What do you know about Corona Virus?

• Rabab Ahmed
• 02/22/2020
• 1113
• 3,212

The human race is fighting a long- term battle against a virus five million times smaller than us. Within months of the new Corona virus appearing in the Chinese city of Wuhan, terror swept the entire world over the rapid spread of this virus. 

The new Corona virus, or the new name, “Covid 19,” caused a state of terror and panic around the world, after it invaded nearly 30 countries and regions on different continents, and the cases of infection exceeded 45 thousand people, including more than 1000 people died (until it was published The report), mostly in China, where the disease broke out at the end of last December. 

Until now, the world is still unable to find a vaccine or an effective drug for prevention or treatment, so recommendations and measures to control the spread of infection remain the only and safe haven so far to prevent the spread of "Covid 19" virus infection. 

According to the World Health Organization , the "Covid 19" virus is a new strain of the virus not previously discovered in humans, and belongs to the family of Corona Viruses, a widespread family, that causes diseases ranging from common cold to the most severe diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), called "Middle East" Corona, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). 

Control strategy

There are several studies conducted in this framework, to determine the actual time of the stay of the "Corona" family on surfaces that are not constantly disinfected, as well as an effective strategy to combat the virus, through biological extermination factors using chemical disinfectants that kill the virus, especially in health care facilities.

Researchers discovered that the new Corona virus, such as the SARS virus, can remain active and contagious on contaminated metal, glass or plastic surfaces for up to 9 days on average at room temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius on average. 

However, if the contaminated surfaces temperature drops to 4 ° C, the virus can remain active for up to 28 days, while the infection rate decreases if the surfaces temperature ranges between 30 and 40 ° C. 

As for effective antiseptics to eliminate the virus, tests conducted on different disinfection solutions showed that antiseptics contain compounds “ethanol” (a concentration of 6- 71%) or “hydrogen peroxide” (a concentration of 0.5%) or “sodium hypochlorite” ( Concentration of 0.1%) effective against corona viruses. 

According to the study, if infected contaminated surfaces and areas are cleansed with appropriate concentrations of these disinfectants, they reduce the numbers of infectious corona viruses from one million pathogen to only 100 within one minute. 

On the other hand, tests showed that there are other disinfecting solutions that have been shown to be less effective in controlling Corona infection, namely benzalkonium chloride (0.05- 0.2% concentration) and chlorhexidine de gluconate (0.02% concentration). 

Corona is also a novelty in the family of viruses that have an oily membrane and is strongly affected by disinfectants, so it is very easy to eliminate them with disinfectants, such as water, soap, alcohol, ethanol, oxygen water and other disinfectants, as disinfectants of any type affect this virus and reduce its focus on surfaces, But preferably at appropriate concentrations, until the virus is completely eliminated. 

How dangerous is the new Corona virus? 

New Corona virus can cause mild to severe symptoms in people who have the virus. The mild symptoms of a coronavirus are usually flu- like, which includes runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. But when symptoms become severe, they lead to breathing difficulties, pneumonia, or death. 

What are the preventive measures for Corona virus?

Maintaining personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. The following should be done:

- Wash hands with alcoholic soap and water
.

- Avoid direct contact with patients
.

- Staying home for those who are diagnosed with Corona virus
.

- Avoid spreading the virus to the person by avoiding close contact with family members or others
.

- Cover the mouth every time before coughing or sneezing
.

- Avoid touching the mouth, eyes, or nose with unwashed hands
.

- Use antiseptics to clean surfaces and surrounding objects
.