the anatomy of a virus

1. Is COVID-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?
2. What is the virus called which causes the coronavirus disease?
3. How long have coronaviruses existed?
4. Is the COVID-19 virus an enveloped virus?
5. Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
6. Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
7. How dangerous is the coronavirus disease?
8. What are foods to avoid during the COVID-19 pandemic?
9. Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted in hot or humid climates?
10. Can I get the coronavirus disease from swimming in a swimming pool?
11. Is a smoker at a higher risk of getting the COVID-19 virus than that a non-smoker?
12. What are coronaviruses?

Is COVID-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.

What is the virus called which causes the coronavirus disease?

COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.

How long have coronaviruses existed?

The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all coronaviruses is estimated to have existed as recently as 8000 BCE, although some models place the common ancestor as far back as 55 million years or more, implying long term coevolution with bat and avian species.

Is the COVID-19 virus an enveloped virus?

The COVID-19 virus is an enveloped virus, with a fragile outer membrane. Generally, enveloped viruses are less stable in the environment and are more susceptible to oxidants, such as chlorine.

Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?

The risk of catching the COVID-19 virus from the faeces of an infected person appears to be low.

There is some evidence that the COVID-19 virus may lead to intestinal infection and be present in faeces. Approximately 2−10% of cases of confirmed COVID-19 disease presented with diarrhoea (2−4), and two studies detected COVID-19 viral RNA fragments in the faecal matter of COVID-19 patients (5,6).

However, to date only one study has cultured the COVID-19 virus from a single stool specimen (7). There have been no reports of faecal−oral transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Who is most at risk for COVID-19?

COVID-19 is often more severe in people 60+yrs or with health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.​

How dangerous is the coronavirus disease?

Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre- existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

What are foods to avoid during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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Reduce foods such as red and fatty meats, butter and full-fat dairy products, palm oil, coconut oil, solid shortening and lard. Avoid trans fats as much as possible. Read nutrition labels to ensure that partially hydrogenated oils are not listed in the ingredients.

If food labels are not available, avoid foods which commonly contain trans fats such as processed and fried foods, like doughnuts and baked goods – including biscuits, pie crusts, frozen pizzas, cookies, crackers and margarines that include partially hydrogenated fat.

If in doubt, minimally processed foods and ingredients are better choices. Consume enough fibre Fibre contributes to a healthy digestive system and offers a prolonged feeling of fullness, which helps prevent overeating.

Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted in hot or humid climates?

From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Can I get the coronavirus disease from swimming in a swimming pool?

Swimming in a well-maintained, properly chlorinated pool is safe. However, it is advisable to stay away from al crowded areas including crowded swimming pools. Keep 1 metre distance from people who sneeze or cough even in a swimming area.

Is a smoker at a higher risk of getting the COVID-19 virus than that a non-smoker?

Посмотреть полный ответAt the time of preparing this Q&A, there are no peer-reviewed studies that have evaluated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with smoking. However, tobacco smokers (cigarettes, waterpipes, bidis, cigars, heated tobacco products) may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, as the act of smoking involves contact of fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) with the lips, which increases the possibility of transmission of viruses from hand to mouth. Smoking waterpipes, also known as shisha or hookah, often involves the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in communal and social settings.

What are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. 2019-nCoV is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans and causes COVID19/coronavirus disease.