The current outbreak of the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in China in 2019 and its subsequent outbreak in several countries on four continents have led to a major global health crisis, causing everyone around the world The focus is on this virus. What exactly is a virus? Why is this such a big risk? This article will briefly introduce these questions.
What is a virus in biology?
Viruses are a form of non-cellular life, consisting primarily of nucleic acids and proteins. It does not have the metabolic capacity itself and needs to rely on the metabolic system of the host cell to complete the proliferation. In other words, a virus is a protein shell that encloses the genetic material. While the protein shell provides structural support and protection, it also helps the virus locate host cells.
What is the current new coronavirus?
Recently, a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) spread an epidemic with pneumonia that is a major symptom. Since the initial outbreak data in the Chinese city of Wuhan, it has spread to all provinces and several countries in China. SARS-CoV-2 is the only positive-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae, which surrounds the common cold, Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 is usually 3-14 days, and the longest reaches 24 days. The initial symptoms are mostly fever, fatigue, cough, and then gradually dyspnea. It has the ability to move from person to person, and currently, there are no specific medications available to help.
Can humans control the virus?
Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the smallpox virus. It is the only infectious disease ever eradicated by humans worldwide. As one of the oldest and most contagious diseases, smallpox is a highly contagious and serious threat. Severe vermin manifests itself after infection, and more smallpox deaths are confirmed. The most basic and effective method of prevention is smallpox vaccination.
Are viruses all harmful?
Since the 1940s, viruses have become an important material for molecular research. The study of viruses is important not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases of humans, animals, and plants but also for the treatment of diseases.
For example, oncolytic virus (OV), a type of virus, is found to infect tumor cells and can grow into cancer cells, causing the tumor cells to mate, rupture, and die. ۔ The earliest report of ankylosing spondylitis in the world was due to the fact that a patient with cervical cancer was found to have tumor regression after being infected with the rabies virus.
"Currently, many different OVs are being reviewed in clinical trials, including adenovirus (AdV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), vaccine virus, Newcastle disease virus, measles virus, and rheumatoid arthritis." Has been shown to be non-toxic, and can produce strong anti-tumor immunity.
In short, not all viruses are bad for humans, and in-depth research on viruses has helped us better understand humans and nature. However, in the face of the deadly SARS-CoV-2, everyone must be vigilant. Always wear a mask when going out, don't go to crowded places, search for articles, and go to the hospital on time if you have a fever. It is believed that man can finally defeat SARS-CoV-2 and welcome the arrival of spring 2020.
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