What Is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause disease in humans, birds, and mammals.
In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe.
There are seven major strains of coronavirus.
How Does COVID-19 Differ From SARS and MERS?
What makes COVID-19 unique is its high rate of transmissibility.
As such, it is far too early to even suggest what the actual fatality rate of COVID-19 is.
Epidemiologic modelingwill hopefully shed some light on the actual impact of COVID-19 once infection rates begin to decline.
Where Did COVID-19 Come From?
It is believed that COVID-19 jumped from bats or some other animals to humans.
In fact, around 60% of human diseases are sparked by organisms shared by animals and humans.
As human populations increase and infringe on animal populations, the potential for zoonotic diseases increases.
But that is only part of the reason why these novel viruses like COVID-19 develop.
However, the process of viral transcriptiontranslating the new genetic coding into an infected hostis prone to errors.
With that said, there is evidence that COVID-19 doesn’t mutate as quickly or as often as influenza.
Why Does COVID-19 Spread So Easily?
From a virologic standpoint, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV aren’t transmitted as effectively as COVID-19.
Currently, COVID-19 is believed to be transmitted by respiratory droplets released into the air while coughing.
Is COVID-19 Deadlier Than SARS or MERS?
Again, it’s too early to say how “deadly” COVID-19 is.
ACE2 receptors occur in high density in therespiratory tract, particularly theupper respiratory tract.
This would explain, at least in part, why COVID-19 spreads through communities more aggressively.
DPP4 receptors occur in higher density in the lower respiratory tract as well as in the gastrointestinal tract.
When Will a Vaccine Be Ready?
On the downside, scientists have yet to crack the code on the development of an effective MERS vaccine.
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being proactive about your mental health can help keep both your mind and body stronger.
Learn about thebest online therapy options available to you.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
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