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Coronavirus

About Coronavirus

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What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed 6,311,923 people across the globe and infected 532,022,757 (as on May 31, 2022). The virus has spread to 228 countries. In India, 43,158,087 confirmed cases and 524,630 deaths have been reported so far, according to official figures released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). To check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, or Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown till May, meaning the country's 1.3 billion citizens — except those engaged in providing essential services — would not step out of their homes. This lockdown was extended a couple of times and lifted in a graded way starting June 2020. The restrictions related to coronavirus spread will be lifted nation-wide from March 31, 2022.
Coronavirus in India and elsewhere: Total number of cases in India (state-wise) and all countries of the world
 
What is coronavirus?
 
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The spikes protruding from the virus's membrane look like the sun's corona. It is from this that the virus gets the name 'coronavirus'. It causes illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging from the common cold to severe conditions like SARS. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
 
What is the difference between Coronavirus and Covid-19
 
Covid-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which originated from China's Wuhan. On February, World Health Organisation (WHO) named the novel coronavirus "Covid-19". "Co" stands for "corona", "vi" for "virus" and "d" for "disease", while "19" was for the year, as the outbreak was first identified on December 31.
 
According to the WHO, "there are different procedures, 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."
 
Viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). 
 
This particular virus was named "severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2" – or SARS-CoV-2.
 
The WHO says that "from a risk communications perspective, using the name SARS can have unintended consequences in terms of creating unnecessary fear for some populations, especially in Asia which was worst affected by the SARS outbreak in 2003".
 
Hence, the name 'Covid-19 virus” was given.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Govt issues advisory on social distancing to contain outbreak
 
Symptoms of coronavirus
 
Coronavirus can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. Some of the symptoms are
 
— A general feeling of being unwell
— Runny nose
— Sore throat
— Headache
— Cough
— Fever
 
In case someone is facing lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, they must seek professional health immediately.

Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
 
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, and no vaccine to prevent it.

Plasma therapy a possible treatment for coronavirus?

With no surety of a definite treatment in sight, doctors around the world are dusting off a century-old treatment for infections: Infusion of blood plasma teeming with immune molecules that might help survivors beat the infection. Convalescent plasma is an experimental procedure for coronavirus patients. Click here to read more
 
Coronavirus helpline number and e-mail id
 
Union Health Ministry has activated a toll-free 24x7 national helpline number, 1075, to address queries related to the infection. Anyone seeking information can also call on the number 011-23978046.
 
The helpline e-mail ID for Coronavirus is ncov2019[at]gmail[dot]com
 
AI chatbot - A WhatsApp helpline to answer queries about Coronavirus
 
An AI-based automated helpline helps to address queries regarding Covid-19. The AI chatbot is integrated in WhatsApp and can be reached by any users by messaging on +91-93213-98773. The chatbot is privately operated, and is promoted by Mumbai-based startup Haptik. While not being an official helpline, an information source such as nCov is useful in helping individuals get a quick response to common queries on Coronavirus.
 
Who is more likely to be a victim coronavirus?
 
People with a weakened immune system, cardiopulmonary disease, infants, and older adults are more likely to be affected by a coronavirus.

Also Read: Coronavirus Q&A: From prevention to testing, all that you need to know
 
How do you catch coronavirus?
 
Coronaviruses are zoonotic. This implies that they are passed on between animals and people. When Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) sickened thousands of people around the world — and killed nearly 800 — during a 2003 outbreak, investigations found that it was transmitted from civet cats to humans. MERS-CoV was transmitted from camels to humans. There are several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. On January 7, the Chinese authorities identified coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as the causative virus behind cases of pneumonia of unknown cause. This novel coronavirus has not been previously identified in humans, hence experts say its too early to figure out the exact cause of the infection.

WATCH VIDEO: 9 FAQs on Coronavirus
 
Will the coronavirus spread through cough or sex?
 
Coronavirus is highly contagious. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also fall victim to virus even if they breathe in droplets from a person infected who coughs out or exhales droplets. Click here to read more.
 
How dangerous is coronavirus? Does coronavirus cause death?
 
A few coronaviruses are known to be deadly. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which was first reported in the Middle East, causes severe respiratory problems. Four out of every 10 patients infected with MERS died in 2012.
 
The infamous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) causes even more severe symptoms. Along with respiratory problems, it also causes diarrhoea, shortness of breath, fatigue and kidney failure. The death rate with SARS was higher, with older people being the most vulnerable.
 
The new virus (Covid-19) claimed over 3,000 lives and over 93,000 people were diagnosed positive.
 
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
 
Doctors may recommend the patient to undergo tests on respiratory specimens and serum to detect coronaviruses. If anyone experiences the symptoms, they must inform their doctor about recent travel or contact with animals.
 
How contagious is coronavirus?
 
— Coronaviruses are highly contagious. Coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth can spread the virus.
 
— Touching hands of a person that has the virus can pass the virus from one person to another
 
— Making contact with an object that has the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth can infect a person
 
— A coronavirus may spread through contact with feces.
 
Coronavirus and pregnancy
 
In pregnant women, the severe versions of SARS and MERS coronaviruses were found to be severe. According to reports, women who suffered from severe versions of coronaviruses had stillbirth.
 
What are the precautions for Coronavirus?
 
— Wash your hands thoroughly with soap
— Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands
— Avoid close contact with people who are sick
— Avoid public gatherings

Latest Updates on Coronavirus

Covid-19 cases spike in Hong Kong, S'pore as new wave spreads across Asia

Covid's comeback just as much of the northern hemisphere enters into summer shows the virus can still sicken a large swath of the population even when the weather is hot

Updated On: 15 May 2025 | 2:47 PM IST

Operation Sindoor: How a Covid-era change to spending rules came in handy

During Covid, the government increased the Contingency Fund limit from ₹500 cr to ₹30,000 cr, a measure that made it easier for the expenditure dept to disburse funds without Parliamentary approval

Updated On: 13 May 2025 | 5:08 PM IST

India's life expectancy falls for 1st time in 50 yrs; blame it on Covid-19

Even in 2020, the first pandemic year, deaths had already risen by over six per cent compared to 2019

Updated On: 09 May 2025 | 11:24 PM IST

Covid-19 plot twist: China claims virus may have emerged from the US

The US not only botched its own response to Covid-19; it also obstructed and sabotaged international cooperation in various ways, allege a white paper released by China

Updated On: 01 May 2025 | 5:23 PM IST

India still carrying 'poor country' tag? SC questions Prashant Bhushan

Responding to the SC bench, Bhushan noted that the claim made is not just his, but a similar concern has been flagged by former chief economists, who believe that India's poverty is on the rise

Updated On: 30 Apr 2025 | 4:15 PM IST

Five years after lockdown: Is India prepared for another health crisis?

In the years that followed, government spending on healthcare has remained abysmally low

Updated On: 27 Mar 2025 | 3:00 PM IST

'Go corona, go': 5 years to Covid-19 lockdown and the frenzy that followed

Five years ago, on March 24, the first lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. Here's recounting what happened after the lockdown commenced

Updated On: 24 Mar 2025 | 9:26 AM IST

Human Coronavirus HKU1 detected in India What it is and why it matters

In Kolkata, West Bengal, a 49-year-old lady contracted the human coronavirus HKU1. The hospital reports that the patient was admitted after a 15-day period of a persistent fever

Updated On: 18 Mar 2025 | 5:13 PM IST

Best of BS Opinion: Transparency is key to both democracy and global ties

Openness, reliability, and hope are critical to successful democracies and have a cumulative effect on both domestic and global ties

Updated On: 10 Mar 2025 | 6:15 AM IST

Flu cases surge in Delhi-NCR: 54% households report Covid-like symptoms

According to a LocalCircles poll, within the past month, at least 54% of Delhi-NCR homes had one or more people with symptoms like fever, cough, headaches, and respiratory problems

Updated On: 07 Mar 2025 | 5:31 PM IST

'Aatmanirbhar means readiness for uncertainty', says Principal Secy to PM

BS Manthan: PK Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister of India, believes the country must adopt an 'anti-fragile' approach in an uncertain world

Updated On: 27 Feb 2025 | 3:19 PM IST

New bat virus HKU5-CoV-2 sparks pandemic fears - Is it the next COVID-19?

China has discovered a new coronavirus in bats that can enter the human body like Covid-19. The new virus, HKU5-CoV, hasn't been detected in humans yet but has been identified in a laboratory

Updated On: 24 Feb 2025 | 2:19 PM IST

India's vaccine aid during Covid saved many lives, says Guyana minister

Anthony recalled how India did not hoard vaccines like other countries, even when India was itself struggling with Covid management

Updated On: 23 Feb 2025 | 6:50 AM IST

Covid-like bat virus discovered by researchers at Wuhan lab in China

The study was led by Shi Zhengli, Chinese virologist from the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), where the Covid-19 was alleged to have emanated from

Updated On: 22 Feb 2025 | 9:04 AM IST

Mapping burden of long Covid: Work commences on review of studies

Despite visible, grave symptoms, long Covid continues to evade diagnosis, as scientists have found no significant laboratory markers that could indicate its presence

Updated On: 16 Feb 2025 | 1:49 PM IST

Trump calls for halting funds to schools, colleges that need Covid vaccines

It aims to fulfil a campaign promise from Trump, who often said he would not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate

Updated On: 15 Feb 2025 | 9:44 AM IST

Five years of Covid: Struggles, adaptations and hope for small businesses

From closures to online pivots, how small enterprises weathered the pandemic storm

Updated On: 31 Jan 2025 | 6:06 PM IST

Covid's quiet fade: Nearly 3 deaths per month still being reported

The latest numbers show that there have been 41 cases of Covid in the most recent four-week period ending mid-January, with three deaths

Updated On: 30 Jan 2025 | 12:27 AM IST

CIA suspects Covid originated from a lab but lacks confidence in finding

The finding is not the result of any new intelligence, and the report was completed at the behest of the Biden administration and former CIA Director William Burns

Updated On: 26 Jan 2025 | 10:35 PM IST

Trump admin considers order to pause virus research linked to Covid-19

The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to temporarily halt federal funding for certain 'gain-of-function' virus research, although some pathogens, like H5N1, may be exempt from this

Updated On: 23 Jan 2025 | 12:30 PM IST