Yehuda Masturov

Professor Brown 

Writing for the Sciences 

11 March 2020

The Novel Coronavirus: How to Tell its Symptoms

Across the world, global panic has ensued regarding a deadly pathogen: the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, which has so far wreaked havoc world-wide. Global leaders have turned to all corners with no resolution, and judging from the previous history of coronaviruses, there is probable reason for concern. The coronavirus family is a group of viruses, rather than one specific virus, which has caused devastating damage in years past. The coronavirus family can range from the common cold to developing into MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which are much more severe and have claimed thousands of lives (World Health Organization, 2020). With the new coronavirus responsible for 93,160 infections and 3,203 deaths globally (Worldometer, 2020), numbers which are bound to increase, it begs the question: how can the symptoms of the novel coronavirus be identified in order to stop its infection? 

The numbers of infected are exponentially increasing, and with that the numbers of deceased will also follow this increase. With increasing fears of a pandemic, the need for research into the symptoms of the coronavirus is vital in containing its spread. The importance of this research is further emphasized by the fact that since there is no vaccine for COVID-19 currently available, the likelihood of contracting and experiencing its symptoms is much greater than it would be with a vaccine available. The research study “Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China,” written by W. Guan et al. and published by the New England Journal of Medicine on February 28, 2020 explores the symptoms of the novel coronavirus in an effort to spread awareness and contain the spread of COVID-19. 

The new study conducted on the symptoms of the novel coronavirus explored several avenues: the incubation period (the time elapsed between the earliest date of contact with possible transmission source and potential earliest appearance of symptoms), fever (defined as a temperature 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher), lymphocytopenia (white blood cell count of less than 1500 cells per cubic millimeter), and ground-glass opacity (partial filling of air spaces in lungs which shows up on radiological chest scans) (W. Guan et al., 2020). After collecting medical records in Wuhan, China, the origin of COVID-19, for a total sample size of 1,099 patients, it was determined that the median incubation period was 4 days. Thus, people with COVID-19 can expect to see symptoms 4 days after contracting the virus, which further increases the risk for greater transmission. People must do their part in reducing the spread of disease not only for themselves, but for others as well. As human beings, it is immoral to allow others to succumb to the effects of COVID-19 after experiencing symptoms, no matter how minor they may be. Hence, officials everywhere encourage self-quarantine if any suspicions of an impending case arise to prevent the virus from turning into a pandemic, which are necessary precautionary measures. 

In regards to symptoms, fever was the most common to develop as a result of COVID-19, with cough accounting as the second most prevalent symptom. The real danger of the virus lies in its inconspicuity, as these symptoms may be brushed off as flu-like or common-cold esque. However, knowing the prevalence of COVID-19 should encourage those to seek medical attention upon encountering these symptoms, as it may be more serious than one may think. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were much less common, however if a person experiences any of these, they should consult a medical professional immediately. Also, lymphocytopenia was present in a majority of the patients, which corresponds with a compromised immune system and thus an increased risk for those with underlying health conditions. This may include the elderly, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, and those with already weakened immune systems. Thus, self-quarantining if experiencing symptoms cannot be encouraged enough due to COVID-19’s danger to those targeted populations. 

 Not only this, but abnormal chest patterns were also revealed through radiologic findings. Ground glass opacities were most prevalent, demonstrating the wide-spanning effects of the novel coronavirus. 

In addition to examining these symptoms, the researchers also examined the source of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. It was determined that it can be spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact, although further exploration into the subject matter is still required. Hence, it is easily determined that the symptoms of the novel coronavirus are not easily detectable, as fever (the most common symptom) can be written off as something else, increasing the risk of contraction for others. 

In its totality, political leaders worldwide must unite to combat the coronavirus lest face a pandemic. Based on the current trajectory of the stocks and market in general, people all over the world have every reason to be concerned about real estate, value of products, and scarcity. There is no doubt that COVID-19 can decimate nations, and without proper intervention, the entire world may face the consequences that pandemics of hundreds of years past have shown.

References 

2020. Guan, Z. Ni, Yu Hu, W. Liang, C. Ou, J. He, L. Liu, H. Shan, C. Lei, D.S.C Hui, et al. February 28 2020.  Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. NEJM. 

March 7 2020. Worldometer COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak. Worldometer;          [March 7 2020; 4 March 2020]. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

2020. World Health Organization-Health Topics-Coronavirus. Global. World Health Organization; [2020; 4 March 2020]. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus