killed more than 100 people till date.
Pathogenesis
There is a lack of enough data about the novel coronavirus as the epidemic is sudden and great too. The current knowledge is being practised upon the older knowledge of coronavirus.
Transmission
Coronavirus tends to spread from man to man or from animal to man. Bats, snakes, cats, cattle, camel all can transmit coronavirus. But this novel virus is thought to be transmitted by bats this time. Transmission is through close contact between persons. Coughing, sneezing or talking can cause the respiratory particles to spread up to 6 feet. When inhaled by another person, the virus gets into the lungs of the other causing infections.
Symptoms
Usually, this infection is asymptomatic but in some cases symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath. The ailment advances and cause death by organ failure.
Precautions
As no treatment or vaccine exists for the infection, it can only be prevented. The preventions can be taken as:
- Regular hand-washing or sanitizing with rubbing alcohol.
- Immediately wash hands after sneezing or coughing and also cover the mouth.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough.
- Seek medical help if you have breathing difficulties.
- Avoid the use of undercooked or raw meat and other animal products.
Treatment
No treatment exists till date yet the vaccines are under clinical research.
Image source: itv.com
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