COVID-19

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History

On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was formally notified about a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, home to 11 million people and the cultural and economic hub of Central China. By 5th January2020, 59 cases were known and none had been fatal. Ten days later, WHO was aware of 282 confirmed cases, of which four were in Japan, South Korea and Thailand. There had been six deaths in Wuhan, 51 people were severely ill and 12 were in a critical condition. The virus responsible was isolated on 7th January and its genome was shared on 12th January. The cause of the severe acute respiratory syndrome that became known as COVID‐19 was a novel coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2.

Coronaviruses in man

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that SARS‐CoV‐2 originated in animals, probably bats, and was transmitted to other animals before crossing into humans at the Huanan wet market in Wuhan City. There is some evidence that the intermediate vector may have been pangolin, a type of nocturnal anteater imported illegally for its flesh.This animal carries a coronavirus that is very similar to SARS‐CoV‐2 but differs in a crucial region that determines viral infectivity and host range. It is therefore possible that the virus passed into humans and then, through adaptation as it infected more people, mutated to acquire the characteristics that made it spread so quickly.

SARS‐CoV‐2 is not the first coronavirus to cause outbreaks of respiratory infection in humans. Six others have been identified so far, all believed to have originated in animals.

COVID ‐19 infection

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus responsible for COVID‐19 can survive in aerosols for hours and on surfaces including stainless steel, plastic and cardboard for days,although washing with soap or detergent will destroy the virus. It can be transmitted during the asymptomatic incubation phase (this is estimated to occur in 50–60% of cases) and for up to two weeks after the onset of symptoms. Each infected person passes the virus on to an average of three others. The incubation period is about 5–6 days (range 1–14 days). Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic, subclinical infection and mild illness to severe or fatal illness; deterioration can occur rapidly, often during the second week of illness. Viral load is up to 60 times greater in people with severe symptoms compared with mild cases. Death is due to pneumonia and possibly hyper inflammation associated with cytokine storm.

Symptoms

 Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • diarrhea
  • conjunctivitis
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

  • difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
  • chest pain or pressure
  • loss of speech or movement

Protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
  • Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
  • Avoid going to crowded places. Why? When people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COVID-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
  • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
  • Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone to bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area.
  • Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

 

Wear a mask.Save lives.
Wear a face cover
Wash your hands
Keep a safe distance

 

Dr. Noel Menezes M.D
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Goa Medical College