Lab 9: Biology of COVID-19

by: D'lissa Mattox

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can lead to illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In December 2019, there was a new coronavirus identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that started in China originating from bats. It is known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease caused by it is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The way the disease infects us is the SARS-CoV-2 virus gets into our cells and reassigns our protein therefore having them making a bunch of copies of itself. It is spread by the splashes of an infected person sneezes or coughs getting inside someone’s eyes,nose or throat usually by using unclean hands on face. To protect yourself and the ones you love, clean and keep your hands clean a lot. Using soap and water is best but alcohol-based items are okay until you can wash your hands.

Do 

•      Wash your hands often for 20 seconds or so using soap and water or alcohol-based products
•       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze
•      Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
•        Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

Don't 

•  Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing hands after touching anything
• Be in close contact with people who are Ill
• Think this isn't a big deal
• Not listen to the advisories and stay at home orders 
•  

https://www.prosci-inc.com/covid-19/

https://www.drugtargetreview.com/news/56895/scientists-demonstrate-how-covid-19-infects-human-cells/

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/03/416986/unveiling-how-coronavirus-hijacks-our-cells-help-rush-new-drugs-patients

https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-covid-19-affects-body#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs25456.pcdn.co%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FCHS-Coronavirus-Prevention-Graphic-678x381.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peoplesdefender.com%2F2020%2F03%2F12%2Fconcerns-of-covid-19-coronavirus-hits-county-nation%2F&tbnid=OzB4AHeykCCloM&vet=12ahUKEwjp48KLm9XoAhVM-KwKHeEJBgkQMygNegUIARDgAQ..i&docid=R95HJ_tRt8VNbM&w=678&h=381&q=Coronavirus%20prevention&ved=2ahUKEwjp48KLm9XoAhVM-KwKHeEJBgkQMygNegUIARDgAQ