MARIANELLA MAURY POLO

CORONAVIRUS
WHAT IS IT?

Coronavirus are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in both
animals and humans. In humans, various coronaviruses are known to cause
respiratory infections that can range from the common cold to more serious
illnesses such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered
coronavirus causes the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

HOW DID IT START?

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) received

reports of the presence of pneumonia, of unknown origin, in the city of
Wuhan, China. Quickly, in early January, the authorities of this country
identified the cause as a new strain of coronavirus. The disease has been
expanding to other continents such as Asia, Europe and America.
 As for its beginning, the possible animal origin of COVID-19 has not yet
been confirmed.

HAVE SIMILAR THINGS HAPPENED BEFORE?

The pandemic caused by the coronavirus has paralyzed the entire world and
has changed the lives of the vast majority of people. The confinement in
homes, the suspension of all cultural and sporting events, and the impact
caused by the number of sick and deceased have led the planet to an
exceptional situation that has never been seen.

But Covid-19 is not the only virus the human race has faced. The Spanish
flu, SARS, influenza A or Ebola were also challenges for the international
scientific community.
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE?

Experts estimate that the coronavirus pandemic will last approximately

between one and two years, which means that between the next 18 and 24
months we will have to be prepared to take the protection measures that we
have carried out so far, either social distancing or good. of confinement and
closure of work activity to stop new waves.
The fact that the virus continues to spread over time is practically a reality,
something that will not end until at least two-thirds of the world's population
are immune, which will be the first sign that the virus is winning. Therefore, if
a treatment or a vaccine is found along the way, It would help speed up the
process and save many more lives - something all experts estimate will last
until mid-2021.