Coronavirus – what is it?
The Wuhan coronavirus, 2019-CoV, causes COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019). Its genetic similarity to the 2003 SARS virus has led to its official name, SARS-CoV-2. Despite the vast amount of information about the coronavirus that floods us with daily media coverage, we often still wonder: Whatis it really like, and does it even exist?
Below we present the most important facts collected by one of our specialists that everyone should know.
How does COVID-19 progress?
The course of infection varies from asymptomatic, through a mild respiratory infection similar to a cold, to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome, or even multi-organ failure, resulting in death. However, it's important to remember that approximately 80% of COVID-19 patients do not require treatment and the disease resolves on its own.
If symptoms of infection occur, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness or muscle pain, it is worth consulting an internist in Lublin, who will assess the patient's health and, if necessary, recommend further diagnosis or treatment.
Cronavirus – howdoes infection occur?
Infection occurs through droplet infection through direct contact with a person infected with the coronavirus or indirectly through objects with the infected person's saliva on them, such as door handles, handrails, shopping carts in supermarkets.
Who is really at risk?
People over 65 are at greatest risk of losing their health or even their lives, and this risk increases with age. People with comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, and those taking immunosuppressive medications, should also be particularly cautious.
Prevention of coronavirus infection
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease. Therefore, it is crucial to follow good hygiene practices: washing your hands with soap or disinfectant, covering your cough and sneeze with the bend of your elbow, and wearing protective masks.
How to stop the coronavirus
Because humans are the ones transmitting the coronavirus infection, humans can stop the massive increase in cases. Therefore, it is crucial that we continue to adhere to quarantine rules and the current recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Thanks to our responsible attitude, we will save people's health and lives and return to the pre-pandemic reality we all long for.
Can the end of the pandemic be predicted?
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of pandemic, and a day later, a state of epidemic threat was declared in Poland due to the Wuhan coronavirus. We know its beginning, but can we predict with certainty when the pandemic will end? Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Only when the number of cases reaches its peak will it be possible to predict when they should decline.
Author of the text:
Doctor Dorota Tatarska-Jojczuk – internist, family doctor
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What is the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. Previously known as 2019-CoV, its official name, SARS-CoV-2, stems from its genetic similarity to the 2003 SARS virus.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, or Corona Virus Disease 2019, is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Its symptoms can range from asymptomatic to mild respiratory infection to severe pneumonia.
How might COVID-19 progress?
The course of infection can vary. In some people, the disease is asymptomatic, in others it resembles a mild respiratory infection, and in more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and even death.
Does everyone with COVID-19 require treatment?
No. Approximately 80% of COVID-19 patients do not require treatment and the disease resolves on its own. However, if you experience symptoms of infection, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will assess your health and decide whether further diagnosis or treatment is necessary.
What symptoms may suggest a coronavirus infection?
Symptoms of coronavirus infection may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and muscle aches. If these symptoms occur, it's important to consult a doctor to assess your health.
How does coronavirus infection occur?
Infection occurs through droplets, through direct contact with a person infected with the coronavirus or indirectly through objects covered with the saliva of an infected person, e.g. door handles, handrails and shopping carts in supermarkets.
Who is most at risk of severe COVID-19?
People over 65 are at greatest risk of losing their health or life, and the risk increases with age. People with comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, and those taking immunosuppressive medications, should also be particularly cautious.
How to prevent coronavirus infection?
To prevent infection, it is important to follow hygiene rules: washing your hands with soap or disinfectant, covering your mouth with the bend of your elbow when coughing and sneezing, and wearing protective masks.
How to limit the spread of coronavirus?
Because coronavirus infection is transmitted by people, limiting the number of cases depends on responsible adherence to recommendations. It is important to adhere to quarantine rules and current recommendations from the Ministry of Health.
Can the end of the pandemic be predicted?
It's impossible to predict the end of the pandemic with certainty. Only when the number of cases reaches a peak can we predict when they should decline.
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.