It has been approximately two years since the whole world learned about the coronavirus and the pandemic followed. These two years have been a rollercoaster ride with many highs and lows.
An unfortunate amount of people lost their loved ones to the fatal virus. Also, many patients recovered from the disease but with some forms of after-effects.
Overall, this unique situation caught everyone by surprise, and it took all the governments, industries, and civilians some time to adapt to the new way of living.
Although lockdown seemed like an appealing idea initially, everyone eventually realized how problematic it was.
The “social animal” nature of humans shone through ultimately, and people started getting frustrated with being confined within the four walls of their homes.
Moreover, it is unfortunate how the coronavirus keeps evolving into new, more transmissible, and virulent strains. This virus is dangerous for every person of any caste, color, creed, gender, or age.
Regardless, the elderly and children are at a greater risk because of their low immunity levels. Medical News Today gives further details of the transmissibility of the coronavirus in a recent article.
COVID-19 – Symptoms & Long-term Effects
The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) causes the disease COVID-19 that affects the body’s pulmonary system.
COVID-19 may vary in terms of symptoms in people depending on the strength of their immunity. Correspondingly, many people with stronger immunity don’t show symptoms of the disease; however, they can still transmit it.
A few common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, runny nose, dry cough, chest congestion, nausea and vomiting, conjunctivitis, sore throat, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Nevertheless, not all patients experience the same symptoms, especially considering the variations in the virus’s genetic makeup that have caused its mutations.
This virus has multiple levels of severity and differs in symptoms from individual to individual. In addition, Today’s Health Science reports the worrisome long-term effects after contracting the disease.
Studies of the long-term effects of COVID-19 revealed that 14% of the recovered patients developed some new health condition post disease. Furthermore, COVID survivors have a 5% more chance of developing health complications.
With the existing burden on the healthcare system, 14% is many people who may need to continue visiting the hospital for an extended period. As a consequence, the healthcare system may further suffer.
Transmissibility
COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that is spread through water droplets in the air. Usually, it spreads through the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Breathing in the virus can infect you as well.
Nevertheless, you may not get any disease symptoms, but you can still transmit it to others. Sometimes it is also possible to get infected by touching a surface with the virus and then using the same hand for touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Also, the transmissibility rate is comparatively high, as per research. According to one research, an infected person can spread the disease to 2 to 3.5 other people.
Similarly, another research shows that the transmission rate is even higher, and one infected person can further transmit the disease to 4.7 to 6.6 other people.
Risk Factors
Although anyone can get COVID-19, some conditions increase the risk and the severity of the disease. Age is the most significant risk factor amongst all.
As you grow older, your body’s immunity system weakens, making you more susceptible to diseases. Similarly, in children with weak immunity, the risk factor is high.
Identically, a few health conditions can also contribute to increasing the risk of getting the disease. These conditions are:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Renal diseases
- Intake of immunosuppressants
- Obesity
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma
- AIDS
- Dementia
- Liver diseases
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Preventions
The most effective way to avoid contracting the disease is to implement the WHO’s prescribed SOPs.
Regarding the recent advancements of the SARS-CoV-2, as some variants of the disease have a lower response to the COVID vaccines, it is best to follow all the preventative methods even after getting the vaccination shots.
Preventative methods it is important to be mindful of to avoid the spreading and contracting the disease are:
- Wear a mask at all times when leaving the house.
- Thoroughly wash your hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer or a soap
- Avoid coming into physical contact with people who are ill
- Maintain appropriate distance from people
- Cough or sneeze on the inner side of your elbow
- Remain at home if you are unwell
- Consult a physician in case of symptoms
- Disinfect surfaces and objects
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Adolescents or Toddlers—Who’s More Likely to Transmit?
In an informative article, Medical News Today details a recent study on the likelihood of disease transmission among kids and adolescents.
The possibility of getting severe infection amongst children is lower than in adults, as they primarily develop mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
As schools are reopening in many places, scientists conducted a study focusing on the susceptibility of children to get COVID-19 and their ability to transmit the virus.
The researchers compared the risks of the spread of COVID-19 to the household members between young toddlers and adolescents.
The results showed children 0-3 years of age are more likely to transmit the disease to their family members than adolescents aged between 14 to 17 years.
A major reason for this difference is the inability of parents to isolate themselves from their sick infants compared to adolescents.
Furthermore, young children are mostly unaware of their surroundings. Thus, it is harder for them to follow the SOPs.
Scientists also established links between larger-sized houses, delays in testing, and a higher possibility of pediatric transmission of the disease through this research. Also, this study may help decide the vaccination plans for children.
Conclusion
The results of this study hold a lot of future potential in terms of future vaccination plans and the authoritative decisions to resume the normal working of workplaces and schools.
