Coronavirus (COVID-19): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment


Overview

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause diseases such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China.
The virus is now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease that causes it is called Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 an epidemic.

Symptoms of Coronavirus


Signs and symptoms COVID-19 may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:

  • shortness of breath
  • having a cough that gets more severe over time
  • a low-grade fever that gradually increases in temperature
These symptoms may become more severe in some people. Call emergency medical services if you or someone you care for have any of the following symptoms:
  • trouble breathing
  • blue lips or face
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • confusion
  • excessive drowsiness
The full list of symptoms is still being investigated.

Causes of Coronavirus

It is not clear exactly how infectious the new coronavirus is. Data has shown that it spreads from one person to another (within about 6 feet or 2 meters). The virus is spread by respiratory droplets when a person coughs, sneezes, or interacts with the virus.

It can also spread if a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches its mouth, nose, or eyes.



Risk factors of Coronavirus

Risk factors for COVID-19 appear to include:
·     Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing community spread  of COVID-19 as determined by CDC or WHO
·    Close contact with someone who has COVID-19  such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person

Complications from Coronavirus

The most serious complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is a type of pneumonia called 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP).
According to the results of a 2020 study, a source of 138 people admitted to hospitals in Wuhan, China with ENCIP, found that 26 percent had serious cases and needed treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).
About 4.3 percent of these people who were admitted to the ICU died of this type of pneumonia. It should be noted that people admitted to the ICU were, on average, older and had more underlying health conditions than those who did not attend the ICU.
So far, NCIP is the only complication that is specifically associated with 2019 coronaviruses. Researchers have observed the following complications in people developing COVID-19:
  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
  • cardiovascular shock
  • severe muscle pain (myalgia)
  • fatigue
  • heart damage or heart attack

Prevention from Coronavirus

Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection. 
The WHO and CDC recommend following these precautions to avoid COVID-19:

·       Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
·    Whoever is sick or who has symptoms, avoid close contact (within 6 feet or 2 meters).
·    If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness, then maintain distance between yourself and others.
·    Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
·    When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue. Throw away the used tissue.
·    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
·    If you are ill, avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items.
·    Clean and disinfect daily high-touch surfaces.
·    As long as you are going to get medical care, stay home from work, school and public areas. Avoid taking public transport if you are ill.

Coronavirus treatment

There is currently no vaccine or treatment of COVID-19. Symptoms of a coronavirus usually go away on their own. If symptoms feel worse than a common cold, contact your doctor. She or he may prescribe pain or fever medicine. The FDA is currently advising websites and shops selling products claiming to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. In addition, do not take any form of chloroquine, unless it has been prescribed to you by your family doctor and purchased from a legitimate source. For example, if you have a cold or flu, drink fluids and get plenty of rest. If you have trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

When should you see a doctor?


First of all Call your doctor or use telemedicine before visiting their office. Do not go directly to the doctor's office or emergency room, where you may unnecessarily expose others.
If you have fever, fatigue, cough or difficulty breathing and are over the age 60 or have underlying medical problems seek medical attention. One should also seek medical attention with shortness of breath, fever above 104 degrees, chest pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
But if you have mild, cold or flu-like symptoms, there is no need to see a doctor.