CORONAVIRUS: COVID-19

A new respiratory virus called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or

COVID-19 is making
headlines for causing an
outbreak of respiratory illness
throughout the world. The
outbreak began in Wuhan,
Hubei Province, China and
quickly spread internationally.

What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness such as
respiratory diseases or gastrointestinal diseases. Respiratory
diseases can range from the common cold to more severe diseases
e.g.

 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)

 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been
identified in humans previously. Once scientists determine
exactly what coronavirus it is, they give it a name (as in the
case of COVID-19, the virus causing it is SARS-CoV-2).
Coronaviruses got their name from the way that they look under a
microscope. The virus consists of a core of genetic material
surrounded by an envelope with protein spikes. This gives it the
appearance of a crown. The word Corona means “crown” in Latin.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that the viruses are
transmitted between animals and humans. It has been
determined that MERS-CoV was transmitted from dromedary camels
to humans and SARS-CoV from civet cats to humans. The source of
the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is yet to be determined, but
investigations are ongoing to identify the zoonotic source to the
outbreak.
 ➢ What's different about coronavirus (COVID-19)?
While coronaviruses are common, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a
new strain of coronavirus that had previously not been identified
in humans. The key features of COVID-19 are respiratory
symptoms with a fever and cough.

CORONAVIRUS & 2019 :-

Based on the retrospective analysis, starting from December
2019, the number of COVID-19 cases in Hubei gradually
increased, reaching 60 by 20 December and at least 266 by 31
December.
On 24 December 2019, Wuhan Central Hospital sent a
bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) sample from an unresolved
clinical case to sequencing company Vision Medicals.
On 27 and 28 December, Vision Medicals informed the Wuhan
Central Hospital and the Chinese CDC of the results of the test,
showing a new coronavirus.
A pneumonia cluster of unknown cause was observed on 26
December and treated by the doctor Zhang Jixian in Hubei
Provincial Hospital, who informed the Wuhan Jianghan CDC on
27 December.
On 30 December 2019, a test report addressed to Wuhan Central
Hospital, from company CapitalBio Medlab, stated that there was
an erroneous positive result for SARS, causing a group of doctors
at Wuhan Central Hospital to alert their colleagues and relevant
hospital authorities of the result.

On December 31, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission

made the first public announcement of a pneumonia outbreak of
unknown cause, confirming 27 cases enough to trigger an
investigation.

The following day, on December 31, the WHO learned about a

cluster of viral pneumonia cases of an unknown cause in Wuhan.
An investigation was launched at the start of January 2020.

The WHO concluded that human spillover via an intermediate

animal host was the most likely explanation, with direct spillover
from bats next most likely and introduction through the food
supply chain as another possible explanation.
On 30 January 2020, with 7,818 confirmed cases across 19
countries, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public
Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and then a
pandemic on 11 March 2020.
On 31 December,2020 there were about 83,971,396 cases
worldwide.

Structure of COVID-19
All viruses are parasites which can only reproduce within cells.
Thus, they are very different from bacteria and fungi, which
are self-reproducing, often in soil, water, organic wastes,
sewage, or within organisms.
Animal and plant viruses fall into two general classes, those in
which the genetic material is long DNA molecules, and those in
which the genetic material is RNA molecules. Among the DNA
viruses are Herpes, Adenoviruses, and wart viruses.
Coronaviruses, named for their “sun-like” shape observed in
the electron microscope, use RNA molecules to encode their
genes, as do influenza viruses, HIV, and rhinoviruses
(common cold). SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,
infects mammals and birds. It is closely related to the viruses
causing the earlier SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
outbreaks.
The coronavirus particles are organized with long RNA polymers
tightly packed into the center of the particle, and surrounded by a
protective capsid, which is a lattice of repeated protein molecules
referred to as coat or capsid proteins. In coronavirus, these
proteins are called nucleocapsid (N). The coronavirus core
particle is further surrounded by an outer membrane
envelope made of lipids (fats) with proteins inserted. These
membranes derive from the cells in which the virus was last
assembled but are modified to contain specific viral proteins,
including the spike (S), membrane (M), and envelope (E)
proteins.

Figure 1 :- BASIC STRUCTURE OF COVID-19

A key set of the proteins in the outer membrane project out from
the particle and are known as spike proteins (S). It is these
proteins which are recognized by receptor proteins on the host
cells which will be infected.
Coronavirus particles are rapidly inactivated – killed – by
exposure to 70% ethanol or 90% isopropanol (rubbing
alcohol), hydrogen peroxide solutions, hypochlorite bleach,
soaps and detergents, as well as by UV light and the high
temperatures of cooking.
Coronaviruses primarily infect human lung cells through a
receptor for an enzyme called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2
(ACE2). ACE2 is a member of the family of angiotensin converting
enzymes that includes ACE, for which many Americans take blood
pressure medicines composed of chemicals that act by inhibiting
ACE. As the first step leading to viral infection, the virus spike
protein recognizes and binds to the ACE2 receptor. The virus is
then incorporated into the lung cells and the viral RNA is released
into the cytoplasm. The viral RNA molecules recruit the
cellular apparatus to make thousands of copies of the viral
RNA and also instruct the cells to synthesize hundreds of
thousands of nucleocapsid, membrane, envelope, and spike
proteins. These assemble into new virus particles which bud
out of the cell surface membrane. The cells release the newly
formed viral particles propagating the infection and
eventually die.

Figure 2 :- Detailed Structure Of COVID-19

The researchers used a technique called cryo-electron
microscopy to take detailed pictures of the structure of the
spike protein. This involves freezing virus particles and
firing a stream of high-energy electrons through the sample
to create tens of thousands of images. These images are then
combined to yield a detailed 3D view of the virus.
The researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 spike was 10 to 20
times more likely to bind ACE2 on human cells than the spike
from the SARS virus from 2002. This may enable SARS-CoV-2 to
spread more easily from person to person than the earlier virus.
Despite similarities in sequence and structure between the spikes
of the two viruses, three different antibodies against the 2002
SARS virus could not successfully bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike
protein. This suggests that potential vaccine and antibody-based
treatment strategies will need to be unique to the new virus.

Figure 3 :- Atomic-level structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Some common symptoms that have been specifically linked to

COVID-19 includes:
 shortness of breath
 a cough that gets more severe over time
 fever
 chills
 fatigue
Less common symptoms include:
o repeated shaking with chills
o sore throat
o headache
o muscle aches and pains
o loss of taste or smell
o a stuffy or runny nose
o gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and
vomiting
o discoloration of fingers or toes
o pink eye
 o rash
➢ Mild COVID-19
Most people with COVID-19 will only have a mild case.
According to the National Institute of Health’s COVID-19
treatment guidelines, people are characterized as having a mild
case if they:
 have any of the typical symptoms of COVID-19 (such as cough,

fatigue, or loss of taste or smell)

 don’t have shortness of breath or abnormal chest imaging

A January 2021 literature review looked at 61 studies and reports

about COVID-19. The researchers concluded that:
➢ At least one-third of all cases are asymptomatic.

➢ Almost 75 percent of people who are asymptomatic when

they receive a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

result will remain asymptomatic. PCR tests include nasal swab
tests.
➢ Severe COVID-19
Severe COVID-19 has any of the following symptoms:-
❖ trouble breathing
❖ blue lips or a blue face
❖ persistent pain or pressure in the chest
❖ confusion
❖ excessive drowsiness

DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19
Diagnosis of COVID-19 is done by following methods:-
➢ PCR
➢ RT-PCR
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing Trusted
Source remains the primary COVID-19 diagnostic testing
method in the United States. This is the same type of test that
was used to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) when it first appeared in 2002.
To collect a sample for this test, a healthcare provider will likely
perform one of the following:
➢ swab the nose or the back of throat
➢ aspirate fluid from the lower respiratory tract
 ➢ take a saliva or stool sample
Researchers then extract nucleic acid from the virus sample and
amplify parts of its genome through a reverse transcription PCR
(RT-PCR) technique. This essentially gives them a larger sample
for viral comparison. Two genes can be found within the SARS-
CoV-2 genome.
Test results are:
• positive if both genes are found
• inconclusive if only one gene is found
• negative if neither gene is found
Doctor may also order a chest CT scan to help diagnose COVID-19
or get a clearer view of how and where the virus has spread.

How long does it take to get test results?

RT-PCR samples are often tested in batches at sites away from
where they were collected. This means it can take a day or longer
to get test results.
The newly approved POC testing allows for samples to be
collected and tested at the same location, resulting in quicker
turnaround times.
Cepheid POC devices produce test results within 45 minutes.

Misconceptions about COVID-19

1) Can Covid-19 be transmitted through goods produced in
countries where there is ongoing transmission?
Although it can last on surfaces for many hours, but the environment,
transportation and varying temperatures during shipment make it
difficult for the virus to remain active. If you feel the surface may be
contaminated, clean it with a disinfectant and wash your hands after
touching it.
2) Can Covid-19 be transmitted
through mosquitoes?
There is no evidence that the novel
coronavirus can be transmitted through
mosquitoes. The virus can be spread
through droplets from coughing, sneezing
or a patient’s saliva.
3) Can drinking alcohol help prevent Covid-19?
Drinking alcohol, such as beer, liquor, wine doesn’t help
prevent coronavirus. You should wash your hands often, wear
masks, and avoid being close to those with a fever and cough.
4) Is it true that Covid-19 is transmitted in cold climate and
not in hot and humid climate?
Coronavirus 2019 can be transmitted in any kind of climate.
Wherever you are, no matter what kind of climate, you have to
practice personal hygiene, i.e. wash your hands often, cover your
mouth when you sneeze or cough, and wear masks.
5) Can digital thermometers be 100%
effective in detecting Covid-19
patients?
It may take the virus 1-14 days to incubate
and cause symptoms like a fever, so it
cannot be used to identify asymptomatic
patients.
6) Can UV bulbs used for disinfecting be used to kill Covid-
19 on our body?
Don’t use UV bulbs on your hands or any part of the body
because UV light can irritate your skin.
7) Can spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body kill the
virus inside?
Besides not being able to kill the virus inside your body, it could
damage clothes and other tissues like eyes and lips.
8) Can eating garlic prevent covid-19?
Though garlic has some anti-microbial properties, there is no
evidence that it can prevent Covid-19.
9) Can Pneumonia vaccine prevent Covid-19?
This virus is new and different from other strains. We need a
vaccine that is developed specifically.
10) Can rinsing your nose
regularly with saline
solution prevent Covid-19?
Evidence has indicated that
rinsing your nose with saline
solution can help us recover
faster from the common cold,
but cannot prevent infectious
respiratory diseases or Covid-
19.
❖ OUR UNHYGENIC LIVING HABIT AND CORONA:-
OUR UNHYGENIC HABITS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN SPREAD OF
CORONA VIRUS ( COVID-19).

SOME OF THEM WERE:-

❖ Touching our face
❖ Coughing or sneezing into hands:-
Coughing or sneezing our hands can spread corona virus as
if we have COVID-19 and we sneeze in our hands, the virus
through the objects which we touch to other person.
❖ Keeping our surroundings dirty
❖ Wearing dirty clothes:-
If we don’t wash our clothes properly , there are higher
chances of getting infected as if there is any virus sitting on
our clothes and we don’t wash it , it can be possible of getting
it into our body.
❖ No, good precautions while handling foods or packaging
them.
Generally, we don’t think about hygiene when we are
ordering foods or eating eat on stalls, it can lead to a spread
of this virus as an infected vendor can infect others and if
the food is not properly packed viruses in air or from
someone’s sneeze can get in that food.
These, unhygienic conditions played a major role in this
pandemic.
However,
“According to researchers, the people of India have are
unhygienic and their immunity has become strong due to
this.” Today, with the lowest coronavirus cases and
mortality in the world, India is at the forefront of
defeating the virus. This study has given a new angle to
look at the pandemic in the Indian context. However, the
researchers made it clear that only poor health and
uncleanliness are not the reasons for preventing COVID-
19 infection in India.
The researchers say that exposure to high microbial can
be helpful in preventing infection. But they do not demand
adopting or following any kind of unhygienic habits, nor
do they consider these habits as an option to prevent
COVID-19 infection. They do not even fully confirm this
research.
TREATMENT :-
There’s currently no cure for an infection caused by the new
coronavirus. However, many treatments and vaccines are
currently under study.

On October 22, 2020, the FDATrusted Source approved its first

COVID-19 treatment, the medication remdesivir (Veklury). It’s
available by prescription to treat COVID-19 in people ages 12
years and older who’ve been hospitalized. It’s administered as an
intravenous (IV) infusion.

In November 2020, the FDA also granted EUAs to monoclonal

antibody medications.
These medications are:-
bamlanivimab, from Eli Lilly Trusted Source
casirivimab and imdevimab, which must be administered
together, from Regeneron PharmaceuticalsTrusted Source
Like Remdesivir, they’re also administered by IV infusion and
intended to treat COVID-19 in people ages 12 years and older.
These medications are used for outpatient therapy.

The FDA has also issued EUAs to a few other treatments, such as
convalescent plasma, that are intended for treatment in people
who are hospitalized or at high risk for hospitalization.

Most COVID-19 treatment focuses on managing symptoms as the

virus runs its course
Examples of therapies used for these illnesses include:-
❖ antiviral or retroviral medications
❖ breathing support, such as mechanical ventilation
❖ steroids to help reduce lung swelling and inflammation
❖ blood plasma transfusions
PREVENTION OF COVID-19:-
The best way to prevent the transmission of the virus is to avoid
or limit contact with people who are showing symptoms of
COVID-19 or any respiratory infection.

The next best thing you can do is practice good hygiene and
physical distancing to help prevent bacteria and viruses from
being transmitted.

Prevention tips :-
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time with
warm water and soap.
• Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth when your hands are
dirty.
• Don’t go out if you’re feeling sick or have any cold or flu symptoms.
• Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from people. Avoid crowds and
large gatherings.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow whenever
you sneeze or cough. Throw away any tissues you use right away.
• Wear a mask or face covering in public places.
• Clean any objects you touch a lot. Use disinfectants on objects
like phones, computers, and doorknobs. Use soap and water for
objects that you cook or eat with, like utensils and dishware.
CORONA DEATH RATE:-
❖ In whole world , about 134 million cases have been
recorded.
❖ About , 101 million people have recovered.
❖ Approximately, 2.9 million people died in this
pandemic.
❖ So, death rate currently is about 3% to 3.3%.

❖ IN INDIA , about 13 million cases have been recorded.

❖ About, 11 million people recovered from this virus.
❖ 168 thousand people approximately, lost their life till date in
this pandemic.
❖ So, death rate currently in India is about 1% or 1.7%.
STATE OF COVID IN:-
➢World
• In whole world there are about 134 MILLION CASES.
• About 76.2 million persons have recovered.
• Approximately, 2.9 million people died in this pandemic.

Figure :- DAILY NUMBER OF CASES WORLDWIDE

➢ INDIA
• In India, 13.1 million people got infected with this
virus.
• 11.9 million People recovered from this deadly virus.
• About 168 k person lost their life in this pandemic.
❖ Current situation.
• About 130 k people are getting infected with this
virus, daily.
• About 77k people are getting recovered from
coronavirus daily.
• Almost 1.2 k people are losing their life, every day.
❖ Top States Of Infection:-

FIGURE :- REPRESENTATION OF COVID STATE IN INDIA.

➢BIHAR
• In India, 274 k people got infected with this virus.
• 265 k people recovered from this deadly virus.
• About 1,595 people, lost their life in this pandemic.
❖ Current situation.
• About 2.1 k people are getting infected with this virus, daily.
• About 400 people are getting recovered from coronavirus
daily.
• Almost 8 people are losing their life , every day.
➢ Top Districts Of Infection:-

FIGURE :- REPRESENTATION OF COVID STATE IN BIHAR.