Coronaviruses strongly affect the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Some people, including older adults, are at risk of serious illness from these germs.
Coronaviruses are present in many species of animals, such as camels and bats. Mutations can infect humans.
Past outbreaks caused by coronaviruses in humans have been extremely severe. They usually spread quickly and can cause the death of some people.
One example is the serious respiratory disease (SARS), which caused a pandemic in 2002. There were about 8,439 cases and 812 deaths due to the virus.
The outbreak of the disease known as COVID-19 is the result of the novel coronavirus, now called SARS-CoV-2, which is spreading rapidly in many parts of the world.
As of March 25, 2020, there have been approximately 424,048 cases of COVID-19 deaths and 18,946 deaths.
This article will discuss how coronaviruses affect the body, potential complications, and treatment.
Stay up to date with the latest updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.
Effects on the body
Germs work by hijacking cells in the body. They incorporate host cells and reproduce. They can spread to new cells around the body.
Coronaviruses mainly affect the respiratory system, which is a group of organs and tissues that allow the body to breathe.
Respiratory diseases affect various parts of the respiratory system, such as the lungs. Coronavirus usually infects the lining of the throat, airways, and lungs.
The first symptoms of coronavirus can include a cough or shortness of breath. In some cases, it can cause serious damage to the lungs.
For example, some people may have a serious respiratory illness, leading to severe respiratory problems.
Usually, the immune system will identify and respond to coronavirus early by sending specialized proteins, or antibodies, to fight infection.
The body's response to infection has serious side effects on the body, including the common cold. During infection, white blood cells release pyrogens, a flu-like substance.
Temperatures above 100.4 ° F from the mouth thermometer indicate fever.
Occasionally other symptoms will appear next to the flu, including:
breathing
cough
muscle pain
sore throat
a headache
Cold
new loss of taste or smell
These symptoms usually last until the body fights the coronavirus.
Symptoms may not immediately appear. For example, people with COVID-19 can get symptoms two to 14 days after infection.
Risks and problems
Coronavirus can have serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Pneumonia occurs when the virus causes infection of one or both lungs. The small air sacs inside the lungs can fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Coronavirus can also damage the heart, liver or kidneys. For some people, it will affect the blood and immune system. For example, COVID-19 can cause heart failure, renal failure, or multiple sclerosis, leading to death.
Some people are at greater risk for serious problems than others. The risk may increase for those with a basic medical condition, such as:
severe heart conditions, such as heart failure, cardiovascular disease, or cardiomyopathies
kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
obesity, which occurs in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
sickle cell disease
weakened immune system arises from a strong immune system
type 2 diabetes
Older adults are also at risk of serious illness from coronavirus. Other risk groups include:
people with HIV
pregnant women
people with asthma
Treatment
Antibiotics are a common way to treat germs. These drugs kill or prevent the spread of germs by cells in the body. However, there are currently no antiretroviral drugs to treat coronavirus.
As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, researchers around the world are now working on new treatments and coronavirus vaccines.
Treatment is not always necessary if the symptoms are mild. If a person does not have harmful substances that affect the respiratory or immune system, his or her body can successfully fight infections without medication or intervention.
In mild cases, doctors may recommend various medications to buy symptoms. For example, acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, may be helpful to some people.
In more severe cases, hospital treatment may include respiratory support. Antibiotics can help reduce the risk of bacterial pneumonia.
Vision
Coronavirus effects on the body include respiratory symptoms and signs of infection, such as cough, fever and fatigue.
In some people, coronaviruses can cause serious illness. Risk factors include:
aging
basic health conditions, such as diabetes
HIV
asthma
pregnancy
People at high risk of illness should seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of COVID-19. These include:
sudden cough
high temperature
shortness of breath