COVID-19 Pandemic: Factors Contributing to Persistent Infection and Severe Cases

Presently it is an era of viral foes against humanity. No one could expect the breakout of a new viral epidemic unless we make efforts to investigate new viruses in the wildlife and wet meats of exotic animals. Despite the prolonged duration of lockdown to control the transmission and the recovery of infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus, there are many new cases and deaths. Reviewing the literature provides the rationale behind daily reported new cases and deaths. Incomplete clearance of the virus new mutated genomic variants or a lack of immunisation against the virus could lead to re-infection or persistent infection. The severity of COVID-19 could be due to co-infection with other pathogens, chronic infections, nosocomial infections, highly virulent variants of the virus, or highly upregulated angiotensin-renin converting enzyme receptors II (ACE-II) in patients who have a history of hypertension, chronic chest infections or diabetes. Even after the lockdown is over, we should maintain good personal hygiene, physical distancing, wear face mask and gloves. Developing a safe and effective vaccine and antiviral agents could control the transmission and epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 virus.