More details about COVID-19
Who is susceptible to COVID-19?
The general population is susceptible to COVID-19 because they lack immunity to the virus; however, people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible. Increased exposure to the virus also raises the likelihood of infection even in people with normal immune function. In people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, those with kidney or liver dysfunction, people with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, the disease progresses more rapidly with more severe symptoms.
Can humans develop immunity to COVID-19?
To date, scientific data on the duration of protective immune antibodies produced in patients after infection with the novel coronavirus are still insufficient. In general, protective antibodies (immunoglobulin G, IgG) against a virus can be produced within two weeks of infection and can persist for several weeks or many years, preventing reinfection with the same virus. However, in the case of COVID-19, we lack concrete results, and for this reason, preventive measures remain the primary strategy.
What is the difference between influenza and COVID-19?
Influenza, also known as the flu, and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is the infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, while influenza is caused by influenza viruses.
Because some symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar, these illnesses can be confused. For this reason, testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms shared by COVID-19 and influenza include: headache, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, fever, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. A characteristic symptom of COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell.
Recurrences of pandemics originating in China
Southern China was the source of the 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics and the center of transmission of new strains of avian flu in 1997 and 2001. The 1918 pandemic, which killed more than 40 million people worldwide, is considered one of the most devastating calamities in history, and its exact origin remains unknown. Some researchers claim it began in China in 1917. It is now known that the pandemic was caused by an outbreak of influenza A of the H1N1 subtype. Most people died from secondary bacterial pneumonia, as antibiotics were not available at the time.
Southern China is currently considered a global hotspot for the spread of new viral strains. Living alongside domestic animals (birds, pigs) that are reservoirs of influenza viruses is suspected to increase the likelihood of zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans).