Corona Virus Disease COVID 19 that was initially discovered in Wuhan China is now-a-days talk of the town. As per the reports it has been now found to have entered Indian provinces. It’s an infectious disorder that affects respiratory tract and is fatal as more than 3000 deaths have been reported so far. Why we need to talk about it more is because we sometimes misinterpret the things and add fuel to the fire by creating chaos and confusions panic. Another important issue that we have to deal with simultaneously is our superstitious misbelieves. For instance a couple of days ago I found someone propagating a new superstitious practice. It was being told that in the Holy Quran we can find a hair which is to be immersed in drinking water as it is sacred and can prevent the disorder (Astagfirullah).
I found it necessary to discuss in detail what COVID 19 is and how can it be prevented and even managed if found in the community. COVID 19 as named during 2019-2020 outbreak is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2). This virus is closely related to already known SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus which caused an outbreak in 2002 and 2003. There are hundreds of other strains of Corona virus other than these two recently discovered species but most of the corona viruses have been found to infect non-human hosts like bats. Before coming to the present scenario of disease and related Doe’s and Don’ts let’s have the elementary information about COVID 19.
Means of spread:
COVID 19 infection is spread through respiratory droplets produced during cough and sneeze. It can also spread through contaminated utensils and direct contact with the patient. Incubation period is 2-14 days i.e if a person is exposed to corona virus, symptoms of disease may develop within 14 days.
Signs and symptoms:
An infected person may develop symptoms like fever, severe dry cough and difficulty in breathing. Upper respiratory tract is generally not affected which means runny nose is not common in this case. In rare cases Diarrhea has also been seen in COVID 19 patients. Therefore general symptoms are; Fever, dry cough, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, pain in the muscles and joints, sore throat, headache, chills, nausea or vomiting, nasal congestion, diarrhea (rarely), haemoptysis or blood strained mucus(very rare). Finally patient develops pneumonia and multi organ failure.
Diagnosis: WHO has confirmed and approved certain tests for COVID 19 one among which is rTF-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) which is done on sputum or nasal swab. This test shows results within few hours but may sometimes take even 2 days. Tests like antibody assays can also be done on the blood samples. CT scan can even be helpful in finding the pneumonic state of lungs.
Mechanism of action and genetics of CORONA viruses: Corona virus is an RNA virus that means Corona Viruses have RNA as their genetic material. They have about 29.7 kilobasepairs long genome which is largest among all RNA viruses. Researchers have identified 13 genes in a SARS Corona virus and have also reported about 14 proteins produced by SARS Corona virus.
Corona virus is enveloped by a spike envelop covering that possess special proteins termed as M proteins, E proteins and S proteins. It is because of protein spikes that give it an appearance crown, therefore the name corona.
S proteins bind themselves with receptors present on the surface of host cells creating confusion in the cellular system so that cells don’t recognize the virus as a stranger. Viral genome therefore easily enters the cell. Genome released in the host cell cytoplasm acts as a messenger RNA and hijacks the cellular machinery and ribosomes to produce two important proteins termed as “pp1a” and “pp1ab” which are later broken to form various non structural proteins. Meanwhile viral RNA is replicated to make multiple copies. All the proteins produced by virus using cellular machinery are then assembled in Endoplasmic reticulum of host cell along with newly formed RNA which helps the virus to make multiple copies. Finally the newly formed progeny leaves the host cell by exocytosis and invade other tissues and cells of respiratory tract.
Vaccines and treatment:
Scientists all over the globe are trying their best to develop a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 which include National Institutes of Health (NIH) United States, Chinese center for disease control and prevention, university of Hong 0Kong etc. however no effective vaccine has been developed so far. According to a US health official, it will take at least a year or more to develop an effective vaccine for corona virus.
Coming to the treatment there is no specific drug that could be effective in treating COVID 19. However many antiviral drugs have been tested for efficacy till date. These anti viral drugs include galidesivir, chloroquine, interferon beta and ritonavir etc. moreover china recently included Actemra (Roche Arthritis drug) in drugs used against COVID 19.
Say No to superstition:
Some superstitious believes and rumor mongers are creating a new wave here in our society. It’s quite clear that neither cow urine can treat corona nor can any piece of paper or hair found in the holy Quran treat any disorder. Any such rumor should not be believed or acted upon. However seeking forgiveness from almighty Allah is the only thing what can be done. Moreover prevention and awareness is the need of the hour.
Infection can easily be prevented by few basic precautions as mentioned below:
I.Wash the hands frequently with soap or use a sanitizer as you can be infected by virus through the contaminated utensils.
II.Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing as respiratory droplets can act as agents of infection.
III.Avoid direct contact with people having common cold and flu like illness.
IV.If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing u should seek a medical help.
V.Wearing mask can prevent the entry of virus but it should be disposed properly after use.
This is all what can be done to prevent infections. Besides all these precautions one has to be calm and not to be panic if flu like illness is there. Flu and running nose should not be misinterpreted and considered as a possibility of CIVID 19. People who have international travel history are at greater risk and should be examined soon after emigration.
May Allah bless us all and may you all stay blessed and healthy.
With regards
MUDASSIR MIRCHAL
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