As the novel coronavirus is spreading globally unabated and the numbers of patients suffering from COVID-19 are increasing, governments are making efforts to contain the contagion. Its symptoms are similar to the everyday flu and common cold such as cough, fever, sore throat and shortness of breath. Governments and health care professionals have a difficult time putting a check on its spread as it has never been identified before, and everyone is susceptible for infection as we lack immunity against the virus. One of the primary preventive measures is to use face masks and there are now face mask for sale on various online sites and retail stores. So, what is Coronavirus?
What Is Coronavirus And COVID-19 Infection?
COVID-19 is the infection caused by the virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and it is transmitted via respiratory droplets sent into the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales. These droplets contain viral particles; when they are taken in by nearby people or landing on surfaces that come in contact with people by touching and passing the viral material from hands to eyes, mouth or nose. Also people can inhale the droplets that are in the air. After inhalation and entering the throat and nasal passages, these viral particles attach to cell receptors and the virus begins to replicate.
How Does It Affect The Lungs?
The multiplication of the virus causes immune system response, and this causes the development of symptoms such as sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, fever and coughing. In situations when the viral particle enters the lungs, it causes pneumonia resulting in chest pain and shortness of breath. For the general population this will be followed by a recovery period and become healthy again. But, older adults and those with medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, allergies and lung diseases are at a greater risk of falling severely ill.
How It Affects Other Body Parts?
Not only the lungs, but other body parts are also affected by coronavirus infection COVID-19. It causes irregular beating of the heart, pumps blood less forcefully causing a drop in blood pressure and potentially causing heart failure. While, in some people it causes problems such as dizziness, confusion, weakness in arms and legs as it affects the neurological function. Also, when not using a face mask or the hands coming in contact with the mouth, it results in swallowing viral particles. In such a situation it reaches the intestines and causes digestive problems. So, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal issues are among the early symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Therefore, the preventive measures are to use face masks, wash hands frequently with soap and water, use alcohol based hand sanitizers, social distancing and isolation if infected.