By: Shannon Barton
Emergence & Transmission
Otherwise known as SARS-CoV-2 within the scientific community, the novel coronavirus originated in China’s Wuhan City, Hubei Province, in December of 2019. This illness belongs to a large family of viruses that targets the upper-respiratory tract, making it extremely contagious. SARS-CoV-2, in its earlier stages, was linked to the seafood market located in Wuhan. A cross-species infection was the most suspect (bat breed), but is now primarily transmitted from human to human. This release is transferred through coughing, sneezing, and even speaking. It can directly infect another person or remain on surfaces in which it could later be contracted. SARS-CoV-2 is also not a long-range aerosol transmitter, rather one of short radius, heightened in enclosed areas (with insufficient ventilation) or crowded health facilities. (CDC, 2020)
Severity & Symptoms
COVID-19’s lethality varies within the demographics of a population. In young adults and children, most COVID-19 illnesses are mild and yield a quick recovery. In fact, data from several countries showed that 14%-19% were hospitalized and 3%-5% would need intensive care. (CDC, 2020) Those with pre-existing medical conditions (including hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infection, cardiovascular disease, and cancer [NCBI, 2020]) are more at risk to develop severe symptoms. Inevitably, this induces a higher mortality rate in the elder population as well as in those with underlying diseases.
A SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis can be based on multiple symptoms, though they can often be associated with the flu or a cold. These can be, but aren’t limited to, fevers, fatigue, cough, lack of appetite, body aches, shortness of breath, and mucus/phlegm. (WebMD, 2020) However, an individual’s display of such symptoms cannot confirm a case, nor does not exhibiting them deem one unaffected. This is furthered by the statistic that 20% of coronavirus cases are asymptomatic, yet still contagious. (Citroner, 2020) Upon notice of a verified infection, it is imperative that the individual quarantine themselves from other members in their household (if any) and stay in their confined quarters for at least 2 weeks. Additional tests are recommended afterwards, to ensure that the virus has disappeared. But, emergency medical care should be sought immediately if signs of severe symptoms are present.
A frequent occurrence with a virus is when it mutates, for better or worse, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. There have already been multiple variants from the ones initially found in Wuhan. Fortunately, these strains are not resulting in a more deadly COVID-19 virus, though a study noted that it is affecting more children. (Ray, Bollinger, 2020) Predominantly, mutations in the new strain seem to affect the coronavirus’s spike proteins, which help them to attach to cells and invade the body. Researchers are looking into whether this alteration will be more helpful for the virus, though presently, it is not confirmed.
Precautions & Prevention
At the rate that COVID-19 had been spreading and continues to, taking the necessary precautions to maintain one’s well-being is essential. In order to promote the least likelihood of catching the coronavirus, the WHO suggests a distance of at least 3 feet between individuals (though more is recommended). Wearing a mask when in public settings is advised, as it decreases the chance of transmission and has been proven effective in slowing the spread of the virus. (Mayo Clinic, 2020) Additionally, practicing hand hygiene with frequent washing and sanitizing is useful, along with limiting contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Even if not attending a group gathering or being in contact with an infected individual, taking a COVID-19 test every so often is a smart practice. This will protect oneself and others from unconscious transfers (due to potentially being asymptomatic) and serve as reassurance.
Especially at the start of the pandemic, hospitals were becoming overcrowded with COVID-19 victims, creating a high transmission zone. Preventive measures become critical in environments where sick and compromised patients are coexisting. Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) works to do just that in health facilities. Rapid identification of suspect cases, immediate isolation and referral for testing, safe clinical management, and adherence to IPC practices are all steps used in hospitals to reduce the virus spread. (CDC, 2020) Because such standards were upheld, the hospital cases have decreased drastically.
Treatment & Current Statistics
The final aspect of the COVID-19 plight is the emerging treatments and data. Formerly, patient care was supportive---relieving symptoms and managing side effects of the virus, such as organ failure. Recently however, new vaccines have emerged and are being mass distributed, such as the FDA approved Bamlanivimab. Other forms of vaccines are being tested to achieve greater success and recovery rates. As of today, the total worldwide cases have reached a whopping 99.1 million, and of those, 2.13 million have sadly succumbed to SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, 54.6 million have successfully recovered. (CDC) But, despite the adversities the world has faced with COVID-19, triumph is in sight---and this battle will be one of well-deserved victory.
Works Cited
COVID-19 Overview and Infection Prevention and Control Priorities in non-US Healthcare Settings. (2020, August 12). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html#emergence
Shi, Y., Wang, G., Cai, X.-P., Deng, J.-W., Zheng, L., Zhu, H.-H., Zheng, M., Yang, B., & Chen, Z. (2020, May 8). An overview of COVID-19. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205601/#B39
Wu, Y.-C., Chen, C.-S., & Chan, Y.-J. (2020, March). The outbreak of COVID-19: An overview. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://journals.lww.com/jcma/fulltext/2020/03000/the_outbreak_of_covid_19__an_overview.3.aspx?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=620993d8f84eb9ee66487d5ef7490d56c02b99ce-1611511424-0-Ab0WolLMFh3bG2zE2O4bUE3y4HxChhJsCLKOvz62wvfKXlSVqHyjUz3VXCatm-L8oc3Pza5WDDtnsN0MA_8kVSLHGVbK-W3Db-GLP0JEbeyJBtyDR_mwjH8NmDP8hSzAPs_hEQd6fBk1pCLrvd2utjfUyVu0314lZ7t20ojQ4okZGTCq7Xcr9XOlA6b44oQonCgFuKaaWhbc8mqpwIwwqG-wW1AchbQ44jIA077AoHgTujLxmyEN_92zgzXVrzrOxwxGuHbMIhKkjLo-2tSHhTHrhVjgazAPmfX9P2_8Gwa1GBUt-heGrpPyQbU--W9EeONTHeIUMHM99X1wKy6R70gArVWEXYKuRUMSRxPJkwyrGnBLDOC7eppq2WqcDw49uY9ZNnI8hcsxK_u_IPkDMNwa2-Vj85NW5jE7aXycR37S1smdx-Fl98isDDTIV1i_CBvM63SKP8xHKhm3tffIgl0
Coronavirus and COVID-19: What You Should Know. (2020). WedMD. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus
Citroner, G. (2020, September 22). 20% of Coronavirus Infections Are Asymptomatic but Still Contagious. Healthline. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/20-percent-of-people-with-covid-19-are-asymptomatic-but-can-spread-the-disease
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