A Detailed Guide: How Deadly is the Novel Coronavirus?

In December 2019, coronavirus came into existence. Started in Wuhan, China. It is said that it originated from the bats in the open-air wet market. It infected people in China initially but later on, it spread all over the world quite quickly. This virus is a mixture of many viruses. it not only depreciated human health but also adversely impacted the economy. Coronavirus has been a pandemic ongoing since 2019. Vaccinations are also being invented to build the cure for this virus, but the virus keeps mutating. This virus is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests are the only way to confirm the presence of this virus in the body. Laboratories in Houston have proper testing kits.

Viruses are named after their appearance. This virus is named Coronavirus because the word ‘Corona’ means ‘Crown.’ This virus has spike proteins that resemble the spikes of a crown.

• How Does The COVID-19 Spread?

This virus is contagious. It spreads very fast from person to person. It can spread through droplets released into the air by a person through sneezing, talking, and laughing. Tiny particles released stay in the air and eventually accumulate in indoor places. Due to this, the particles can travel across. And other people in the room can easily catch this disease. It can also spread by touching the infected person directly or through his belongings.

• Symptoms For Coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus may vary from person to person. Some may experience mild or no symptoms whereas some may experience swear symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Less common symptoms among people include aches and pains, sore throat, headache, loss of taste and smell, rashes on skin, diarrhea, and nausea. Difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and pressure, loss of movement are some serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

• Incubation Period For COVID-19

Once a person is infected by a coronavirus, the symptoms won’t show at first. There is an incubation period. After that period the symptoms start to show. The incubation period is 2 to 14 days. After the symptoms start to show, the illness period can last for up to 10 to 20 days. Depending on the immunity, severity of the infection, and treatment plan of the person.

• How To Diagnose COVID-19?

To diagnose Coronavirus it is necessary to get a lab test done. The initial symptoms of this virus are very much similar to normal colds and flu. Like fever, dryness, and cough. Due to this a person might think he has coronavirus but end up catching the normal flu. However, if you feel these symptoms it’s essential to get the test done rather than to take risks. That is because if these symptoms aren’t taken care of at the start then it’ll lead to more serious symptoms. For example, loss of speech/movement, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, makes a  patient in need of a ventilator. From this, the recovery rate of patients’ health may drop. So, it is important to get the test done. There are many laboratories in Houston that can get the test done for you easily.

There are two types of tests for coronavirus diagnosis. ‘Viral’ and ‘Antibody’ test. The viral test is further divided into two types, nucleic amplification test, and Antigen Test. These tests tell whether the virus is present in a person’s body currently or not. Whereas an antibody test, also known as serology test, just counts the number of antibodies, through which it indicates whether a person had coronavirus previously or not. A good number of antibodies indicate no coronavirus.

Rapid Diagnosis Test can also be used to check the presence of coronavirus. These test kits are easily available at pharmacies.

• Treatment For Coronavirus

Coronavirus can be treated. The treatment should address the symptoms which one is facing. For medium/mild symptoms of coronavirus, a doctor may recommend tablets to reduce fever and multivitamins for energy. However, for severe symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pain, or chronic coughing, proper medical attention may be required. This may include steroids, oxygen, ventilators.

Being vaccinated may also help in reducing the severity of the symptoms. So do get vaccinated, it’s a must!

• Precautions To Avoid Being Infected By Corona Virus

It’s important to avoid being infected by this virus. For this, avoid any public crowded exposure. Always wear a mask when you go out. Sanitize your hands when you touch anything in public. Don’t touch your face with un-sanitized hands. Maintain a proper 6 feet distance. Vaccination is a must. Avoid going out unnecessarily. If all of these measures are taken then this will bring two positive outcomes. One, you won’t get infected, you stay in good health. Secondly, viruses cannot be spread further. This may help in bringing down the daily cases rate down, lockdowns may be lifted eventually running back into a normal economy.

• Does COVID-19 Have Different Variants?

Coronavirus keeps mutating. Due to this new variants keep coming out. So yes, this virus does have different variants. Furthermore, new variants and vaccinations are not going along well. That is because vaccinations were invented for the previous coronavirus variants. Vaccinations on the new variants are not that effective.

• Is Coronavirus A Deadly Disease?

Coronavirus has caused millions of deaths across the whole globe. Many countries have taken a major hit from this disease. Developed economies like the USA, UK also struggled a lot because of this disease. A lot of human capital is lost. If not treated properly, and taken seriously, then yes this disease is deadly for sure. So make sure to take proper precautionary measures to avoid being infected. This disease affects the respiratory system of the individual badly.