Coronavirus has become a major topic in Turkey as well as around the world. The misinformation on the internet and social media is causing confusion among people. In this content, prepared in light of verified data obtained especially from the World Health Organization, you can find answers to what you wonder about the Coronavirus.
What is Coronavirus?
In December 2019, sudden unexplained pneumonia cases began to emerge in China. Research revealed that these pneumonia cases were caused by a previously unidentified new type of coronavirus. Since the virus appeared in 2019, it was named Coronavirus 2019, or COVID-19. Coronavirus is actually a virus commonly found in animals. It is thought that the source of the virus causing the recent disease outbreak was the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan, China. It was later understood that the virus, which initially spread from animals to humans, could also spread from human to human.
Although it has become widely discussed with the recent outbreak, coronaviruses are actually a large group of viruses with different types. They carry RNA as genetic material and are the virus group with the largest genome among RNA viruses. Coronavirus is an enveloped virus, and it has spike-shaped protrusions extending outward from its envelope. This structure gives it the appearance of a crown under an electron microscope. For this reason, the virus was named Corona, which means crown in Latin.
Different types of coronaviruses cause different illnesses. For example, some coronaviruses cause gastrointestinal disorders, while others cause respiratory issues. Coronaviruses that cause respiratory problems also vary in severity. Some infections may only present with mild symptoms like the common cold, while others can result in pneumonia. However, aside from three major historical outbreaks, coronaviruses usually cause mild symptoms. The first example was the SARS coronavirus observed in China in 2003 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). In 2012, another coronavirus emerged in Saudi Arabia known as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Finally, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is currently spreading rapidly across the world. All of these coronaviruses can cause severe symptoms and even death.
The transmission of coronaviruses from animals to humans is not new. It is believed that SARS spread from civet cats in Asia to humans. MERS spread from camels, which are common in the Middle East and often in close contact with people. Regarding the 2019 coronavirus, there is widespread belief that it was transmitted to humans through the consumption of bats or pangolins from the animal market. However, this information has not yet been confirmed by the World Health Organization.
How does the 2019 Novel Coronavirus spread?
Although the exact molecular mechanism of human-to-human transmission of coronavirus has not been fully identified, in general, the transmission principles are similar to other respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses spread through droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, people nearby are exposed to the virus. Another mode of transmission occurs when a person touches an object contaminated with droplets and then touches their face.
Who is at risk for Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, those who work with live animals (especially in the Far East) are at the greatest risk. In addition, family members in close contact with sick individuals and healthcare workers are also part of the coronavirus risk group. In terms of fatality rates, individuals over the age of 65 are at higher risk.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
According to the information currently available about Coronavirus, symptoms can range from moderate to severe. The most commonly observed symptoms are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Runny nose has not been reported in coronavirus cases. Therefore, when cough, difficulty breathing, and fever are observed without a runny nose, it is very important to avoid crowded places and seek medical care as soon as possible. In severe coronavirus cases, pneumonia, kidney failure, and death may occur.
What are the fatality rates of Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, it is not currently possible to determine the exact mortality rate of the virus. However, an article published on February 24, 2020, presented an estimate based on confirmed cases in China as of February 11. According to this article, among the 72,314 cases in China by February 11, 44,672 were confirmed cases. The overall case fatality rate among these patients was found to be 2.3% (1,023 deaths among 44,672 confirmed cases). When analyzed by age, the mortality rate increased to 8% in patients aged 70–79. These rates indicate that the elderly population is at the highest risk.
How is Coronavirus diagnosed?
Coronavirus is diagnosed using a test called PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This test amplifies the genetic material found only in the virus, allowing for a definitive diagnosis.
How is Coronavirus treated?
Since coronavirus is not a bacterium, antibiotics are ineffective. Currently, there is no specific treatment for coronavirus. The main treatment is symptomatic treatment. Research on developing treatments and vaccines for coronavirus is ongoing. As with any virus, keeping the immune system strong (with sufficient quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity) is important.
What precautions can be taken to protect against Coronavirus?
The most basic precaution to reduce the spread of coronavirus or to prevent infection is to follow basic hygiene rules. The most important of these is handwashing. Enveloped viruses are sensitive to soap and alcohol-based disinfectants. Therefore, in societies with good handwashing habits and attention to hygiene, the spread of the virus will be slower.
Other precautions include the following:
- Avoid approaching or making unnecessary contact with individuals suspected of being ill.
- When sneezing or coughing, always cover the mouth with the inside of the elbow or use a tissue.
- If you need to travel, it is important to check reliable sources such as the CDC or WHO for the extent of coronavirus outbreaks in the country you are visiting.
The World Health Organization states that people who do not feel well should avoid crowded places, and those with cough, fever, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention as soon as possible. When presenting to healthcare facilities with these symptoms, accurately providing your travel history is important both for diagnosis and to prevent further spread of the virus.
