COVID 19

Corona virus

Its a spherical or pleomorphic enveloped particles which contains single stranded RNA molecule. It is transmitted via airborne droplets through nasal mucosa. It may cause mild east respiratory syndrome(MERS) or severe or severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) which may be deadly. Older people & those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, chronic respiratory disease & cancer are more likely to develop severe illness.

COVID 19

Corona virus disease infection caused by corona virus as its outbreak occur in 2019.

COVID outbreak

Corona virus disease is an ongoing pandemic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. In Wuhan, Hubei China first outbreak was identified in december 2019 & it was recognized as pandemic by World Health Organization WHO in 11 march 2020. As till 28 march more than 613000 cases of COVID over 200 countries, more than 28000 death cases and almost 137220 recoveries have been reported.

Symptoms

It is a respiratory disease & most of the infected people develop mild to moderate symptoms & without any special treatment they recover. It contains some common & other symptoms:
Common symptoms
  • Fever 
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
Other symptoms 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Fewer with diarrhea, nausea and running nose

High risk groups

People with underlying medical conditions, or people with weak immunity or people with age greater than 60 years are on increase risk of developing corona infection.

Prevention 

  • Wash hands with soap and water or clean with alcohol based hand rub.
  • At least 1 metre distance should be maintained with surrounding  people.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • During cough and sneeze cover the face.
  • If you feel unwell, stay home.
  • Avoid smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
  • Practice physical distancing. 

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for COVID 19 and no vaccine avaiable. The treatment followed is symptomatic and oxygen therapy has seen to be the major treatment intervention for patient with severe infection.
To address respiratory failure following strategies are used; protective mechanical ventilation and high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) or  non-invasive ventilation (NIV).
Although no anti-viral treatment has been approved, several approaches have been proposed, i.e lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100mg every 12 hours), chloroquine (500mg every 12 hours) and hydroxychloroquine (200mg every 12 hours). Alpha-interferon ( 5 million units by aerosol inhalation twice per day) is also used. 
Remdesivir and tolicizumab are also used in some countries for therapy against COVID.