How Coronavirus Attacks The Body
Medical Animation Showing The Mechanism Of Action Of How SARS-CoV-2 Gains Entry Replicates, And Destroys Human Cells
Medical Animation Showing The Structure Of The SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Virion And Its Component Parts
See Our 3D Animation On How Remdesivir Works
Patients With Hypertension, Diabetes, And Other Comorbidities At Increased Risk For COVID-19 Infection
SARS-CoV-2 binds to the target cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed by epithelial cells of the lung, intestine, kidney, and blood vessels. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers (ARBs), thiazolidinediones, and ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory drug) can substantially increase the expression of ACE2. These drugs are used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Therefore, the hypothesis is that diabetes and hypertension treatment with ACE2-stimulating drugs increases the risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19.
Effect Of Hot Climate On Coronavirus
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.
Source: WHO – Myth Busters
Size Of Virus Particles Makes It Difficult To Stay Air Borne
Though traces of the virus have been found in hospital air-ducts in the rooms of three coronavirus patients tested in a Singapore hospital, it is not believed that the virus can be spread through the air; the diameter of the SARS CoV-2 is approximately 50-200 nanometers, are about 125 nanometers. This makes the virus most likely too heavy to be aerosolized and requires the inhalation of respiratory droplets that contain the virus or transmission through infected surfaces.
Half Life Of SARS-CoV-2 Suggests Virus Sustains For 2-3 Days On Surfaces
SARS CoV-2 has the capability for remaining viable for between a few hours and a days depending on the surface. A study out this week finds that the virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Interestingly, some surfaces are less hospitable to SARS-CoV-2, for instance, the virus remained viable on copper for only about four hours.