What do we know about coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are widespread in nature, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals (birds, pigs, cattle, horses, rodents, bats, cats, dogs), some very serious, while others are mild or even clinically asymptomatic. In humans, they have a high affinity for macrophages (phagocytes that destroy bacteria and foreign bodies in the body), respiratory and enteric epithelia, causing more than 1/3 of nasopharyngitis and other respiratory diseases (especially in autumn and winter), gastroenteritis, and a particular form of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). It is also the second viral group, after rhinoviruses, responsible for inducing nasopharyngitis and the common cold in humans. At the end of December 2019, a new coronavirus 2019-nCoV (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China, which causes severe pneumonia. Diseases in humans and animals caused by coronaviruses are called coronaviroses. Coronaviruses are transmitted directly through the respiratory tract (via droplets) or fecal/orally. There is still no specific antiviral treatment or preventive (vaccine) for human coronavirus infections, with treatment being only symptomatic.

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses were discovered in the early 1930s, when it was proven that avian infectious bronchitis in chickens was caused by a virus now known as the avian infectious bronchitis virus. The first human coronaviruses were discovered in the 1960s by researchers at the Common Cold Unit in Salisbury, Great Britain, who showed that common colds could be caused not only by rhinoviruses, but also by coronaviruses. They first found evidence of human coronaviruses (HCV) in samples taken from the nasal cavity of patients presenting with forms of the common cold. Two human coronaviruses are responsible for a large portion of these colds: OC43 and 229E.

The name "coronavirus" is derived from the Latin word "corona" given for crown or halo. This refers to the characteristic appearance of the virus, which resembles a royal crown or the solar corona. This morphology is generated by the types of viral spikes (S), which are peplomers that colonize the surface of the virus and determine host tropism. This morphology is generated by peplomers, a protein that populates the surface of the virus.

Among humans, coronavirus infections occur most often in the winter and early spring months. People catch a cold because of a coronavirus, a fact that can repeat after about 4 months. This happens because coronavirus antibodies do not last long. Also, antibodies for one strain of coronavirus may be ineffective against another.

COVID-19

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began monitoring an outbreak of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the respiratory disease now known as COVID-19. Authorities first identified the virus in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has spread from Asia to many countries, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic. Worldwide, over 12,698,995 people have contracted the virus, causing over 564,924 deaths (Update 13.07.2020). The first people infected with COVID-19 contracted the virus as a result of interacting with the animal and seafood market. This suggested that animals initially transmitted the virus. However, people with a recent diagnosis had no such links or exposures, confirming that the virus is transmitted from person to person.

The WHO reports that the two high-risk groups for facing severe illness due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection are adults "over 60 years of age" and people who have health issues that compromise their immune systems. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), children are not at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection than adults. Although there are currently no published scientific reports on the susceptibility of pregnant women, the CDC notes that: "Pregnant women experience immunological and physiological changes that might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19." The CDC also recommends that infants born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 be isolated as a "person under investigation."

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms of those infected with COVID-19 vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• fever
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• dry cough
• sneezing
• potential loss of taste or smell

So far, no vaccine for COVID-19 has been discovered. However, scientists have replicated the virus. This could allow for early detection and treatment for people who have contracted the virus but do not yet show symptoms.

Preventing infection

Preventing coronaviruses through the disinfection of hands and surfaces is an essential measure for reducing the risk of transmitting these pathogens.

1. Hand disinfection: Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains the most effective way to remove viruses and bacteria. If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Ensure you cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them until they are completely dry.
2. Surface disinfection: Viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours or even days, depending on the type of surface and environmental conditions. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, work surfaces, and objects for common use, is important to reduce the risk of contamination. Use a disinfectant based on chlorine, alcohol, or other chemicals effective against coronaviruses.
3. Avoiding touching your face: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with dirty or non-disinfected hands. These areas are entry points for viruses into your body.
4. Practicing social distancing: Maintaining a physical distance of at least 1-2 meters from other people, especially in crowded spaces, can reduce the risk of virus transmission.
5. Adequate ventilation: Ensure that indoor spaces are well ventilated to reduce the accumulation of viral particles in the air.
6. Cleaning and disinfecting personal equipment: If you use personal equipment, such as mobile phones or computer keyboards, it is important to disinfect them regularly with appropriate disinfectant solutions.

Following these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection and protect your health and the health of those around you.

Source : https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256521#covid-19