COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness which belongs to a family of viruses called coronaviruses. This type of virus infects humans and animals. It belongs to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new strain of virus is not been seen in humans before 2019. The virus is originated from Wuhan city of China. People may also get infected by touching their face and contaminated surface. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but ranges from two to fourteen days. The symptoms of COVIL-19 are cold, cough, fever and shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste. In severe cases it causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi organ failure, septic shock and blood clots. This virus spreads from person to person among the people who are in close contact with each other within about 6 feet of distance. The disease is diagnosed by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from nasopharyngeal swab, CT scan. The infection is prevented by frequent hand washing, maintain social distance, quarantine. Health officials stated that medical-grade face masks, such as N95 masks, should only be used by healthcare workers, first responders, and those who directly care for infected individuals. Risk factors of this infection are travelling, viral exposure. Antiviral medications like remdesivir are under investigation for COVID-19 trials. Emergency use authorization for remdesivir was granted in the U.S. Taking over-the-counter cold medications, drinking fluids, and resting may help alleviating symptoms. Oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and breathing support are recommended based on the severity. Low dose of dexamethasone showed preliminary results and reduced mortality in patients receiving respiratory support.

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