The illustration of the virus you see reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by Coronaviruses. It is created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a Corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus , named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has quickly taken over our lives. As the global pandemic worsens, lockdowns across continents have gone into effect while hospitals in hard-hit areas remain in a state of constant crisis.
As we deal with the day to day realities of a worldwide disease, many of us are simply waiting for the pandemic to end. But there is precedent for a coronavirus becoming endemic in the human population. Actually, there are four of them: 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1. All four of these coronaviruses cause symptoms of the common cold, and infections are most often fairly mild. ” I think this will join those four other coronaviruses and have a similar pattern[of recurrence] after this first wave.” Says A senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Blomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Health Security Amesh Adalja
As of right now, Adalja says, the novel coronavirus displays all the signs of sticking around. It’s widespread in the population, transmits from person to person easily and there is no vaccine that could grant immunity ahead of an infection.
But even an endemic coronavirus might not be reason to panic. There are too many unknowns right now for scientists to say whether we’ll see outbreaks similar in size and mortality to the current pandemic. As researchers around the world race to confront this new threat, we’ll surely know more soon.
In the face of the unknown, all we can do is prepare.
We need to stay vigilant in these times as our country eases the lockdown. Take action to slow the spread of #COVID-19.
Your life is in your hands. Always wash with soap and water for 40 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub to prevent COVID-19. You can safe guard your future today if you keep your hands clean today. Wearing a face mask correctly in addition to good hand hygiene practices and physical distancing can help prevent the spread of #COVID-19 to others.
We are here to support you through your health issues, including COVID-19 symptoms, so we encourage you to reach out to us virtually so, that you’re not alone through this.
We want to emphasize that making physical and virtual appointments with our doctors at this time is as important as ever for any one with big or small health ailment.
During a virtual appointment your doctor will assess the issue and let you know if an in person visit is required.
In -person appointments are still happening for those who need them and multiple measures have been implemented by our Health Teams on ground to keep people safe when coming to our Health Centre. They include physical distancing in our lobby, screening at entrances, alcohol based hand rub and dedicated hours for certain patient groups.
Our Health teams are also active in out reach programs.
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