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✍🏽 Aaditi Kumbhar | MPH Epidemiology Graduate from New York University
What is COVID-19? 🦠
In early 2020, the spread of the virus caused a pandemic with breakouts affecting almost every country. This virus is spread through droplets in the air produced when infected people talk, breathe and cough, meaning it is extremely difficult to control in populated urban areas.
As of May 7, 2020, there were about 1,219,066 cases found in the United States.
How does COVID-19 infection work? 💉
Viruses are microscopic infectious particles that latch onto receptors within a human and spread their DNA to cells throughout the body replicate and continue to infect.
Viruses require receptors that are found on the outside of our cells in order to attach, enter and attack body cells. COVID-19 requires a specific receptor known as angiotensin converting enzyme 2, also known as ACE2. Think of it as a lock-and-key mechanism. The virus (key) latches onto the receptor (lock) and spreads infection by replicating itself and it's DNA throughout previously healthy cells.
Once in the body, the virus directly attacks the lungs. The alveoli, or the little air sacs within the lungs, are rich with the ACE2 receptors that the virus can latch onto. Therefore, the virus can become incredibly potent in the lungs very quickly. The lungs are known as “ground zero" as it is the initial site of infection, but the virus can then spread to other parts of the body as well. Other organs known to be affected are the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, gut, and brain. If not managed with the right medical care, patients can develop pneumonia or even Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS. ARDS is caused by a rapid decline in oxygen content in the body, putting stress on internal organs.
Just like the common cold or the influenza virus, the COVID-19 virus genes change slightly over time to create a new strain, or variant.
Variants are defined by certain characteristics:
Transmissibility: The ability to transfer from host to host
Severity: Intensity of experienced symptoms
Drug/Vaccine Efficacy: How well drugs/administered vaccines work against the virus
From December 2020 to present day, there are over 26 variants of the original COVID-19 virus.
Omnicron
Origin: Botswana & Africa - November 2021
Viral Characteristics: more transmissible than Delta, severity undefined, breakthrough infection possible even with vaccination
New Omnicron strains: Eris (2023), Pirola (2023)
Delta
Beta
Alpha
Future Implications of COVID-19 🔮
Although majority of the population is now vaccinated against COVID-19, there are continuous surges of different variants. Mask wearing is continuously encouraged in public spaces, and it is important to maintain thorough and regular handwashing. It is important to remain updated on all released boosters and practice social distancing whenever possible.
Edited by: Olivia Laughton | Content Editor | Microbiology BSc, University of Leeds
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, had a significant global impact. However, I don't have the ability to provide real-time updates on the current situation. Therefore, I recommend referring to reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
At that time, COVID-19 was primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes heavily. Common symptoms included fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. It's important to note that some individuals may be asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms, while others may develop…
Very informative. Great work...Keep it up Aaditi!
Excellent
Nice job Aaditi. Keep going
Great and informative read. Thanks!