What You Need To Know About New Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a group of pathogens that cause respiratory and intestinal diseases. Laboratory experts performed morphological studies on the viruses.

Recently, pneumonia epidemics of new coronavirus infection occurred in Wuhan and other regions in Hubei Province. What exactly is a new coronavirus? What symptoms occur after infection? Can it be effectively treated and prevented?

First, The Historical Origin of Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a group of pathogens that cause respiratory and intestinal diseases. Laboratory experts performed morphological studies on the viruses. Electron microscope observations revealed that the envelopes of these viruses had spines that looked like corona and looked like a crown. Therefore, they named these viruses as coronaviruses. Human Coronavirus ( HCoV ) has two genera: alpha coronavirus and beta coronavirus. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ( MERS-CoV ) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ( SARS-CoV ) belong to the beta coronavirus. Viral pneumonia discovered this time is " 2019 New Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) ". The new coronavirus is contagious and spreads in a manner similar to common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as the common cold, flu, etc., but the virus can cause severe pneumonia and lead to renal failure, severe illness, and high mortality.

Clinical Manifestations of New Coronavirus Infections

Fever, fatigue, respiratory symptoms are mainly dry cough, and dyspnea gradually appears. In severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, challenging to correct metabolic acidosis and coagulation dysfunction; some patients have symptoms of onset. Mild, without fever; most patients have a good prognosis, but a few patients are critically ill and even die.

Three, New Coronavirus Transmission Methods

1. Direct transmission: The patient's sneezing, coughing, talking droplets, and even exhaled air are all infected with the virus. The infection caused by direct inhalation in close contact. A sick person or an animal carrying the virus exhales and howls, and also has the virus, which can cause infection.
2. Aerosol transmission: Patients sneeze, cough, and droplets when talking, floating in the air, and large particles will deposit. And particles smaller than 2.5pm in diameter will be mixed in the air to form an aerosol. When inhaled, it becomes infected. Animals that carry the virus exhale and also form pathogenic aerosols.
3. Contact transmission: Patients sneeze, cough droplets, as well as patient's saliva, sputum, saliva and other secretions, as well as hands contaminated with various secretions, touch the daily necessities will also leave the virus on. If a normal person's hand comes in contact with an item contaminated with the virus, the hand will be contaminated, and then touch their own mucous membranes such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and eyes, which may cause infection.
4. According to the results of the investigation, there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus, but the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out.

How To Prevent Respiratorily Infectious Diseases Such as Viral Pneumonia

1. Wash your hands frequently. Including before, during, and after preparing food ; after coughing or sneezing; when caring for patients; before meals and after meals; when hands are dirty; when handling animals or animal waste, wash hands immediately with soap, alcohol-based hand soap and water.
2. Active protection. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose completely with paper towels or cuffs or elbow flexion. Throw used paper towels into closed bins immediately and wash your hands. Vulnerable people should try to avoid going to crowded public places. Masks can be worn to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens. Avoid close contact with patients without protection, and avoid touching their eyes, mouth, and nose. At the same time, pay attention to keeping the windows and ventilation of the home and workplace clean and the environment clean.
3. Avoid close contact. Try to avoid close contact with farmed or wild animals without protection; avoid contact with sick animals and spoiled meat; avoid contact with stray animals and wastewater in the fresh market.
4. Good and safe eating habits. Cook meat and eggs thoroughly, wash hands between raw and cooked food and separate cutting boards and knives.