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General Information

The full name for this virus is Coronavirus COVID-19, it is an acronym of  “coronavirus disease 2019”. It is an infectious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It is known with the name coronavirus because the surface of the virus looks like it is wearing a crown.

This virus appeared for the first time in China on the 31st of December, 2019. There was an outbreak reported in the city of Wuhan in China. Patients had a respiratory condition accompanied by a fever, the outbreak appeared to come from a seafood market, and it was passed most likely from a bat to a human.

On the 7th of January, 2020, a new Betacoronavirus (2019-nCoV) was isolated in at least one case of the outbreak.

On the 30th of January, 2020, the General Director of the WHO declared that a 2019-nCoV (COVID-19) outbreak constituted an important Public Health Emergency.

Up until today, (the 21d of April 2020) we have the following world data: 2,501, 156  global cases, from which 171,810  have passed away.

This virus produces symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscular pain, and general weakness. It is characterized by causing pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, muscle pain, and general weakness in its most severe form. There can also be sepsis and septic shock that leads to a 5% death of the infected. Up until today, there is no specific treatment to fight this disease, and a vaccine is in its developing stages. Outpatient treatment, as well as inpatient treatment, consists of alleviating the symptoms and in maintaining vital function until recovery.

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Spread

It is still under investigation, but it is assumed that the primary source of spread is through saliva droplets that an infected person passes on, the virus then comes in contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

We come in contact with these droplets by being too close to an infected person or touching objects that were touched or sprayed with droplets and then touching our nose, eyes, and mouth.

It is also important to note that there still isn’t enough evidence that points to the virus spreading through the air, up until today, the spread happens as previously explained.

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Symptoms

Infected people may not show any signs (could be asymptomatic) or can present symptoms similar to the flu that can vary from mild to severe.

The most common symptoms for COVID-19 are:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Dry Cough

Some patients can have

  • Body aches and general malaise
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal dripping
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea

New studies made by the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology, had revealed that there are new symptoms asociated to the novel coronavirus COVID-19. These symptoms are most  likely to be developed early in the first days of getting the virus:

  • Sudden smell loss (Anosmia)
  • Sudden taste loss (Ageusia)

All symptoms generally appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus, according to the WHO.

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Diagnostics

The test for COVID-19 consists of taking a pharynx swab and determining the PCR transcriptase. A sample is taken with a swab from the throat and nose and then sent to a lab. COVID-19 tests are done exclusively by the Health Department.

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Evolution

Most people (around 80%) will improve from the disease without any special treatment.

Around 1 of 6 people (17%) who contract COVID-19 will develop a severe form of the disease and have difficulty breathing.

Older people and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes have a higher chance of developing a severe form of the disease.

2% of the people who have contracted the virus have died. The most common complications are pneumonia and multiorgan failure.

Anyone who has a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.

Most vulnerable persons:

  • Patients over 60 years old
  • Smokers and ex-smokers
  • Patients with respiratory conditions (ex. asthma, EPOC)
  • Patients with chronic conditions  (ex. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease)

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References