Coronaviruses: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, and Prevention

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause infections in both animals and humans. They often originate in animals or birds, but can sometimes evolve and infect humans (zoonoses).

In humans, the viruses can cause mild respiratory infections, such as a cold, but can lead to serious and even fatal illnesses, such as pneumonia, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Coronaviruses are named after their crown-like spikes. Coronaviruses were first identified in humans in the mid-1960s. To date, seven human coronaviruses have been identified. The most dangerous ones are those that cause MERS, SARS, and COVID-19, leading to more severe illnesses and even death.

COVID-19 and coronaviruses

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, first emerged in the city of Wuhan in 2019, causing millions of deaths worldwide, as well as long-term health problems for those who survived the disease. The coronavirus can be transmitted from one person to another. It is diagnosed using a test.

The coronavirus spreads through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs, or sneezes. Larger droplets may land on surfaces, but small infectious particles can linger in the air and accumulate in indoor spaces, especially where many people are gathered and where there is poor ventilation. This is why wearing a mask, hand hygiene and physical distancing are essential to prevent COVID-19.

Symptoms appear within 2–14 days of exposure to the virus. A person infected with COVID-19 is contagious to others up to two days before symptoms appear and remains contagious for 10 to 20 days, depending on their immune system and the severity of the illness.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and spread to more than 25 other countries. Studies show that the dromedary camel is the primary host for the virus, acting as a pathogen for humans.

The disease initially infects the respiratory system but can also affect other organs in severe cases. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and often progress to pneumonia. Approximately 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died. Cases of MERS continue to occur, mainly in the Arabian Peninsula.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) initially appeared in small mammals. SARS was first reported in southern China in 2002, and the disease spread to countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Symptoms include fever, chills, and muscle aches, and can progress to pneumonia.

Infection with the SARS virus causes severe respiratory difficulties, with a mortality rate of approximately 10% among those infected.

Mode of transmission

Human coronaviruses can be spread mainly through coughing and sneezing, through direct contact with an infected person (at a distance of approximately 2m), through contact with dirty hands, touching an object or a surface on which the virus is present, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Transmission is also possible through direct contact with fluids (blood, feces, urine, saliva, semen) from an infected person.

Animal-to-human transmission is also considered to occur through contact with sick animals or their products, which is why it is recommended to avoid contact with sick animals and to apply general measures regarding the handling of animals and their products, as well as food preparation.

Symptoms

According to data, anyone can catch these viruses, regardless of age. Infections usually last for a short period of time, and symptoms can include fever, cough, headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or muscle aches. In the case of COVID-19 infection, loss of taste or smell (anosmia) is also noted.

Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, loss of mobility, difficulty speaking, constant confusion, or chest pain. Seek medical attention immediately if you have severe symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or healthcare facility to avoid community transmission.

Human coronaviruses can cause more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, or cancer, are more likely to develop serious illness.

Some people get infected but do not develop any symptoms and do not feel sick. Most people (about 80%) recover without needing special treatment.

Diagnosis

Laboratory tests may be required to detect coronavirus strains. For COVID-19, viral tests can detect a current infection, and antibody tests can detect a past infection.

Treatment

In most cases, medications are administered for muscle aches or fever. It is recommended to consume fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you notice certain symptoms or have tested positive, contact a healthcare professional to see if you need an immediate check-up or specific treatment.

Treatments used for COVID-19 must be prescribed by a doctor. It is prohibited to administer medications that have not been approved for combating COVID-19 without a prescription. In some cases, these have led to a worsening of the infection and even the death of patients.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only have an effect on bacterial infections, so their administration is prohibited without a doctor's request based on an examination.

Prevention

To prevent infection, it is recommended to get vaccinated, wear a protective mask, practice social distancing (preferably at least 2m), wash regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, disinfect objects and surfaces, and avoid contact with infected persons completely.

Also, if you exhibit specific symptoms, it is recommended to self-isolate until you receive your test results.

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
https://uefiscdi.gov.ro/news-ce-sunt-coronavirusurile
https://www.cdt-babes.ro/articole/coronavirus-infectia-COVID-19.php
https://www.cnscbt.ro/index.php/info-populatie/1350-intrebari-si-raspunsuri-despre-noul-coronavirus-2019-ncov/file
https://www.cnscbt.ro/index.php/informatii-utile/269-mers-cov-a-20-a-evaluare-rapida-de-risc-a-ecdc-27-08-2015/file