All you need to know about the coronavirus and its variants

Written by Meher Fatima

Meher Fatima: The coronavirus was identified in 2019 when it caused respiratory illness worldwide. That is how it came to be known as COVID-19. The disease is severe as it caused many deaths all around the globe. Since it is something that can be spread from person to person, the social norms changed drastically. Now it is good to maintain social distance and not shake hands. Moreover, the looks have changed due to the wearing of the mask. Hand sanitizing is another addition to daily habits. 

Life has changed pretty much with the arrival of this threatening virus. The education system has switched to online classes. Social gatherings have stopped waiting for the circumstances to be like they once were. Nevertheless, as time goes by, we are all getting to living with this new way of living. 

Remedy from the spread of this virus? 

Coronavirus can move freely in the air and affect anybody who breaths in this virus. That is why it is highly recommended to wear masks as we don’t know who can be carrying the germs and transferring them to people around. Good ventilation is also advised so that the virus does not accumulate in indoor spaces. 

Origin of COVD-19 

It is not known how this virus may have originated. It may be that this virus is mutated from an animal and now causing deaths in humans. Research on its evolution is still going on and scientists are studying how this virus came into existence. 

Symptoms of Coronavirus 

It is not easy to diagnose coronavirus since there are so many symptoms that go with it. However, since it is in the air these days it is always best to get your COVID test done if you have nausea, fever, diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscular or body ache, congestion, or runny nose, loss of taste and smell. These were some mild symptoms of Covid. The serious issues come with heart muscle damage, kidney problems, and nervous system issues. 

Sometimes a person can be tested Covid positive and not have these symptoms at all. Hence the diagnosis of COVID-19 is very complicated. 

At times people are silent carriers of this disease without even knowing it. Thus everyone should follow the SOPs to be safe to the maximum extent. 

Vaccines 

Thankfully, we can confront this disease with the available vaccines. So it is highly recommended to get yourself vaccinated. Yet this does not mean that you stop wearing the mask and following the other SOPs. 

Covid variants: The new challenge 

A corona-virus undergoes mutations to evolve as a new variant such as Omicron. Now, the ways to stay safe from it remains the same, such as social distancing, wearing of mask and vaccination. The World Health Organization (W.H.O) has warned that the Omicron variant is likely to spread quickly and may result in ‘severe consequences. 

Booster 

So now we have a mRNA booster which is to provide best immune protection against the Omicron variant. 

Conclusion 

No one knows where this battle will end and how it will end. We can only hope for a safe and happy life and take care of ourselves. 

Meher Fatima is a writer with precision and clarity in every piece of information she brings.