COVID: Information Guide

COVID-19 Information

What is a virus?

A virus is a microscopic organism that, like all living beings, consumes nutrients and reproduces. However, it cannot survive independently and requires a host to live in. Once inside a host organism, the virus feeds off it and may begin to harm the host. In response, the host’s immune system attempts to eliminate the virus to protect itself.

Human immune systems typically fend off viruses that are commonly encountered. However, some viruses that jump from animals to humans can overwhelm the immune system. The immune systems of animals differ from humans; for example, bats have incredibly strong immune systems that prevent even the most virulent pathogens from thriving. When a virus from an animal like a bat enters a human body, it can replicate rapidly and spread to other humans. The prevailing theory about the COVID-19 virus is that it originated in bats, then passed to an intermediate animal host, and finally to humans, where it spread widely.

How is a Virus Different from Bacteria?

Viruses are distinct from bacteria and are unaffected by antibiotics. When a person experiences a viral infection, medications are usually ineffective against the virus itself. The body relies on its immune system to fight the infection.

What is the Coronavirus?

There are nearly 200 strains of coronavirus, many of which are found in various animals. The virus gets its name from its crown-like shape (corona means "crown" in Italian). Coronaviruses belong to the family of pathogens that cause respiratory diseases, attacking the upper respiratory tract. These infections can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, sometimes leading to death. In addition to respiratory symptoms, some patients with COVID-19 have experienced gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.

Where Did the Coronavirus Come From?

Though its exact origin remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed that the virus first spread from bats to a pangolin, and from there, it may have jumped to humans. This type of cross-species transmission has happened before with other coronaviruses. For instance, the SARS virus, which caused a global outbreak in 2003, originated in wild cats, and the MERS virus, which emerged in the Middle East, was transmitted from camels.

Illegal wildlife trafficking, particularly of pangolins in China, has been implicated in the spread of zoonotic diseases. This animal, which is critically endangered in countries like Pakistan, fetches exorbitant prices in the Chinese market, where its scales are used in traditional medicine.

Was the Coronavirus Spread by the U.S. in China?

Conspiracy theories have circulated, suggesting that the U.S. may have deliberately spread the virus in China to weaken its economy. Such claims first appeared on Russian social media and were later echoed by Chinese officials, who insinuated that American military personnel may have brought the virus to China during a visit. However, no concrete evidence supports these theories. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled COVID-19 as the "China virus," while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called it the "Wuhan virus." Though these accusations have caused political friction, scientific studies show that the virus evolved naturally and was not engineered in a laboratory.

How Dangerous is COVID-19?

The death rate from COVID-19 is estimated to be between 2-3%, whereas the common flu has a fatality rate of about 1%, causing approximately 400,000 deaths annually. In contrast, the 2003 SARS virus had a mortality rate of 10%. As of February 27, 2020, the coronavirus had infected around 82,000 people globally, with 33,000 recoveries and 2,800 deaths.

What makes COVID-19 particularly alarming is its rapid spread and the delay in developing a vaccine, fueling widespread fear. The virus spreads to thousands of individuals each day. While the fatality rate is relatively low, the sheer number of cases increases the risk of overwhelming healthcare systems.

How Does the Coronavirus Spread?

The virus spreads through airborne particles and by touching contaminated surfaces. It can survive in the air for up to three hours, on copper for four hours, on cardboard for 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for two to three days.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms can appear between 2 to 14 days after exposure, though in rare cases, they may take up to 25 days. In some individuals, symptoms only manifest in the late stages of infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Mild fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Pneumonia-like symptoms

In severe cases, the infection can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

 

Preventive Measures Against COVID-19

• Regularly wash your hands with soap, as it kills the virus.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands afterward.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, or eyes, to prevent the virus from entering your body.
• Maintain a safe distance (at least six feet) from anyone showing symptoms of illness.
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.
• Wear a mask in public, especially in crowded places.

  There has been some debate about whether the general public should wear masks, as authorities in many countries initially discouraged mask use to prevent shortages. However, experts generally agree that masks are beneficial in reducing the spread of the virus.

Is There a Cure for COVID-19?

Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, though a vaccine is expected to be developed by the end of the year. Meanwhile, approximately 97% of patients recover through their immune system, isolation, rest, and proper nutrition.

If your immune system is weak and your symptoms worsen, you may require hospitalization, where a ventilator can assist with breathing until you recover.

Historical Context: The Black Death

The most devastating pandemic in human history, the Black Death, ravaged Europe in the 14th century, wiping out nearly half of its population. This plague, which originated in Central Asia, spread through Europe and claimed an estimated 100 to 200 million lives globally. Medieval Christians and Jews interpreted the plague as divine punishment, leading to self-flagellation and other extreme measures in an attempt to appease God. This plague only receded after years of devastation, when people either succumbed to the disease or isolated themselves in remote areas.

The lesson from the past is clear: isolation and containment are the best ways to stop the spread of a pandemic like COVID-19. By preventing further transmission, we can eventually bring the virus under control.