The first case of the Coronavirus occurred in Wuhan China. The new coronavirus has spread in many parts of the world. And it has been declared as a pandemic. A pandemic occurs when a disease spreads across all regions.

Many health experts believe that coronavirus originated in bats. Now the virus has spread through person to person contact.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that infect both animals and humans. The new strain of coronavirus is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus leads to Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The people infected with coronavirus may experience flu-like symptoms. Most of the people with COVID-19 recover without specialist treatment.

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other coronaviruses that are much more severe taking more than 1500 lives since 2002.

COVID-19 is very fatal, so far around 20% confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. And the current death rate varies between 0.7 percent and 3.4 percent depending on the geographical location and access to good hospital care.

Scientists reveal that COVID-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, making it difficult to prepare a vaccine.

How Coronavirus Originated?

The disease erupted in Wuhan a city in the Hubei province of China, in December 2019. The origin of Coronavirus is believed to be a "wet market" in Wuhan which sold dead and live animals including fish and birds. Such markets pose a great risk of viruses transmitted from animals to humans as hygiene factors are difficult to maintain if live animals are being kept and butchered on-site. The animal source of the recent outbreak has not yet been discovered, but the original host was thought to be bats. Bats were not sold at the Wuhan market but could have infected live chickens or other animals sold there. It may be from here that SARS-CoV-2 started to spread to humans.

How Coronavirus Spreads?

Coronavirus spreads from person to person through close communities. When people infected with coronavirus breathe out or cough, they expel tiny droplets that contain the virus, leading to an infection. The disease spreads very fast through close contact with someone who has the infection. The disease is highly contagious when a person's symptoms are acute. However, it is possible that someone without symptoms spread the virus. A new report suggests that 10% of infections are from people showing no symptoms.

Droplets with the virus can also land on nearby surfaces or objects. Other people can catch the virus by touching these surfaces or objects. Corona attack is likely if the person touches their nose, eyes or mouth. Well, COVID-19 is new and research is ongoing. There may also be other ways that can spread coronavirus. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons in India like Dr. Anurag Bhargava will provide tips to their patients about precautions to take during such infection.

It is impossible to say how the disease will proliferate, but on its current trajectory, it is likely to spread to more countries. The number of cases is starting to decrease in China but it's occurring in the rest of the world. Oral surgeons in Indore like Dr. Anurag Bhargava alarmed at the cases of the rise in India and making efforts to counsel his patients during such crises.

More than 272000 cases have been confirmed till now and the death toll is more than 11,300. Most of the cases are now of outside China, and the virus has spread to more than 100 other countries. Around 80 percent of the cases of the disease are mild, but 20 percent require hospitalization. There is no specific treatment, although doctors are trying other existing drugs for viruses such as Ebola and HIV.

Is Coronavirus Deadly?

There is a chance of recovery when one is infected with the coronavirus. But in the worst cases when the symptoms are severe it may lead to death.
The attack of coronavirus is sudden. This makes it difficult to ascertain how often the infection becomes severe or the exact rate of mortality. The findings suggest that COVID-19 is more deadly than influenza. Plastic surgeons in India like Dr. Anurag Bhargava will suggest precautions after surgery during such spread.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Most people who develop Coronavirus have mild symptoms. These symptoms may build up slowly and should go away after a few days.
It is essential for anyone who may have COVID-19 to contact their doctor. Those experiencing mild symptoms can consult a doctor over the phone.

The symptoms are visible 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People may experience mild symptoms. They build up slowly and should go away after a few days.

The symptoms are as follows:

• Prolonged cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Consistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion
• A bluish tint to the face or lips

If a person experiences such symptoms it is important to contact the health worker. In case the symptoms are mild, take the help of telemedicine.

Consequences of COVID-19

The disease has an enormous risk of coming into contact with the virus. While other factors can increase the risk of developing severe illness.

As per the guidelines of WHO, the risk of developing COVID-19 is still low for most people. However, it may change as the virus is spreading in Europe and the United States. It may spread in certain densely populated cities.

Those most prone to illness are children and old people with chronic ailments such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease or diabetes.

How COVID-19 Can be Prevented?

Though many viruses are preventable through antiviral vaccinations COVID-19 happens due to a new virus and as such, no vaccine or medication is available for the same. Therefore, it becomes a global challenge to prevent the cure of coronavirus.

The strategies to combat coronavirus are:

• Maintain social distancing
• Wash hands frequently with soap or sanitizer
• Wear a mask
• Avoid touching your eyes or nose
• Maintain cleanliness

Governments, public bodies, and health organizations are also taking measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Helpline numbers of various health institutes are available to contact in case the virus spreads.

Do share your thoughts regarding COVID-19 in the comment section.