Coronavirus is found in many species of animals, including camels and bats.
The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2.
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of viruses, several of which cause respiratory diseases in humans, from the common cold to more rare and serious diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), both of which have high mortality rates and were detected for the first time in 2003 and 2012, respectively.
After entering the human body, coronavirus affects our respiratory system, causing cough and shortness of breath. Some people, especially older adults, are at risk of severe illness from these viruses.
Tracing the previous outbreaks, MERS & SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) have already taken many lives worldwide.
In 2002 SARS caused pandemic with a total of 8439 cases and 812 deaths across the world.
The article will discuss how does coronavirus affect the human body, complexities and treatments.
How does coronavirus affect the human body?
Coronavirus infection spreads in the human body by hijacking cells.
They enter host cells and reproduce and thus, again spread to new cells around the body.
Attacking the respiratory system, coronavirus infects the lining of the throat, airways, and lungs.
Early Symptoms
Coronavirus infection shows early symptoms like cough or shortness of breath.
In some cases, it can cause severe damage to the lungs.
Further, some people might develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, thus leading to severe breathing difficulties.
How does our body respond?
Our immune system will identify and respond to coronavirus early by sending special proteins, or antibodies, to fight the infection.
This response has side effects on the body because to fight an infection, white blood cells release pyrogens, a substance that causes fever.
One can also experience some other symptoms like runny nose difficulty sleeping head and body aches chills sore throat sweats
These symptoms will last until our immunity system fights off the coronavirus infection
Important: Symptoms might not show straightforward, instead, some COVID-19 cases show symptoms after 2 to 14 days.
Complications
Pneumonia is one of the severe complications of coronavirus.
If the virus causes infection of one or both lungs, the tiny air sacs inside the lungs can fill with fluid or pus, further, making it harder to breathe.
In severe cases, coronavirus can also damage the heart, liver, or kidneys.
It can also affect the blood and immune system, causing heart, renal, or multiple organ failure, resulting in death.
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Risks
People with an underlying health condition, such as heart or lung diseases, diabetes are at risk of developing severe illness from coronavirus.
Older adults and other groups like HIV positive, pregnant women, people with asthma are also under the coronavirus risk umbrella.
Treatment
The most common method which is being used worldwide- antiviral drugs.
These drugs kill or prevent the further spread of viruses through cells in the body.
Till date, there are currently no vaccines or antiviral available for treating COVID-19.
Researchers around the world are working on new treatments and vaccines for coronavirus.
Considerations
If a person has no risk factors that affect the respiratory or immune systems, treatment is not necessary as the body may successfully fight the infection without medication or intervention.
For mild cases, doctors may suggest using various over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol) to treat symptoms.
For severe cases, hospital treatment includes ventilators to support breathing, and various antibiotics to reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Coronavirus affects our respiratory system, causing cough and shortness of breath.
Some people, especially older adults, are at risk of severe illness from these viruses.
Please stay home and contribute your efforts in the fight against Coronavirus
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