Coronavirus is a family of animal viruses associated with common cold, pneumonia, and SARS. Its molecular structure contributes to its ability to mutate and enter its host. The virus is responsible for most cases of the common cold during winter and early spring. HCoV plays a role in respiratory disease, including bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. SARS is a severe form of pneumonia that causes acute respiratory distress and is highly contagious. Treatment includes hospitalization, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and steroids.
The coronavirus, of the Coronaviridae family, is a class of animal viruses associated with the common cold and other more serious conditions, such as pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Due to mutation, some forms of Coronavirus are extremely contagious and potentially fatal. Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms that increase in severity should see a doctor to prevent further illness and potential complications.
The molecular structure of the Coronavirus contributes to its ability to enter its host. Composed of proteins, the structure of the Coronavirus is composed of a spike, a nucleocapsid, an envelope and a membrane. The presence of glycoproteins promotes the ability of the virus to bind to host cells and mutate. It has been suggested that the virus’s ability to mutate is what makes it so contagious. Reinfection is another characteristic associated with diseases of the Coronaviridae family.
When active during the winter and early spring, the Coronavirus is thought to be responsible for most cases of the common cold. The virus’s ability to mutate and reinfect itself is most evident during the cold season, when individuals who catch a cold may get better and then catch the same cold a second and third time. Conscientiousness in preventing the spread of germs is essential to breaking the potentially cyclical nature of the common cold.
The human coronavirus (HCoV) is a secondary group of viruses of the Coronavirus family. Research suggests that this subgroup plays a role in the development of respiratory disease. HCoV has been documented to be the sole cause of diseases such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Similar to bronchitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, bronchiolitis is inflammation of the bronchioles, or small passageways in the lungs. This viral infection affects children and infants during the fall and winter months. Although treatment is usually not necessary, in cases where the child is seriously ill, antiviral drugs may be given. A child with bronchiolitis may have a fever, wheezing, or shortness of breath. A diagnosis is usually confirmed by testing your child’s nasal fluid and conducting a chest X-ray.
As with other respiratory disorders, pneumonia results from inflammation of the lung. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever and cough can be indicative of pneumonia. A diagnosis is made through a variety of tests including a complete blood count (CBC), a CT scan of the chest area, and a culture test of the individual’s sputum, the mucus-like substance discharged with a strong cough. Some cases of pneumonia require hospitalization, while less severe cases may only require the administration of antibiotics.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a severe form of pneumonia that causes acute respiratory distress. Potentially fatal, SARS is a highly contagious condition that was first described in early 2003 by a World Health Organization (WHO) doctor who later died of the disease. An individual who has SARS releases contaminants into the air when they cough or sneeze. These contaminated droplets are the main vehicle of transmission. Symptoms appear within 10 to 10 days of contact with a sick individual or contaminated object.
Individuals with SARS may experience symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, and sore throat. Tests used to diagnose SARS include a chest CT scan, complete blood count (CBC), and chest X-ray. Treatment for SARS includes hospitalization in isolation, administration of antibiotics and antiviral drugs, and steroids to reduce lung inflammation. In severe cases, oxygen may be given in addition to mechanical ventilation or artificial respiration support. Complications associated with SARS include respiratory, cardiac, and liver failure.
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