Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What Is Coronavirus?

There are actually multiple coronaviruses.  Coronaviruses make up a large family that includes hundreds of viruses that are found in animals. Seven of the coronaviruses affect humans and cause illnesses such as upper respiratory infections which can be like a common cold on the mild side.  The more severe coronaviruses have caused global concerns after being transmitted from animals to humans like MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in 2002 or SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2012.   We'll get into COVID19 more below, but first lets come some more general information about coronaviruses.   We also have COVID19 timeline post as well that is specific to the current COVID-19 pandemic.  

Novel Coronavirus

A novel coronavirus is a specific type of new coronavirus which has not been identified in humans previously.

Coronaviruses can be transmitted between animals and humans.  Organizations like the CDC perform detailed investigations to find the most likely source where human infection started.  In the past SARS was transmitted from civet cats to humans.  MERS originated in camels before being transmitted to humans.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease that is caused by a novel coronavirus that was first discovered in Wuhan City, Hubei, China.  It was identified in January 2020 as the cause of this outbreak of viral pneumonia starting in Wuhan, China before spreading to many other parts of the world.

Coronavirus Symptoms

The infection starts with common symptoms like respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.  In some of the most severe cases, the infection can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, and in some cases death.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine

As of now, there is no vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus.  There are multiple labs working on creating a vaccine, however it will likely take over 12 months to create a vaccine and then do the proper testing before it can be used across the population.  

COVID-19 Prevention

The CDC has recommended the following precautions to help prevent the spread of the disease.

• Avoid being exposed to the virus.  Stay away from large groups of people.
• Keep at least 6 feet away from anyone who may be infected.  (Droplets can travel 6 feet when someone coughs)
• Wash your hands often.   Hand sanitizer with greater than 60% alcohol can be used in situations where you can't wash your hands often.  Do NOT touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
• Help protect others by staying home if you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with a tissue.  Cough directly into your elbow if there are no tissues around.
• Wear a face mask if you are sick and need to be around other people.
• Use a bleach solution to disinfect commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, sinks, etc, often.  

Coronavirus Treatment

Because the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral infection antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment.  Some of the treatments that can be used on patients with severe symptoms are:

• Consume an increased amount of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Medication can be used to reduce a fever
• Oxygen can be supplemented for more severe cases

The NIH has some of the most detailed information on coronaviruses.