COVID-19 & 2019 Coronavirus Everything You Should Know

COVID-19 & 2019 Coronavirus Everything You Should Know!!!

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

Prevention

Masks

Coronavirus types

Outlook

What is the 2019 coronavirus?

In early 2020, a new virus began generating headlines all over the world because of the unprecedented speed of its transmission.

From its origins in a food market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 to countries as far-flung as the United States and the Philippines, the virus (officially named SARS-CoV-2) has affected hundreds of thousands, with a rising death toll now over 17,000.

The disease caused by an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is called COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

In spite of the global panic in the news about this virus, you’re unlikely to contract SARS-CoV-2 unless you’ve been in contact with someone who has a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Let’s bust some myths. Read on to learn how this 2019 coronavirus is spread, how it’s similar and different from other coronaviruses, and how to prevent spreading it to others if you suspect you’ve contracted this virus.

What are the symptoms?

Doctors are learning new things about this virus every day. So far, we know that COVID-19 may not initially cause any symptoms for some people.

You may carry the virus for 2 days or up to 2 weeksTrusted Source before you notice symptoms.

Some common symptoms that have been specifically linked to COVID-19 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.

COVID-19 versus the flu

We are still learning about whether the 2019 coronavirus is more or less deadly than the seasonal flu.

This is difficult to determine because the number of total cases (including mild cases in people who don’t seek treatment or get tested) is unknown. However, early evidence suggests that this coronavirus causes more deaths than the seasonal flu.

An estimated 0.06 to 0.1 percentTrusted Source of people who developed the flu during the 2019-2020 flu season in the United Stated died (as of March 14, 2020). This is compared to 1.2 percent of those with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

Here are some common symptoms of the flu:

* cough* runny or stuffy nose* sneezing* sore throat* fever* headache* fatigue* chills* body aches

What causes coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic. This means they first develop in animals before developing in humans.

For the virus to pass from animal to humans, a person has to come into close contact with an animal that carries the infection.

Once the virus develops in people, coronaviruses can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. This is a technical name for the wet stuff that moves through the air when you cough or sneeze.

The viral material hangs out in these droplets and can be breathed into the respiratory tract (your windpipe and lungs), where the virus can then lead to an infection.

The 2019 coronavirus hasn’t been definitively linked to a specific animal.

Researchers believe that the virus may have been passed from bats to another animal — either snakes or pangolins — and then transmitted to humans. This transmission likely occurred in the open food market in Wuhan, China.

Who’s at increased risk?

You’re at high risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 if you come into contact with someone who’s carrying it, especially if you’ve been exposed to their saliva or been near them when they’ve coughed or sneezed.

Without taking proper prevention measures, you’re also at high risk if you:

* live with someone who has contracted the virus

* are providing home care for someone who has contracted the virus

* have an intimate partner who has contracted the virus

HANDWASHING IS KEY

Washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces can help decrease your risk for catching this and other viruses.

Older people and people with certain health conditions have a higher risk for severe complications if they contract the virus. These health conditions include:

* lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma

* certain heart conditions

* immune system conditions, such as HIV

* cancer that requires treatment

* severe obesity

* other health conditions, if not well-controlled, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease

Pregnant women have a higher risk of complicationsTrusted Source from other viral infections, but it’s not yet known if this is the case for the 2019 coronavirus.

How are coronaviruses diagnosed?

COVID-19 can be diagnosed similarly to other conditions caused by viral infections: using a blood, saliva, or tissue sample. However, most tests use a cotton swab to retrieve a sample from the inside of your nostrils.

Tests are conducted by the CDC, some state health departments, and some commercial companies. See your state’s health department websiteTrusted Source to find out where testing is offered near you.

Talk to your doctor right away if you think you have COVID-19 or you notice symptoms. Your doctor will advise you on whether you should stay home and monitor your symptoms, come in to the doctor’s office to be evaluated, or go to the hospital for more urgent care.

What treatments are available?

There’s currently no treatment specifically approved for COVID-19, and no cure for an infection, although treatments and vaccines are currently under study. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms as the virus runs its course.

Seek immediate medical help if you think you have COVID-19. Your doctor will recommend treatment for any symptoms or complications that develop.

Other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS are also treated by managing symptoms. In some cases, experimental treatments are tested to see how effective they are. Examples of therapies used for these illnesses include:

* antiviral or retroviral medications

* breathing support, such as mechanical ventilation

* steroids to reduce lung swelling

* blood plasma transfusions

What are the possible complications from COVID-19?

The most serious complication of a SARS-CoV-2 infection is a type of pneumonia that’s been called 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP).

Results from a 2020 studyTrusted Source of 138 people admitted into hospitals in Wuhan, China, with NCIP found that 26 percent of those admitted had severe cases and needed to be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

About 4.3 percent of these people who were admitted to the ICU died from this type of pneumonia. It should be noted that people who were admitted to the ICU were on average older and had more underlying health conditions than people who didn’t go to the ICU.

So far, NCIP is the only complication specifically linked to the 2019 coronavirus. Researchers have seen the following complications in people who have developed COVID-19:

* acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

* irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)

* cardiovascular shock

* severe muscle pain (myalgia)

* fatigue

* heart damage or heart attack

How can you prevent coronaviruses?

The best way to prevent the spread of infection is to avoid or limit contact with people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or any respiratory infection.

The next best thing you can do is practice good hygiene and social distancing to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading.

Prevention tips

*  Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time with warm water and soap. How long is 20 seconds? About as long as it takes to sing your “ABCs.”

* Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth when your hands are dirty.

* Don’t go out if you’re feeling sick or have any cold or flu symptoms.

* Stay at least 3 feetTrusted Source (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

* Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow whenever you sneeze or cough. Throw away any tissues you use right away.

* Clean any objects you touch a lot. Use disinfectants on objects like phones, computers, utensils, dishware, and doorknobs.

Should you wear a mask?

If you’re out in a public setting where it’s difficult to follow social distancing guidelines, the CDCTrusted Source recommends that you wear a cloth face mask that covers your mouth and nose. When worn correctly, and by large percentages of the public, these masks can help to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

That’s because they can block the respiratory droplets of people who may be asymptomatic or people who have the virus but have gone undiagnosed. Respiratory droplets get into the air when you exhale, talk, cough, or sneeze.

You can make your own mask using basic materials such as a bandana, a T-shirt, or cotton fabric. The CDC provides instructionsTrusted Source for making one with scissors or with a sewing machine.

Cloth masks are preferred for the general public, since other types of masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.

It’s critical to keep the mask clean. Wash it each time you use it. Avoid touching the front of it with your hands. Also, try to avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes when you remove it. This prevents you from possibly transferring the virus from a mask to your hands and from your hands to your face.

Keep in mind that wearing a mask isn’t a replacement for other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing and practicing social distancing. All of them are important.

Certain people shouldn’t wear face masks. They include children under 2 years old, people with trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove their own masks.

What are the other types of coronaviruses?

A coronavirus gets its name from the way it looks under a microscope.

The word corona means “crown,” and when examined closely, the round virus has a “crown” of proteins called peplomers jutting out from its center in every direction. These proteins help the virus identify whether it can infect its host.

The condition known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was also linked to a highly infectious coronavirus back in the early 2000s. The SARS virus has since been contained.

COVID-19 vs. SARS

This isn’t the first time a coronavirus has made news — the 2003 SARS outbreak was also caused by a coronavirus.

As with the 2019 virus, the SARS virus was first found in animals before it spread to humans.

The SARS virus is thought toTrusted Source have come from bats and then transferred to another animal, and then to humans.

Once transmitted to humans, the SARS virus began spreading quickly among people.

What makes the novel coronavirus so newsworthy is that a treatment or cure hasn’t yet been developed to help prevent its rapid spread from person to person. SARS has been successfully contained.

What’s the outlook?

First and foremost, don’t panic. You don’t need to be quarantined unless you suspect you have contracted the virus or have a confirmed test result.

Following simple handwashing and social distancing guidelines may help protect you from being exposed to the virus.

The 2019 coronavirus probably seems scary when you read the news about new deaths, quarantines, and travel bans.

Stay calm and follow your doctor’s instructions if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 so you can recover and help prevent it from spreading.

First time BBC broadcasts Muslim prayers on radio

First time BBC broadcasts Muslim prayers on radio

Mosques and other places of worship in UK have been closed since March 23 in efforts to curb spread of coronavirus

LONDON: Muslims in the UK can now listen to Friday prayers broadcast on BBC radio for the first time.

Different imams lead the 5:50 a.m. broadcasts every week on 14 BBC local radio stations, reciting verses from the Qur’an or quotes from Prophet Muhammad, before delivering sermons and leading listeners in prayer.

The stations’ audiences are in parts of Britain with large Muslim communities — Leeds, Sheffield, Lancashire, Manchester, the West Midlands, Leicester, Stoke, Derby, Nottingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, the Three Counties, Merseyside, Berkshire and London.

“Local radio is all about connecting communities, and we hope these weekly reflections will go some way to helping Muslims feel a sense of community while they are isolating,” said Chris Burns, the head of BBC Local Radio.

Places of worship throughout Britain have been closed since March 23 in one of the measures introduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The BBC already broadcasts Christian services on Sundays on 39 of its local and national stations.

The Friday prayer broadcasts, which began last Friday, will continue for as long as Muslims are unable to attend their local mosques. There are also plans for regular broadcasts for other religious minorities, such as the Hindu and Jewish communities, the BBC said.

In a TV broadcast to the British people on Sunday, Queen Elizabeth praised people of “all faiths” for their combined efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 - Treatment for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Treatment for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

# Available treatment# Potential treatments# If you have symptoms# When to seek care# Prevention# Bottom line

The CDC recommendsTrusted Source that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it’s difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from people without symptoms or people who do not know they have contracted the virus. Cloth face masks should be worn while continuing to practice social distancing. Instructions for making masks at home can be found hereTrusted Source. Note: It’s 

critical to reserve surgical masks and N95 respirators for healthcare workers.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus discovered after an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Since the initial outbreak, this coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, has spread to more than 100 countries around the world, and has affected many thousands of people.

As yet, there’s no vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Researchers are currently working on creating a vaccine specifically for this virus, as well as potential treatments for COVID-19.

HEALTHLINE’S CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

Stay informed with our live updates about the current COVID-19 outbreak. Also, visit our coronavirus hub for more information on how to prepare, advice on prevention and treatment, and expert recommendations.

The disease is more likely to cause symptoms in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Most 
people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 experience:

*fever*cough*shortness of breath*fatigue

Keep reading to learn more about the current treatment options for COVID-19, what types of treatments are being explored, and what to do if you develop symptoms.

What type of treatment is available for the novel coronavirus?

There currently isn’t a vaccine against developing COVID-19. Antibiotics are also ineffective because COVID-19 is a viral infection and not bacterial.

If your symptoms are more severe, supportive treatments may be given by your doctor or at a hospital. This type of treatment may involve:

fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration medication to reduce a fever

supplemental oxygen in more severe cases People who have a hard time breathing on their own due to COVID-19 may need a respirator.

What is being done to find an effective treatment?

Vaccines and treatment options for COVID-19 are currently being investigated around the world. There’s some evidence that certain medications may have the potential to be effective with regard to preventing illness or treating the symptoms of COVID-19.

However, researchers need to perform randomized controlled trialsTrusted Source in humans before potential vaccines and other treatments become available. This may take several months or longer.

Here are some treatment options that are currently being investigated for protection against SARS-CoV-2 and treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.

Remdesivir

Remdesivir is an experimental broad-spectrum antiviral drug originally designed to target Ebola.

Researchers have found that remdesivir is highly effective at fighting the novel coronavirus in isolated cellsTrusted Source.

This treatment is not yet approved in humans, but two clinical trials for this drug have been implemented in China. One clinical trial was recently also approved by the FDA in the United States.

Chloroquine

Chloroquine is a drug that’s used to fight malaria and autoimmune diseases. It’s been in use for more than 70 yearsTrusted Source and is considered safe.

Researchers have discovered that this drug is effective at fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in studies done in test tubes.

At least 10 clinical trialsTrusted Source are currently looking at the potential use of chloroquine as an option for combating the novel coronavirus.

Lopinavir and ritonavir

Lopinavir and ritonavir are sold under the name Kaletra and are designed to treat HIV.

In South Korea, a 54-year-old man was given a combination of these two drugs and had a significant reductionTrusted Source in his levels of the coronavirus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there could be benefits to using Kaletra in combination with other drugs.

APN01

A clinical trial is set to start soon in China to examine the potential of a drug called APN01 to fight the novel coronavirus.

The scientists who first developed APN01 in the early 2000s discovered that a certain protein called ACE2 is involved in SARS infections. This protein also helped protect the lungs from injury due to respiratory distress.

From recent research, it turns out that the 2019 coronavirus, like SARS, also uses the ACE2 protein to infect cells in humans.

The randomized, dual-arm trial will look at the effect of the medication on 24 patients for 1 week. Half of the participants in the trial will receive the APN01 drug, and the other half will be given a placebo. If results are encouraging, larger clinical trials will be done.

Favilavir

China has approved the use of the antiviral drug favilavir to treat symptoms of COVID-19. The drug was initially developed to treat inflammation in the nose and throat.

Although the results of the study haven’t been released yet, the drug has supposedly shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 symptoms in a clinical trial of 70 people.

What should you do if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19?

Not everyone with a SARS-CoV-2 infection will feel ill. Some people may even contract the virus and not develop symptoms. When there are symptoms, they’re usually mild and tend to come on slowly.

COVID-19 seems to cause more severe symptoms in older adults and people with underlying health conditions, such as chronic heart or lung conditions.

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, follow this protocol:

• Gauge how sick you are: Ask yourself how likely it is that you came into contact with the coronavirus. If you live in a region that has had an outbreak, or if you’ve recently traveled abroad, you may be at an increased risk of exposure.

• Call your doctor: If you have mild symptoms, call your doctor. To reduce transmission of the virus, many clinics are encouraging people to call or use live chat instead of coming into a clinic. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and work with local health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if you need to be tested.

• Stay home: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another type of viral infection, stay home and get plenty of rest. Be sure to stay away from other people and avoid sharing items like drinking glasses, utensils, keyboards, and phones.

When do you need medical care?

About 80 percentTrusted Source of people recover from COVID-19 without needing hospitalization or special treatment.

If you’re young and healthy with only mild symptoms, your doctor will likely advise you to isolate yourself at home and to limit contact with others in your household. You’ll likely be advised to rest, stay well hydrated, and to closely monitor your symptoms.

If you’re an older adult, have any underlying health conditions, or a compromised immune system, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action.

If your symptoms worsen with home care, it’s important to get prompt medical care. Call your local hospital, clinic, or urgent care to let them know you’ll be coming in, and wear a face mask once you leave your home. You can also call 911 for immediate medical attention.

How to avoid infection from the coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus is primarily transmitted from person to person. At this point, the best way to prevent getting infected is to avoid being around people who have been exposed to the virus.

Additionally, according to the CDCTrusted Source, you can take the following precautions to lower your risk of infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap isn’t available.
• Avoid touching your face unless you’ve recently washed your hands.
• Stay clear of people who are coughing and sneezing. The CDC recommends standing at least 6 feet away from anyone who appears to be sick.
• Avoid crowded areas as much as possible.

Older adults are at the highest risk of infection and may want to take extra precautions to avoid coming into contact with the virus.

The bottom line

At this point in time, there’s no vaccine to protect you from the novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2. There also are no special medications approved to treat the symptoms of COVID-19.

However, researchers around the world are working hard to develop potential vaccines and treatments.

There’s emerging evidence that some medications may have the potential to treat the symptoms of COVID-19. More large-scale testing is needed to determine if these treatments are safe. Clinical trials for these drugs could 
take several months.