The coronavirus is sending “shock waves” of stress around the globe. No one is spared from the fear of this deadly virus. “Normal” is no more normal. The most uncertain element is how little we know about this virus. In addition to that, the “mega surge” of the rumors and myths on the internet is psychologically hitting us hard.

In this reading, you’ll know 4 things about the coronavirus you may not know.

Let’s dive in.

 

 

 

1. COVID-19 Is Not the Name of the Virus

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by a specific coronavirus. This specific virus, which is the reason for the pandemic of 2019 in the world, is named as SARS-CoV-2. This name was given by the World Health Organization on the 11th of February, 2020. ¹

Let’ break down this in table

SARS	Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
CoV-2	Corona Virus  2
“Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus  2 “
COVID-19	Coronavirus disease of 2019

           

 

 

2. Corona Virus Is Not a New Virus Family

The first coronavirus was discovered in 1960. It was named for its crown-like shape observed under a microscope. The four main subtypes are alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.

There are fair chances that you may have caught one of its subtypes previously.

The four common types are;

1.     229E (alpha coronavirus)

2.     NL63 (alpha coronavirus)

3.     OC43 (beta coronavirus)

4.     HKU1 (beta coronavirus)

The three aggressive and less found types are;

1.    MERS-CoV

2.    SARS-CoV

3.    SARS-CoV-2 ( The culprit of  2019 pandemic) ²

 

 

3. Getting a Lifelong Immunity to SARS-Cov-2 after the Infection Is Questionable

The common perception around is that if you get COVID-19, and you survived, you have lifelong immunity.  The answer to this is, we don’t know yet.

SARS-CoV-2 is a newer form of coronavirus and we know very little about this right now. An overwhelming number of studies is being submitted in journals daily. Yes, you do develop antibodies after recovering from the virus, but we still don’t know for how long they will last.³

 

 

4. There Is No Known Treatment of COVID-19 Yet

At this time, there is no confirming treatment or vaccine available for the coronavirus. There are some drugs and therapies that have shown promising results but no one can say that these will work 100 %.

 

 

The Bottom Line

SARS-CoV-2 has transformed our lives. It has hit us physically, financially, and emotionally. The key to survival is the constant up-gradation of the knowledge and converting to new “normal”

This is the survival mode right now.  The constant bombardment of myths and lies can put you in doubt. But the only way to save yourself and your loved ones is by following recommended guidelines until good days arrive.

 

 

 

References

1. Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it-https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it
2. Human Coronavirus Types- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/types.html
3. 5 Myths About COVID-19- https://www.unitypoint.org/article.aspx?id=0cc94f66-d44c-42c5-9320-9b315190b3c7

 

 

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