Coronavirus (COVID-19): Outbreak, Impact and Prevention

Coronavirus 

Coronavirus disease 2019 ( also known as COVID-19), this highly contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a catastrophic effect on the world’s demographics resulting in more than 6.3 million deaths worldwide as of May 2022, emerging as the most consequential global health crisis since the era of the influenza pandemic of 1918. After the first cases of this predominantly respiratory viral illness were first reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in late December 2019, SARS-CoV-2  rapidly disseminated across the world in a short span of time, compelling the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since being declared a global pandemic, COVID-19 has ravaged many countries worldwide and has overwhelmed many healthcare systems. The pandemic has also resulted in the loss of livelihoods due to prolonged shutdowns, which have had a rippling effect on the global economy. Even though substantial progress in clinical research has led to a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and the management of COVID-19, limiting the continuing spread of this virus and its variants has become an issue of increasing concern, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to wreak havoc across the world, with many countries enduring a second or third wave of outbreaks of this viral illness attributed mainly due to the emergence of mutant variants of the virus. 

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• New fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose

Some people infected with the coronavirus have mild COVID-19 illness, and others have no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure, lasting lungs, and heart muscle damage, nervous system problems, kidney failure, or death.

Who does it affect?

Anyone can catch the novel coronavirus, but the more severe symptoms have been found most frequently in people with pre-existing weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung disease.

Most people who have contracted the virus are expected to make a full recovery.

What can I do to stay safe?

The virus is passed through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The best thing you can do to avoid this illness is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face. The effectiveness of masks is, at present, unknown.

If you have recently traveled to an area in China where the novel coronavirus has been reported and have had any of the symptoms mentioned above, or been in close contact with someone who has, seek medical attention immediately. The virus may take between two and 14 days to show any symptoms.

Psychological Distress:

COVID-19  is anxiety-provoking for patients, non-patients, care, and healthcare professionals due to its infective potential, the uncertainty of manifestations and prognosis, and restrictions imposed by the government leading to dysfunction in social, occupational, psychological, familial, economic, and other domains. The anxiety is compounded by rumors, flooding of information in the media and internet, changes in daily life and routine, economic instability, discrimination, stigma, feeling of alienation, and guilt. The last three factors are faced by patients and their relatives. In extreme cases, people may suffer from depression characterized by low mood, tiredness, pessimism, poor sleep, and appetite. Older people are more vulnerable, and special care must be taken for them. Being aware, accepting, and having the insight that one has psychological problems is the first step and must for therapy. Talking with an expert, maintaining a routine and healthy lifestyle, taking a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and drugs, and participating in creative activities like music, singing, writing, painting, and dancing are helpful in coping with anxiety.

Conclusion-

In this article, we have discussed the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have seen how the pandemic has originated. We have also discussed symptoms of coronavirus, who all are affected by it, and psychological distress. People suffer from depression characterized by low mood, tiredness, pessimism, poor sleep, and appetite, feeling helpless, guilty, and hopeless, with a gradual reduction in work output.