The sudden outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought an unsaid storm worldwide in 2019. As of August 2023, 770,437,327 confirmed cases and 6,956,900 deaths were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Coronavirus produces a variety of diseases ranging from common cold cough to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Although most countries have overcome its effects, people in the United States of America are still experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and dealing with this life-threatening respiratory tract infection. 

According to health experts and doctors, there is no permanent cure for coronavirus disease. Still, scientists developed vaccines that act as a powerful defense, allowing people to shield themselves. In the USA, nearly 668,882,018 vaccine doses have been administered. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends people follow social distancing, wear masks in public places, wash hands at regular intervals and use sanitizers. If you are eager to know everything about the coronavirus disease, you have landed on the right page. 

In this article, we will shed light upon the coronavirus disease, its symptoms, causes, prevention, treatment and the present condition of the USA. Let’s dive in! 

What is Coronavirus and Its Symptoms? 

Coronavirus is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which results in respiratory illnesses. They are termed “corona” due to the crown-like spikes on the virus’s surface. This kind of virus is present in cats, camels and bats. People going through this illness experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses. 

Older people or those suffering from underlying conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer or chronic respiratory diseases are prone to coronavirus. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of coronavirus should quarantine themselves and seek medical assistance. 

The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease are:

• Fever 
• Chills
• Sore throat

Less common symptoms of coronavirus disease are:

• Heavy arms or legs and muscle aches
• Major fatigue or tiredness
• Runny or blocked nose
• Persistent sneezing and cough 
• Headache
• Tight chest or chest pain
• Sore eyes
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling effects 
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarse voice
• Loss or change of sense of taste or smell
• Appetite loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or diarrhea
• Difficulty sleeping.

Common coronavirus symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing or unable to speak in sentences
• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Skin being cold or clammy 
• Skin turning pale or becoming colorless
• Loss of speech or movement

If you experience any of these or all potential symptoms, get yourself tested for COVID-19! 

Some Key Statistics of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – USA Stats 

The COVID-19 disease first appeared in the USA in December 2019, spreading widely, especially in March 2020. Here are some key statistics of coronavirus diseases in USA:

• On 2 May, 2023, more than 687 million coronavirus cases were recorded worldwide. Out of which, around 6.86 million are deaths.

• The US experienced the maximum number of confirmed cases and deaths of all countries in the world.

• On 26 April, 2023, the total coronavirus cases in the US were over 104.5 million.

• The total number of tests performed is around 1.1 billion.

• As of April 26, 2023, more than 675 million vaccine doses were administered, with the highest in California, Texas, and New York.

• As of May 2, 2023, the total deaths in the US due to coronavirus are over 1.16 million.

• In 2023, California, Texas, and Florida experienced the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the USA. 

What Causes Coronaviruses, and Where Does it Come From? 

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is caused due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, commonly known as SARS-CoV-2. As per reports from different researchers and health experts, COVID-19 transmits by coming in close contact with an infected individual. 

The virus transmits by releasing respiratory droplets when someone infected with the virus sneezes, breaths, coughs, talks or sings. These droplets can either land in the mouth, eyes or nose or can be inhaled. Since these small droplets remain in the air for some time, inhaling this air causes COVID-19 or respiratory problems. Coronavirus can also spread by touching surfaces with new coronavirus variant.

Sometimes, a person suffering from the covid-19 does not show any potential symptoms. This is called asymptomatic transmission, which increases the chances of transmitting the disease to others. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan in China, in early December 2019 and spread in most parts of the world by the end of 2019 or the start of 2020. 

Some Useful Prevention Tips for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) 

COVID-19 is a life-threatening disease that can cause much discomfort not just to you but people around you. Although there is no permanent cure for COVID-19, here are some preventive tips for the coronavirus disease:

1. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with disinfectant or soap and warm water. To count 20 seconds, sing ABC or 1 to 20. 
2. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, face or eyes, especially when your hands are dirty or not cleaned properly. 
3. If you are experiencing symptoms like cold, cough or sneezing, avoid going out in public places. 
4. Wear masks continuously when going out. 
5. Clean all objects like laptops, computers, mobile phones and others before using them. 
6. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. 
7. Stay around 6 feet away from people and avoid social gatherings, parties or public places. 
8. Maintain social distancing. 

Coronavirus Treatments 

There is no permanent cure or prevention of covid-19 coronavirus. However, several vaccines and treatment options were introduced and implemented, treating millions suffering from this condition. 

On October 22, 2020, the first-ever Coronavirus COVID 19 vaccine was approved by the FDA and prescribed to patients above 12. Doctors from the USA introduced Monoclonal antibodies, which strengthen the body’s immune system against viruses. These medications include bamlanivimab, casirivimab and imdevimab. 

Doctors were hopeful that convalescent plasma would help treat people as it was used for people at higher risk of hospitalization, but there were no benefits. Later, IV steroids are used to provide extra oxygen to all patients. Additionally, anti-clotting medications are great for preventing increased risks of clots; thus, Interleukin-6 inhibitors are used.  

Wrapping Up

We have come a long way from the Coronavirus COVID 19! Although the total number of confirmed cases and deaths has decreased significantly in the USA; however, there is still a significant number of active cases. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or were diagnosed in the past, it is best to seek medical advice.

FAQs

Q1. List some potential complications from the COVID-19 

Some of the potential complications from the covid-19 highlighted by health experts are:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
• Blood clots
• Cardiogenic shock
• Severe muscle pain
• Kidney injury or kidney failure 
• Fatigue
• Heart damage or heart attack
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome 

Q2. How can I manage the mild COVID-19 symptoms at home? 

If you’re experiencing mild coronavirus symptoms 2023, these can be managed at home with the right care and attention. Here are some tips you can follow:

• If you are suffering from a fever, drink enough water or other fluids and get enough rest. 

• If you suffer from a cold, gargle with salt and warm water. Stay at home and sip hot water or hot tea. 

• If you are experiencing breathing problems, relax for a while. Take deep breaths slowly and release air through pursed lips. 

• Lock yourself in a room and maintain social distancing to avoid spreading infection. 

Q3. Could I be COVID-19 negative but still infected from it? 

Yes, it is possible to show COVID-19 negative but still be infected from the coronavirus. There are many reasons for false negative test results. These include: 

• You were tested early during the disease. 
• The swab did not get an excellent specimen.