Corona Virus: Short Notes

Coronavirus is a virus that causes respiratory sickness. It was initially discovered in China by Wuhan residents who ate bats, however, some believe it is a man-made virus that has yet to be proven.

SARS-CoV2 causes Covid-19, which is a sickness. It's a viral infection of the lungs. It enters through the mouth and nose.

If your eyes aren't clean, it's also a smart option not to touch them.

It spreads in the same way as coronavirus does, through direct touch.

People over the age of 65, as well as those with a medical history of respiratory issues, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, are particularly vulnerable.

The severity of the infection might range from minor to fatal.

The covid-19 virus is transferred via saliva droplets or discharge from an infected person's nose (When he cough or sneeze the droplets are spread which contain a virus ) The rate of surface pollution is lower.

It's critical to practice basic hygiene, such as using elbows when sneezing.

Many experts are now saying that Covid-19 is airborne in recent tests, and regulators are considering this as well.

As a result of the mutation process, several strains and varieties have been seen in individuals, as well as a chain of viruses.

There are now six different strains of the human coronavirus, as well as a few animal viruses that have been described.

Test for detection of COVID-19

• RT-PCR test: A nose and mouth swab is obtained and sent to a lab for testing to see if it can identify COVID-19 genetic material.

• Antigen test: This test identifies the virus's protein.

• A serological test: Detects antibodies produced by the body to fight SARS COV-2; these antibodies are produced by individuals who have recovered from covid-19 infection. A blood sample is required for this procedure.

Children with Covid-19 Illness: 

The covid-19 disease affects children of all ages. However, most infected children will not become as ill as adults. Quiet carriers are newborns or toddlers who do not display any signs and are so-referred to as silent carriers. Many nations are experiencing covid -19 waves as a result of individuals failing to take measures. Virus changes have been identified, and the virus is getting more infectious as a result of the changes.

As a result, the second wave affects children more than the first.

Covid-19 in Infants: 

Children will not develop covid-19 unless their caretaker or mother is infected with the coronavirus.

Infants under the age of one are at a higher risk than other children owing to a lack of immunity and tiny airways that make it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms observed in toddlers:

• Fever and chills 
• Diarrhoea 
• Vomits 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Stomach ache
• Loss of appetite 

If a toddler has no symptoms but is covid positive, doctors recommend giving him or her multivitamins and calcium to boost immunity.

Queries:

Many people wonder if testing a newborn for covid-19 is safe and whether the testing process is the same as for adults. 

Answer: Yes, it is safe for a newborn to have a test, and the same protocol is followed for toddlers, who also have nasal and throat swabs.

Measures: 

•  Wearing an N95 mask is recommended (there are various N95 masks available by the authentic one)
•  Scientists are advocating for the use of double masking procedures (if one is not wearing an N95 mask)
•  Use alcohol-based items to massage in an emergency if you don't wash your hands frequently (encouraged hand washing techniques )
•  Avoid settings with poor ventilation and maintain social distance.
•  Prior to consumption, wash fruits and vegetables.
• Consume only properly cooked foods; avoid raw foods.
• To clean your house, use disinfectant.

Patient's diet for covid-19: 

• Eat all green leafy vegetables
• Consume vitamin-C-rich fruits.
•  Eat foods that are high in fibre (dried fruits, berries, whole grains, carrots, lentils, kidney beans, oats ....)
•  Include egg, fish, meat, and poultry in your diet.
•  Drink 8-10 glasses of water to stay hydrated.
•  Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
•  Sugar and salt intake should be kept to a minimum.
•  Stay away from fast food and fried foods.
•  Maintain a positive attitude.
• Be aware of portion sizes of your meals

Guest post: Shaymaa Khatoon

                   M.Sc Microbiology