What is a coronavirus?

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.

Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – are much more severe, having killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002.

The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. So far, around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe" and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.

What is coronavirus

This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent), but still a significant threat.Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, which could make developing a vaccine more complicated.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow . At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.

Is there any treatment for coronovirus?

There is no specific treatment, although doctors are testing existing drugs for viruses such as Ebola and HIV. Initial results seem promising but, until a full clinical trial is completed, doctors cannot determine if the drugs are effective.

Work to develop a vaccine is accelerating, but this work is complicated by mutations by viruses in another strain.

Is there any treatment for coronovirus?

How is COVID-19 treated?

Until now, there is no specific treatment for the virus. People who become ill with COVID-19 should be treated with supportive measures: those that relieve symptoms. For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics.

About coronavirus

Coronaviruses are common in different animals. Rarely, an animal coronovirus can infect humans.

·         There are many different types of coronavirus. Some of them can cause cold or other mild respiratory (nose, throat, lung) diseases.

·         Other coronaviruses can cause more serious illnesses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

·         Coronaviruses are named for their appearance: under the microscope, viruses look as if they are covered with pointed structures that surround them like a corona or crown.