Report on COVID-19 virus

outbreak

Casual organisms
Official names have been announced for the virus responsible for COVID-19
(previously known as “2019 novel coronavirus”) and the disease it causes. The
official names are:

Disease : coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Virus :severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Why do the virus and the disease have different

names?
Viruses, and the diseases they cause, often have different names. For example, HIV is
the virus that causes AIDS. People often know the name of a disease, but not the
name of the virus that causes it.

There are different processes, and purposes, for naming viruses and diseases.

Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of
diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines. Virologists and the wider scientific community
do this work, so viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of
Viruses (ICTV).
Diseases are named to enable discussion on disease prevention, spread,
transmissibility, severity and treatment. Human disease preparedness and response is
WHO’s role, so diseases are officially named by WHO in the International Classification
of Diseases (ICD).

ICTV announced “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” as

the name of the new virus on 11 February 2020. This name was chosen because the
virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of
2003. While related, the two viruses are different.
 Origin
Many health experts believe that the new strain of coronavirus likely originated in bats
or pangolins. The first transmission to humans was in Wuhan, China. Since then, the
virus has mostly spread through person-to-person contact.

What caused coronavirus?

The recent outbreak began in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei province of China. Reports of the first
COVID-19 cases started in December 2019.

Coronaviruses are common in certain species of animals, such as cattle and camels. Although

the transmission of coronaviruses from animals to humans is rare ,this new strain likely came
from bats, though one study suggests pangolins may be the origin.

However, it remains unclear exactly how the virus first spread to humans.
Some reports trace the earliest cases back to a seafood and animal market in
Wuhan. It may have been from here that SARS-CoV-2 started to spread to
humans.

Mode of Transmission
SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person through close communities.

When people with COVID-19 breathe out or cough, they expel tiny droplets that contain the
virus. These droplets can enter the mouth or nose of someone without the virus, causing an
infection to occur.

The most common way that this illness spreads is through close contact with someone who has
the infection. Close contact is within around 6 feet.

The disease is most contagious when a person’s symptoms are at their peak. However it is
possible for someone without symptoms to spread the virus. A new study suggests that 10% of
infections are from people exhibiting no symptoms.

Droplets containing the virus can also land on nearby surfaces or objects. Other people can
pick up the virus by touching these surfaces or objects. Infection is likely if the person then
touches their nose, eyes, or mouth.

It is important to note that COVID-19 is new, and research is still ongoing. There may also be
other ways that the new coronavirus can spread.
 Transmission and life-cycle of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19.

Symptoms
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will
develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Common signs and symptoms that linger over time include:

● Fatigue
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Cough
● Joint pain
● Chest pain
● Memory, concentration or sleep problems
● Muscle pain or headache
 ● Fast or pounding heartbeat
● Loss of smell or taste
● Depression or anxiety
● Fever
● Dizziness when you stand
● Worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities

Organ damage caused by COVID-19

Although COVID-19 is seen as a disease that primarily affects the lungs, it can damage many other
organs as well. This organ damage may increase the risk of long-term health problems. Organs that may
be affected by COVID-19 include:

● Heart. Imaging tests taken months after recovery from COVID-19 have shown lasting
damage to the heart muscle, even in people who experienced only mild COVID-19
symptoms. This may increase the risk of heart failure or other heart complications in the
future.
● Lungs. The type of pneumonia often associated with COVID-19 can cause long-standing
damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The resulting scar tissue can lead to long-
term breathing problems.
● Brain. Even in young people, COVID-19 can cause strokes, seizures and Guillain-Barre
syndrome — a condition that causes temporary paralysis. COVID-19 may also increase the
risk of developing Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Some adults and children experience multisystem inflammatory syndrome after they have had COVID-19.
In this condition, some organs and tissues become severely inflamed.

Blood clots and blood vessel problems

COVID-19 can make blood cells more likely to clump up and form clots. While large clots can cause heart
attacks and strokes, much of the heart damage caused by COVID-19 is believed to stem from very small
clots that block tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the heart muscle.

Other parts of the body affected by blood clots include the lungs, legs, liver and kidneys. COVID-19 can
also weaken blood vessels and cause them to leak, which contributes to potentially long-lasting problems
with the liver and kidneys.

Problems with mood and fatigue

People who have severe symptoms of COVID-19 often have to be treated in a hospital's intensive care
unit, with mechanical assistance such as ventilators to breathe. Simply surviving this experience can
make a person more likely to later develop post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression and anxiety.

Because it's difficult to predict long-term outcomes from the new COVID-19 virus, scientists are looking at
the long-term effects seen in related viruses, such as the virus that causes severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS).

Many people who have recovered from SARS have gone on to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, a
complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that worsens with physical or mental activity, but
doesn't improve with rest. The same may be true for people who have had COVID-19.

Many long-term COVID-19 effects still unknown

Much is still unknown about how COVID-19 will affect people over time, but research is ongoing.
Researchers recommend that doctors closely monitor people who have had COVID-19 to see how their
organs are functioning after recovery.

Many large medical centers are opening specialized clinics to provide care for people who have persistent
symptoms or related illnesses after they recover from COVID-19. Support groups are available as well.

It's important to remember that most people who have COVID-19 recover quickly. But the potentially long-
lasting problems from COVID-19 make it even more important to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by
following precautions. Precautions include wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, getting a
vaccine when available and keeping hands clean.

Treatment
Currently, only one medication has been approved to treat COVID-19. No cure is available for
COVID-19. Antibiotics aren't effective against viral infections such as COVID-19. Researchers
are testing a variety of possible treatments.

The FDA has approved the antiviral drug remdesivir (Veklury) to treat COVID-19 in hospitalized
adults and children who are age 12 and older in the hospital. The FDA has granted an
emergency use authorization for the rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib (Olumiant) to treat
COVID-19 in some cases. Baricitinib is a pill that seems to work against COVID-19 by reducing
inflammation and having antiviral activity. The FDA states baricitinib may be used in
combination with remdesivir in people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 who are on
mechanical ventilators or need supplemental oxygen.

Several monoclonal antibody medications are available. These include a combination of

bamlanivimab and etesevimab, a combination of two antibodies called casirivimab and
imdevimab, and sotrovimab. These drugs are used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in
people who have a higher risk of developing serious illness due to COVID-19. Treatment
consists of a single intravenous infusion given in an outpatient setting. To be most effective,
these medications need to be given soon after COVID-19 symptoms start and prior to
hospitalization.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has recommended the corticosteroid dexamethasone for
people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 who are on supplemental oxygen or need
mechanical ventilation. Other corticosteroids, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone or
hydrocortisone, may be used if dexamethasone isn't available.

The FDA has also granted emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma therapy with
high antibody levels to treat COVID-19. Convalescent plasma is blood donated by people
who've recovered from COVID-19. Convalescent plasma with high antibodies may be used to
treat some hospitalized people ill with COVID-19 who are either early in their illness or who
have weakened immune systems.

Many people with COVID-19 may have mild illness and can be treated with supportive care.
Supportive care is aimed at relieving symptoms and may include:
 Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)

Cough syrup or medication

Rest

Fluid intake

There is no evidence that ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

need to be avoided.

If you have mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you recover at home. He or she
may give you special instructions to monitor your symptoms and to avoid spreading the illness
to others. You'll likely be asked to isolate yourself as much as possible from family and pets
while you're sick, wear a mask when you're around people and pets, and use a separate
bedroom and bathroom.

Your doctor will likely recommend that you stay in home isolation for a period of time except to
get medical care. Your doctor will likely follow up with you regularly. Follow guidelines from your
doctor and local health department about when you can end home isolation.

If you're very ill, you may need to be treated in the hospital.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

● When did your symptoms begin?

● Where have you traveled recently?
● Who have you been in close contact with?
● How severe are your symptoms?
 Preventive Measures

COVID-19 disease is spreading around the world at a fast pace. Extensive research is
being conducted by various countries to contain this spread. In this situation, every one
of us should take all the measures possible to avoid an infection.

The number of people infected by COVID-19 is increasing despite a nation-wide

lockdown. This can be avoided if people follow the dos and don’ts related to the novel
Coronavirus. Let’s take a look at 10 things you should and should not do to avoid
COVID-19.

Things to do for Preventing Coronavirus:

Doing the following things regularly will help you keep the COVID-19 disease at
bay:

1) Maintain Hygiene:

The very first thing which the experts are emphasizing upon is that
Coronavirus can be killed with soap and water. Wash your hands for at least 20
seconds as frequently as required. For example before meals, after visiting the
washroom, after touching any surface that you feel might be contaminated, etc.

2) Practice Social Distancing:

It is advised that a distance of at least 3 to 6 feet should be maintained

between yourself and other people. This should be thoroughly practised in
case you are required to step out of the house. Remember to avoid getting in
the close proximity of a stranger.

3) Seek Medical Help if Symptoms Occur:

The symptoms of COVID-19 are runny nose, sore throat, fever, and dry cough. If
you or a family member is suffering from these symptoms for more than a day,
it will be wise to get them checked from a certified medical professional.

4) Avoid Going Out:

One cannot know who is infected from the Coronavirus, thus it is best to stay
at home and avoid the transmission. It is found that one person infected by
COVID-19 can transmit it to multiple others. Imagine this as an uncontrolled
chain reaction. Only you can break the chain by staying at home.

5) Buy Essentials That Will Last for a Week:

You should buy essential items like groceries that will last for a week to avoid
going out in public multiple times. Make a list of items according to the size of
your family and move around quickly. Return as soon as possible.

6) Eat a Healthy Diet:

You may start eating unhealthy things when you are confined to your homes.
This could be a result of boredom. Instead, cook delicious and healthy recipes
with the help of the internet. You should conscientiously include vitamins,
proteins, and healthy carbohydrates in your diet. Additionally, you can boost
your immunity with the help of Ayurveda.
 7) Drink Plenty of Water:

Drinking water is beneficial for your overall health. Water keeps your body
hydrated and increases the supply of oxygen to all the vital organs. It also
helps your body eliminate toxins. A toxin buildup may lead to several diseases.
Thus, drinking water can boost your immunity.

8) Disinfect Packages After Receiving Them:

The Coronavirus can remain stable on plastic and cardboard surfaces for
more than 24 hours. There are chances of infection if a person comes in
contact with these surfaces and then touches their face. To avoid this, disinfect
the packages that you receive.

9) Thoroughly Sterilize Toys and Other Items:

One should take extra care to avoid COVID-19 when children are present in the
family. Always sterilize toys, feeding bottles, and utensils that are used by
babies and children. Remember that the Coronavirus can affect people of all
age groups including children.

10) Take Good Care of Elders:

The immunity of a person weakens after a certain age. Thus, it is important to

take care of the elders in the family. Urge them to regularly wash their hands,
help them eat healthy food, include a lot of citrus fruits in their diet, and
request them to stay indoors.

Coronavirus Prevention Don’ts

Make sure you take the precautions to avoid doing each of these things to
help prevent the spread of the disease:

● Don’t go to crowded areas

● Don’t touch your face
 ● Don’t be in close contact with others
● Don’t ignore symptoms
● Don’t leave your home, especially if sick

Avoid mingling with others, touching your face often and leaving your home,
especially if you’re showing any cold/flu/COVID-19 symptoms.

Life after COVID-19 Era

Made By Shray Gupta

Life after the Covid-19 outbreak will never be the same as before.
We are at the beginning of the end, waiting for a new beginning. Planet Earth will break its cooperation
agreement with mankind unless we urgently revise our behaviour.

Values will change, our lives and habits will change, and our homes will also change under that
influence. With that in mind, here are seven predictions for the changes that might occur.

Houses not apartments

High-rise buildings were designed to organise as many people as possible in one
place. Health and hygiene were not a consideration. In times of pandemic, it is
necessary to reduce contact with everything that is used in multi-storey buildings:
elevator, elevator buttons, door handles, surfaces and, above all, neighbours.
After forced self-isolation on different floors above the ground, often without a
balcony or terrace, we will all desperately want to have a house. It can be small,
but with a courtyard and a terrace where you can have coffee in the morning.
Throughout time, the primary function of the house has been safety. Initially, it
served as a hiding place from bad weather and predatory animals. Then, tall stone
fortresses were built to prevent the enemy getting in. Today, people need a house
that can effectively provide social isolation.
More than an escape from routine and urban chaos, the house now offers a retreat
from viruses and infections. Urbanisation takes a step back as we relocate to small
villages and city suburbs.
Bunkers better than open-plan
For survivalists – those constantly training to survive a coming apocalypse — there
was already a trend for fortified buildings. But now we can expect that trend to
become more widespread.
Looking at our real experience, films about the end of the world no longer seem to
be so fantastic. The desire to prepare your home for natural or man-made hazards
is no longer surprising. There will not only be a garage near the house, but also a
hopper, or at least a fortified "minus" floor with a pantry for food and water.
We'll also be saying goodbye to one of the main trends of recent years: open-plan
spaces, with the entrance, living room, dining space and kitchen united. In the
aftermath of the pandemic, the entrance area will be separated so that we can
leave our shoes, clothing and belongings on the street, rather than carry dirt into
the living quarters.
Self-sufficient power and water
The buildings of the future will be proud and independent, with their own water
supply and heating. Geothermal wells are gaining popularity already. In addition to
water, they can partially provide a home with heating.
There will be several other sources of heating to have as a safety net: a stove, a
fireplace, a solid fuel boiler, a fuel generator, solar panels. Autonomous mini-
stations generating alternative power will become a reality. The goal will be
independence from the outside world, minimising risks in the case of a full
shutdown.
Satellite internet is currently an expensive and inconvenient service, accessible only
to certain individuals and organisations, such as maritime transport, mining and
construction companies, and military organisations. In the future, developments for
civilian use will be accelerated, offering us very quick access to the internet.
OneWeb and SpaceX were already planning to cover the entire planet with this
technology before the pandemic began. OneWeb has already deployed 40 of a
planned 648 satellites into the Earth's orbit, while SpaceX's Starlink project
envisages the launch of 12,000 satellites into low orbit by the mid-2020s.
Filtration and neutralisation
Water and air filtration systems tend to be seen as an unnecessary addition, easily
abandoned in favour of a designer table. After the pandemic the trend will change,
as people worry about what might happen if a virus gets into the water supply. To
make sure, people will be willing to pay for the excavation, surveys and filtration
systems needed to install a well.
Manufacturers of smart home systems will go one step further. Their programs will
not only control the temperature of the air in the house, but also its quality and, if
necessary, they will automatically clean it. Air from the outside will of course be
filtered.
Particularly demanding families may also create a cleaning room featuring
antiseptic dispensers. Going through this space will be the only way into the house
for deliveries or guests. Additionally, homes will also be equipped with a lamp that
generates ultraviolet radiation, which can kill some harmful organisms, viruses and
bacteria.
Home as the new office
During quarantine, most are forced to work from home. There will be people who
will, on the first day after the quarantine, race to meet colleagues and drink that
office coffee. But there will be those who will not want to return to the office.
More attention will be given to the arrangement of the workplace at home. Spatial
organisation will change, with the place to work at home no longer a desk with a
parody of an office chair and a lamp, slotted somewhere in the corner of the living
room or under the stairs. Now it will be a completely separate room with large
windows, blackout curtains and comfortable furniture. It will be technically
equipped and sound-insulated.
In response, offices will make more effort to win us back. Everything that the top
companies have will become commonplace.
Urban farming goes global
It used to be trendy to start small gardens near homes or on balconies, but now it
will be a boom. As our grandparents told us, gardening is calming. It is proven
that physical interaction with living plants is good for our mental health.
Growing what you eat is pleasant and gives you some freedom from your daily
routine, particularly during self-isolation. Quarantine is perhaps the best time to get
to know more about indoor gardens – how to grow plants from seeds and create a
food ration, even if you live in a multi-storey building. In addition to producing
food, indoor gardens can provide oxygen. The trend in phytowalls has been around
for many years, but we have not explored the full potential it offers for interior
design.
Going deeper is also an option, like in the recent Guy Ritchie film Gentlemen,
where marijuana is produced in underground plantations. You could develop an
underground basement with a garden, mini cheese factory or a winery. Of course,
you need extra equipment here: artificial lighting, water and air filtration, soil
fertiliser. But it would be worth it for fresh tomatoes.
Rejection of mass industry
People around the world was struck by photos revealing a new sky over
China. After two months of forced abandonment of mass production, they could
finally breathe fresh air.
There are many more pleasant discoveries ahead. The new world will be about
things that matter. There will be fewer objects and they will be chosen more
responsibly. More questions will be asked: are they made of natural materials?
Does their production harm the planet?
In addition, governments will have to maintain local manufacturers to restore
economic performance. Once you leave export and import, you will no longer be
such frivolous cosmopolitans.
Wash your hands, stay at home and let's create a new worthy life that the planet
will no longer want to lose.

Holiday Homework By Shray Gupta,8th B (3825)