Coronavirus Disease COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a type of virus that can cause respiratory disease in humans. Due to the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus, they are referred to as "corona." The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the common cold are examples of human illnesses caused by coronaviruses.

In December of 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strain was initially identified in Wuhan, China. It has since spread to every nation on the planet.

The COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes (directly from the airborne droplets or from the transfer of the virus from your hands to your face). The virus then moves to the nasal passages and the mucous membrane at the back of the throat. It binds to cells there, multiplies, and then migrates into lung tissue. The virus can then spread to other tissues of the body.

Those at the most risk for getting COVID-19 include those who:

• Reside in or have recently gone to a region with ongoing aggressive spread;
• Have had close contact with a person with a confirmed or suspected case of the COVID-19 virus
• Are over 60 years old and have pre-existing medical issues or a week immune system.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between yourself and other people whenever possible.
• When in the presence of others, use a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
• Wash hands frequently. Use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in the absence of soap.
• Avoid crowded indoor locations. As much as possible, crack open windows to let in fresh air.
• Remain self-isolated at home if you are ill with symptoms that could be COVID-19 or if you get a positive COVID-19 test result.
• Clean and sanitise surfaces that are regularly touched.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary across individuals. In reality, some infected people do not manifest symptoms (asymptomatic). In general, individuals with COVID-19 exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Fever or the shivers
• Cough
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Body or muscle aches
• Headaches
• Loss of taste or scent
• Tonsillitis
• Nasal congestion or discharge
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Diarrhea

Few antiviral drugs that are used to treat Covid 19 includes:

• Remdesivir
• Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid)
• Bebtelovimab
• Molnupiravir
• Covishield
• Covaxin vaccine
• Two COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna - have been fully approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC as highly effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.