Coronavirus: A “Mild” Virus Turned Deadly Infection

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can be transmitted from one person to another. Earlier strains have only been mild viruses, but the current form, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has become a deadly infection. The outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread worldwide. The symptoms of COVID-19 include a dry cough, sore throat, fever, and nasal congestion. Antimicrobial drugs, pathogen–host interaction, and 2 weeks of isolation have been recommended for the treatment of the infection. Safe operating procedures, such as the use of face masks, hand sanitizer, handwashing with soap, and social distancing, are also suggested. Moreover, travel bans for cities, states, and countries have been put in place, along with lockdowns to control the outbreak. Travel restrictions, mask use, sanitizer or soap use, and avoidance of touching the face and nose have produced encouraging results, whereas the effectiveness of antibiotics has not been proved. The results of isolation for the recovery of infected people have also been promising. Travel bans and lockdowns have caused a slump in economies, and unemployment has risen sharply, resulting in an increase in mental health cases globally. To date, vaccines have been developed and are in use in certain countries, but following standard operating procedures remain critical. The countries following the guidelines can eradicate this virus. New Zealand was the first country to eliminate the virus from their territory.