Coronavirus COVID-19

Where did the virus come from?

Main article: Where did the coronavirus COVID-19 come from

Why COVID-19 is so dangerous

How the virus works

What is Coronavirus COVID-19 understand Alexey Semikhatov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chief Researcher of the Physical Institute. Lebedev RAS together with Alexander Lukashev, Director of the Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Transmissible Diseases of Sechenov University.

The virus is essentially the code in the protein envelope. Unlike bacteria, it is not self-sufficient.

This code has evolved for billions of years to subjugate cells. The virus itself is not viable, it depends on the cell one hundred percent narrated by Alexander Lukashev

The name is associated with the structure of the virus, the thorn-like processes of which resemble the solar crown.

The purpose of the "corona" in coronaviruses is associated with their specific mechanism of penetration through the cell membrane by mimicking the "fake molecules" of molecules to which the transmembrane cell receptors react.

After the receptor captures the fake molecule from the "crown," it is pushed by the virus into the cell, and after it the RNA of the virus enters the cell.

The main task of the virus is to bring its genetic code into the cell and force it to produce its own proteins. If the virus succeeds in this task, then as a result, only one cell produces not one virus, but up to 100,000 viral particles.

Basically, he creates a machine that copies him himself.

At the same time, the virus is not universal, it must be "tuned" for specific organisms and cell types. To do this, he has to evolve. This happens just during the copying process, by creating inaccurate copies.

The virus makes these mistakes deliberately. He could make fewer mistakes, but he specifically makes a lot of them to have options tailored to different conditions. Yes, most of the copies will be unsuccessful, but for the virus this is an acceptable price, because only one successful will provide it with an advantage either in the resulting cell type, or in another host, or when attacking the immune system. explains Alexander

There are no two identical viruses inside the cell, they are constantly changing. RNA-containing viruses literally make one error for each subsequent genome. Therefore, one should not be surprised that unknown strains constantly arise. It happened with the 2019 coronavirus, officially called 2019-nCoV.

Differences from influenza

Coronavirus infection COVID-19 likes to compare with influenza, but there is one big difference between the causative agents of these diseases, one might say, a fundamental difference.

With influenza, complications from the respiratory system develop much less often and are caused by bacteria that constantly live in the bronchi. If everything is extremely simplified, then we can say this: the influenza virus weakens the immune defense, and bacteria that are not dangerous for a healthy person pounce on the bronchi and lungs.

Bacterial lesions are easier to treat than viral ones. Against almost every bacterium, you can choose a specific antibiotic or a combination of antibiotics. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus itself causes complications, affecting the alveoli, the terminal parts of the lungs in which gas exchange occurs between blood and inhaled air.

As a result, severe respiratory failure occurs.

Cytokine storm

The natural course of COVID-19 in most cases is a mild or medium-severe disease that causes a limited immune response, said Yulia Linkova, director of the clinical development department of the biotechnological company Biocad, in October 2021. - However, in about 20% of cases, COVID-19 can progress to a severe disease caused by an excessive immune response - massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines ('cytokine storm'), which is accompanied by lung damage, the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure and impaired blood clotting.

Cytokine storm is associated with disease severity and adverse outcome.

How dangerous is COVID-19 compared to other viruses

To assess the danger of the spread of a disease, scientists use the concept of a basic reproductive number. In fact, it means how many on average a person infects one sick person. If this number falls below one, the spread of the disease stops. For influenza, this number is 2, and for measles - 15. The 2003 SARS virus, SARS, had a baseline reproductive number of 4. The same assessment was received by 2019-nCoV.

The video shows the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 compared to other viruses during the first 100 days.

However, unlike the 2003 outbreak of the disease, this time states are showing unprecedented openness and activity in the fight against the enemy. The first genome of the virus was decoded after just a few days. As of January 31, 2020, about 30 genomes in humans and 100 in bats are already known.

Knowledge of the genome helps in the diagnosis of the disease, it allows you to develop a test in 2-3 days to accurately determine the virus in the blood. Such tests were promptly developed in different countries of the world, including Russia. But the production of the vaccine requires a long period of time - although it is also quite enough for it to have a decoded genome on hand. The problem is that the vaccine should not only fight the disease, but also be technological, safe and affordable. That is why the development and release of a vaccine on average takes at least 6 months.

Virus mutations

2022

New strain of coronavirus "Kraken" from the United States - a new maximum of infectiousness

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the XBB.1.5 variant, which is already known as the Kraken strain, is the most contagious found to date in the world and expressed "concern" about its rapid spread.

Most of the information about this new variant is not yet known, but health authorities in all countries are already working on attempts to control it.

This variant was first discovered in the states USA New York and Connecticut in October 2022. Strain XBB.1.5. quickly spread throughout the northeastern United States and, presumably, at the end of 2022, is the cause of more than 40% of all cases of Covid infection in the country and about 70% in the northeastern United States, which is most affected by the incidence.

The wave of infections has led to a large number of hospitalizations among people over 70 years old. Wastewater analysis data show that the United States is currently experiencing the second strongest wave of infections in the entire pandemic.

In a Boston laboratory, scientists have created a deadly strain of Covid - with a mortality rate of 80%

On October 18, 2022, it became known that scientists in a Boston laboratory created a deadly strain of Covid - with a mortality rate of 80%. This discovery shows how dangerous research on virus manipulation continues even in the United States, despite fears that such methods could have provoked a pandemic.

If we are to avoid the next laboratory-induced pandemic, it is critical to strengthen surveillance of expanded research into potential pandemic pathogens. Of particular concern is that this study by the US government, like the previous study on SARS-related chimeric coronaviruses, has not been tested, Rutgers University imic Dr. Richard Ebright.

The pandemic has caused a global surge in the number of laboratories dealing with dangerous viruses. Since 2020, more than 40 facilities have been built or put into operation, mainly in the United States.

New Ninja coronavirus strain

In July 2022, it became known that a new strain of coronavirus appeared with the name Ninja. It is considered the most dangerous to date. This is a subspecies of omicron, which is not only more infectious, but also evades antibodies.

2021

Rospotrebnadzor called the special danger of "omicron" for the lungs

At the end of December 2021, Rospotrebnadzor called the special danger of the omicron strain of the coronavirus COVID-19 for the lungs. This variant of the virus has become dominant in several countries and is gradually spreading in Russia.

The features of the new version of the virus contribute not only to a faster spread of it among people, but also make it possible to quickly and more actively affect the bronchi and lungs, which confirms the need for an equally serious attitude towards omicron than to previous strains, "Tatyana Ruzhentsova, deputy director for clinical work of the G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute of Rospotrebnadzor, told TASS.

According to her, the similarity of the main symptoms of the new strain with seasonal ARVI is manifested in an increase in temperature to 38 degrees and above, aches in muscles and joints, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough and decreased appetite.

Unlike the symptoms of the Delta strain, when infected with omicron, weakness and headaches appear and worry more often and more actively, and loss of smell and change of taste is less common, Ruzhentsova emphasized.

She also pointed out that in children, the new strain can cause rashes.

On December 25, 2021, Tatyana Ruzhentsova called the omicron a completely unexplored strain of coronavirus. Most patients tolerate it easily, but its symptoms require attention, serious attitude and further study. The mutation has latent risks in infection that have yet to be identified.

On December 30, 2021, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova said that a little more than 100 cases of omicron were registered in Russia, but the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 is "inevitable."

We have a sufficient number of contacts, intensive migration, this is a sign of the development of our economy, and it makes no sense to stop it today, "she said.[1]

Three countries have discovered a new strain of B.1.1529 coronavirus that is resistant to vaccines

On November 25, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the identification of a new strain of the coronavirus COVID-19, which, according to preliminary data, may be resistant to vaccines. The detected mutation was called B.1.1529.

It has an unusually high number of mutations and is "clearly very different" from its predecessors, stated Tulio de Oliveira, a professor of bioinformatics who runs gene sequencing institutes at two South African universities.

According to experts, the combination of 32 B.1.1529 mutations makes it much more dangerous for the patient than the delta strain. In addition, the new strain may be resistant to vaccines due to the mutated spike protein.

A virologist from Imperial College London, Dr. Tom Peacock described the combination of mutations of this variant as "terrifying." Potentially, such a virus could be "worse than almost everyone else," including the Indian "delta," he stressed.

The B.1.1529 strain was first discovered in Botswana, and later in South Africa and Hong Kong. By November 25, 2021, about 100 cases of infection with this variant of coronavirus were registered in South Africa, said Anna von Gottberg, head of the respiratory diseases department of the local National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

As of November 26, 2021, no cases of infection with the B.1.1529 strain were recorded in Russia, Kamil Hafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new diagnostic methods based on sequencing technologies at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, told RIA Novosti.

If it is more infectious or resistant and multiplies, then there is a likelihood of its appearance in Russia, but so far we have not found it in the country, although there is a lot of research on genomes, "he said.[2]

In Russia, revealed a new strain of COVID-19, which is 15% more infectious than Indian

On October 21, 2021, the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor announced the identification in Russia of a new version of the delta strain of the coronavirus COVID-19. The variety, called AY.4.2, is 15% more infectious than the original Indian strain.

According to Alexander Gorelov, director for research at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, one sick coronavirus infection with a strain of AY.4.2 will be able to infect up to nine people.

The chief freelance pulmonologist of the Ministry of Health of Russia for the Central Federal District, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences Andrei Malyavin noted that, in addition to the higher infectiousness, the AY4.2 strain is characterized by an even faster development of symptoms.

More people tolerate a moderate, severe and extremely severe form. Very rapid development of symptoms. And the children began to get sick, - he said.

Kamil Hafizov, in turn, also does not exclude that AY.4.2 may give another additional impetus in the rise in morbidity. At the same time, he expressed confidence that the vaccines against coronavirus used in Russia are also effective against the new option AY.4.2

Vaccines are quite effective against this version of the virus.<…> It is not so different as to radically change the ability to bind to antibodies, the expert noted during a conversation with reporters.

The department health care Great Britain included AY.4.2 in the monitoring list, according to a report dated October 15, 2021. The document states that this is a type of delta strain, characterized by two characteristic mutations in the spike protein - Y145H and A222V.

Outside the UK, there are still few AY.4.2 by October 21, 2021, in the United States there are only three cases. This strain was first reported in Israel on this day. An 11-year-old child who arrived from Moldova has been infected.

In the ^[3]

Rospotrebnadzor announced the spread of the "Russian" strain of COVID-19

At the end of September 2021 Central research institute of epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor , they announced the spread of the "Russian" strain of coronavirus in the world. COVID-19 In addition, Russia it is found in,,,, and USA. Germany Britain France Belgium

A significant part of the first genomes uploaded to the international GISAID database B.1.1.523 really mostly come from Russia, "says Kamil Hafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor (quoted by Izvestia). - Already a little later this strain began to be found in other countries, in particular in Germany, Latvia and even Australia.

For the first time, they started talking about the "Russian" version of COVID-19 in February 2021. According to doctors, the B.1.1.523 strain is distinguished by many spike mutations, one of which could indicate an escape from the immune response. In addition, a rapid increase in its proportion among other strains may indicate its increased infectiousness.

In Russia, in June 2021, the number of samples of the "Russian" strain decreased sharply, and it was completely supplanted by the "delta." According to Khafizov, in August of this year, the institute's specialists periodically observed individual rare samples of this type of virus, but already in September they were completely replaced by the "delta" -stamm SARS-CoV-2.

According to scientists, the "Russian" strain was almost the last option that somehow competed with the "delta." By the end of September 2021, the "Russian" strain of COVID-19 has completely "lost" and is already more likely to disappear.

Anna Speranskaya, head of the genomics and post-genome technologies group of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, reported that at the beginning of September 2021, Delta and several lines branching from it dominated the country - mainly AY.12 and AY.4.^[4]

Risk of uncontrolled virus mutations in Africa

The spread of various variants of the Covid-19 virus in Africa, partly explained by the low vaccination rate on the continent, can lead to mutations that cannot be vaccinated, which will complicate attempts to end the pandemic, a group of 112 African and 25 international organizations said in September 2021.

The appearance of the strain "Iota" in the USA with increased mortality

In the United States in August 2021, the results of a study of a new strain of coronavirus, called "Iota," were published. According to the study, the mortality rate of the virus detected in the United States increased to 82% of the indicators of previous strains.

"Iota" is capable of transmitting 15-25% faster than other known mutations of the coronavirus, it can increase the mortality rate (infection fatality ratio, IFR) by 46% for people aged 45-64 years, 82% for people 65-74 years and by 62% for citizens over 75^[5] age^[6]

Appearance of a strain that is not detected by PCR test

In mid-March 2021, the French Ministry of Health reported that a completely new strain of coronavirus was discovered in the French region of Brittany. This strain is not detected by conventional PCR tests.

According to the ministry, the new variant was found in a cluster of eight cases in a hospital in the regional city of Lanyon. Those infected with this strain had symptoms of the disease, but PCR tests were negative. To diagnose infection with this type of virus, a serological blood test may be needed.

The ministry also stressed that the initial analysis does not allow a conclusion about the increased danger or aggressiveness of the new strain compared to the traditional virus. The French Ministry did not provide additional information on the "Breton option." In the near future, researchers should conduct new experiments to study this strain and its influence, as well as test the response of the mutant variant to vaccines and antibodies.

According to the latest data, more than 4.1 million cases of coronavirus infection and almost 91 thousand deaths were detected in France. French health authorities reported that on March 15, the number of people in intensive care units with COVID-19 rose to 4,219, which was another record since the end of November. Over the weekend, hospitals in the Paris area, which account for more than a quarter of all severe patients with COVID-19, began transferring patients to other parts of France to reduce the burden on the capital's health care system. The country continues to operate the main restrictive measures and the curfew.

During the year of the pandemic, several strains of the virus have been identified in the world. Some of the new mutations are thought to spread faster than the classic virus. In mid-March, one of these strains - South African - was discovered in Russia.^[7]

2020:3 different types of COVID-19

As of April 10, 2020, the coronavirus has mutated as it spreads around the world. At this time, there are three types of COVID-19 in the world. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Cambridge, who analyzed the "genetic history" of a new type of coronavirus. It is reported by the Daily Mail. The team of scientists analyzed 160 complete genomes of the virus, selected around the world between December 24, 2019 and March 4, 2020. The researchers identified three different "variants" of COVID-19, designating them as A, B and C. 

Analysis of the strains showed that Type A - the original virus that was transmitted to humans from bats through lizards - was not the most common in. China This variation is commonly found in Australia as well USA. Type A appears to have mutated into type B. According to a study of virus genotypes, the epidemic in China was caused by type B. This variant is characteristic mainly of, Asia it has not advanced far beyond the region without further mutations. Type C, the "daughter strain" of type B, has already originated outside China and is found mainly in residents. Europe 

The results of the study showed that the coronavirus epidemic in the UK could most likely come from Singapore, the Republic of Korea or Hong Kong, but not from China.

Scientists believe that the virus, officially called SARS-CoV-2, is constantly mutating to overcome the resistance of the immune system in different populations. The study revealed a strange situation in which the original strain A spread along the West Coast of the United States despite the fact that it was not the most common strain in China, strain B. Scientists emphasize that the coronavirus continues to mutate. The results of the study could help predict future epicenters of the spread of the disease. 

This article is published on the website of the journal Proceedings of the US National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). 

Coronavirus photos

2022: Ultrasound scans showed long-term liver damage in COVID-19 patients

At the end of November 2022, it became known that coronavirus (COVID-19) infection is associated with an increase in liver stiffness, which is a sign of possible long-term damage to the organ. The relevant findings of the study were made public at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America ( RSNA). Read more here.

2021

In Russia, for the first time published a photo of the delta strain COVID-19

At the end of October 2021, the State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" of Rospotrebnadzor was the first in Russia to show a photo of the delta strain of the coronavirus COVID-19, which has become dominant in the Russian Federation.

The picture taken with an electron microscope camera was presented by RIA SSC VB Vector explained to the agency that the virus was artificially grown on the culture of kidney epithelium cells of the African green monkey. Ultra-thin cell sections (40 nm) embedded in epoxy resins were stained using standard sample preparation techniques for electron microscopy.

On September 30, 2021, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova said that about 97% of cases of COVID-19 in Russia accounted for the delta strain. Popova also drew attention to the fact that 158 countries of the world demonstrate the almost 100% presence of this variant of coronavirus.

In September 2021, Kamil Khafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, said that the delta strain has almost completely exhausted its capabilities and is unlikely to be able to generate more dangerous mutations. At the same time, he suggested that the new strains of coronavirus that will appear in the near future may be branches of the delta.

According to the chief freelance infectious disease specialist of the Ministry of Health Vladimir Chulanov, as of the end of October 2021, the delta strain of coronavirus increases the risk of hospitalization by 108% compared to the original strain, the risk of admission to intensive care - by 234%, the risk of death - by 132%. The main factor in the increase in the incidence of Chulanov called the low level of herd immunity - 45.7% with a target of 80%.^[8]

Medical records of complications from COVID-19 to different organs

At the end of May 2021, a photo gallery with medical photographs appeared on the itnonline website, in which you can consider many radiological manifestations COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infections), including in the images obtained with X-rays, computed tomography (CT) images obtained with, ultrasound tests echocardiography and. These magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images show examples of typical COVID pneumonia and the numerous complications that the virus causes in the body in many organs, including the head, brain kidneys, heart abdominal cavity and vascular system.

Ultrasound examinations, especially the use of portable ultrasound devices, have become the main method for visualizing lesions caused by a new type of coronavirus, due to the ease of transportation and sterilization of the device after use. CT and mobile X-ray systems are also used as primary imaging systems for patients with positive screening results or suspected COVID-19.

Images presented in the gallery came from physicians, research authors, universities and hospitals, the National Institutes health care (NIH), the Society of Radiologists (North America RSNA), the American College of Radiologists (ACR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA CDC), and providers of radiological technology.

In one of the images (see above), for example, you can see the results of an examination of an elderly patient who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Due to dry cough and shortness of breath, the patient was given a CT scan. The images were taken on a Philips IQon spectral CT scanner. The gallery presents sections on which areas of COVID-pneumonia are visible, including areas that are not visible on ordinary computed tomography. The image was obtained from the Philips Healthcare database.^[9]

Announcement of a new 3D model of the lungs of infected COVID-19

At the end of May 2021, Thyng presented the first 3D model of the lungs of a patient with severe COVID-19. The model is designed to educate physicians and students, raise patient awareness, and be used for research purposes. Read more here.

Coronavirus on CT scans

In mid-March 2021, many examples of what manifestations of COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2) appear in the itnonline photo gallery during imaging examinations, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ), X-rays, ultrasound images and echocardiograms.

X-rays show examples of typical COVID pneumonia and the numerous complications that the virus causes in the body in many organs, including the brain, kidneys, heart, abdominal cavity and vascular system.

Ultrasound, especially portable ultrasound imaging devices, have become the main imaging method for a new coronavirus infection due to the portability of the device and easy sterilization after use.

CT and mobile X-ray systems are also used as primary imaging systems when patients with a COVID-positive test result or suspected COVID are admitted.

In patients with pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus infection, characteristic X-ray signs such as the "frosted glass" effect are found on tomographic images (multifocal shadows or haze associated with increased lung parenchyma density), cobblestone pavement pattern (thickening of the interlobular partitions leads to strengthening and mesh deformation of the pulmonary pattern), single or multiple nodular lesions and diffuse (spilled) induration - the peak stage of the disease, called the "white lung."

The images came from physicians, research authors, universities and hospitals, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the American College of Radiologists (ACR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and providers of radiological technology. ^[10]]

2020: 3D model of lung damage

In March 2020, doctors from the George Washington University Hospital in the United States created a 3D computer model of the lungs based on computed tomography data from a real patient with coronavirus. Yellow areas are lung damage.

How can you get infected with coronavirus?

List of the most dangerous activities

From Animals to Humans

Coronaviruses are transmitted from animals to humans. For 2020, several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

By airborne droplets and through infected objects

Respiratory infections spread through liquid droplets of different sizes: droplets with a diameter of > 5-10 microns are called respiratory droplets, droplets with a diameter of <5 мкм относят к категории ядер капель (по размеру их можно отнести к аэрозольным частицам). Согласно имеющимся на конец марта 2020 г данным, вирус COVID-19 are transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets, as well as by contact. In a publication based on the results of an analysis of 75,465 cases of COVID-19 infection in China, the aerogenic route of transmission of this virus is not reported.

Drip transmission occurs when there is close contact (within 1 m) with a person who has respiratory symptoms (such as coughing or sneezing), that is, in cases where there is a risk of contact between the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the nose or conjunctiva of the eyes with potentially infecting respiratory droplets.

Transmission of the virus is also possible through infected items that were in close proximity to an infected person. Thus, the transmission of COVID-19 can be led by direct contact with infected people and indirect contact with surfaces in close proximity to an infected person, or with objects with which he contacted.

Aerogenic transmission differs from droplet transmission because it assumes the presence of pathogens in the nuclei of droplets, that is, according to the conventional definition, in particles with a diameter of ≤5 μm, which can be preserved in the form of an air suspension for a long time and transmitted at a distance of more than 1 m.

In relation to COVID-19, aerogenic transmission can probably occur under certain conditions during procedures or maintenance therapy with the formation of aerosols, for example, endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy, open aspiration, inhalation, manual artificial ventilation of the lungs before intubation, turning the patient on the abdomen, disconnecting the patient from the ventilator, non-invasive artificial ventilation of the lungs with positive pressure, tracheostomy, as well as during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

It has been suggested that in some cases it can be transmitted by the fecal-oral route. However, it has not yet been possible to firmly establish such a method of transmission of COVID-19 for February 2020.

According to data obtained in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Sichuan, 78% and 85% of COVID-19 infection occurred in families, respectively. In addition, in another 3-10% of cases, the fact of double infection was established, when it took place both in families and during airborne contact with strangers.

The reason why some people do not get infected with coronavirus

Scientists from University College London have found out why some people do not become infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, despite active contacts with patients. The results of the study were published at the end of November 2021.

According to Frankfurter Rundschau, citing the findings of the researchers, T-cells in the human body are able to eliminate the coronavirus protein cluster, which is responsible for its reproduction.

The study examined analyzes of 58 people who worked in hospitals in London and did not become infected with the coronavirus, despite the fact that during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic they were at high risk of infection. For four months, these 58 people did not have a single positive PCR test.

20 study participants were found to have increased levels of T cells, and 19 people also had immunoprotein IFI 27, which researchers call in their work "a typical early Sars-CoV-2 signal."

According to experts, the immune protein indicates an interrupted infection. It is assumed that the coronavirus entered the body, but was reflected before it could cause any harm.

I've never seen anything like it. It's quite surprising that T cells can get the infection under control so quickly, "said immunologist Shane Crotty of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology.

Scientists suggest that T cells in the body of the study participants eliminated the protein cluster of the virus, which is responsible for its reproduction. Confirmation of this was found in the blood of the study participants: in the blood of 58 participants, T-cells recognizing the cluster were found in more people than in the control group of those who had recovered. The researchers also found that in blood samples taken before the coronavirus pandemic, T cells recognized Sars-CoV-2 - and, in particular, a protein cluster. These T cells could arise when infected with other coronaviruses - as a result of the so-called cross-infection, the researchers admit.^[11]

​​Srok the life of coronavirus on different surfaces

COVID-19 lives on human skin for 9 hours

Coronavirus COVID-19 lives on human skin for about 9 hours. This is 5 times longer than the influenza virus, researchers from Kyoto Medical University of Japan reported.

The results were obtained during experiments, when 100 thousand samples of coronavirus and influenza were applied to human skin, and then recorded the time that passes until the disappearance of viruses. Influenza viruses disappeared in 1-2 hours, and the coronavirus in some cases remained for 11 hours, on average - 9 hours.

9-hour survival of SARS-CoV-2 on human skin may increase the risk of contact transmission compared to IAV (influenza A virus), thereby accelerating the pandemic. In this regard, proper hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the report says.

The experiment also showed that 80% ethanol treatment killed all coronaviruses in 15 seconds. In addition, the number of viruses can be reduced by 100 times by washing your hands under running water. If you wash your hands with soap and water for about 15 seconds, only one ten thousandth of the initial number of coronaviruses will remain on the skin. The effect will increase even more if washed hands are treated with an alcohol antiseptic, university experts say.

At the same time, scientists note that the study was carried out on only one strain of coronavirus and influenza.

According to data released in October 2020 by the State Association for Scientific and Applied Research of Australia (CSIRO), the SARS-CoV-2 virus lasts longer at lower temperatures and on non-porous and smooth surfaces. And as the temperature rises - to 30 and 40 degrees Celsius - its survival rates decrease. At plus 20 degrees, the virus can stay on surfaces for about a month.^[12]

Infection from money

On March 20, 2020, it became known that the coronavirus can be infected with money. ATMs with a cache recycling function can become a transmission channel for the disease.

This function allows you to accept and issue cash using bank cards, bypassing collection, and therefore processing. Collection and recalculation of banknotes are made by other organizations under the contract. As a result, no one processes banknotes with antibacterial solutions before they are issued to another client. This is simply impossible, Izvestia writes with reference to the operating director of Post Bank Elena Mokhnacheva.

Representatives of banks confirmed to the newspaper that it is really more than possible to get infected with coronavirus due to banknotes. In one of the financial organizations, they thought about installing special equipment in ATMs, which will subject money to ultraviolet or ozone processing. Nevertheless, this will take a lot of time and money, the publication says.

By March 20, 2020, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation does not take any action against financial and credit organizations amid the spread of the coronavirus. The regulator relies on the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which does not call for the use of cash, although it admits that in theory banknotes can be a channel for the transmission of viruses.

Elena Mokhnacheva noted that for effective disinfection of keyboards on which a PIN code is entered, it is required to process the surface after each transaction. This is difficult to implement. In addition, she added, during the treatment with an antiseptic, there is a risk of damaging the device. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus has been living on paper for three to four days.^[13]

Survival of the virus at low temperatures and risk of transmission through frozen foods

In June 2020, Li Lanjuan, a member of the special expert commission of the State Committee on Health of the People's Republic of China, an infectious disease specialist, said that the COVID-19 virus is special and has the ability to survive at low temperatures.

"At a temperature of -4 degrees Celsius, it can survive for several months," the expert cited the data. She also added that at a temperature of -20 degrees, the new coronavirus is capable of living for 20 years.

Li Lanjuan called it not accidental that the coronavirus was detected several times in the markets where marine delicacies are sold, since there are many chilled products. In this regard, she expressed concern that the coronavirus could be transported along with chilled or frozen food.

The expert called for the implementation of preventive and epidemiological control measures in the field of transportation of frozen goods.

Rumors "Infection from 5G stations"

5G base stations in Wuhan, China, could provoke the actual appearance of the coronavirus - this theory needs to be tested as one of the main ones. This was told in an interview with Octagon by scientist Oleg Grigoriev, a member of the WHO scientific advisory committee, which heads the official scientific association - the Russian National Committee for Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation^[14].

{{quote 'According to Grigoriev, the peculiarity of the standard under the general name 5G is in the way the signal is organized: this is a high-amplitude high-gradient impulse; directional direction of the main beam to the device (now 2G, 3G, 4G - the main beam scattered into space); use of a wide spectrum of frequencies in a "burst of pulses."

This was experimentally tested back in the 1980s and 1990s, since this type of antenna and signal was used to find effective radar methods, and at the same time bioeffects were investigated. Partially published in our articles, in the work of Professor Svetlana Lukyanova ("Electromagnetic field of the microwave range of non-thermal intensity as an irritant for the CNS," 2015). ˂... ˃ Reception for the far zone is primarily skin receptors, endings of the nervous system. Their reaction is quite clearly reflected in the brain.

For simplicity, we recommend recalling medieval torture with a drop (water drips slowly on the head of an immobilized person for days on end. - τ.). ˂... ˃ Yes, the effect is primarily on the nervous system. But due to the specifics of the antennas of the subscriber terminal, the likelihood of oncology will increase, says Grigoriev.

And Grigoriev has not yet seen a way out of this situation - a compromise for health:

The signal of the designed 5G cannot be correlated with the Russian maximum permissible levels (CDU), and the existing measurement methods are not applicable. I will never subscribe to 5G security as presented. For 10 years I was the chief medical and biological tests of special equipment, this is no secret.

My signature is on many documents authorizing the application of new technologies that may affect health.}}

In April 2020, residents of the British cities of Liverpool, Birmingham and Merseyside set fire to 5G cell sites, confident that they are the cause of the coronavirus pandemic. Later, citizens in the Netherlands followed suit. Read more here.

It also became known about the massive receipt of threats of physical violence and murder by employees of telecommunications companies in the UK, if they do not stop working on 5G networks, which allegedly lead to the spread of coronavirus infection. This was announced by the Trade Union of Communications Workers, which represents about 40 thousand engineers.

Who is in a special risk group

Mental illness increases the risk of death from COVID-19

At the end of November 2021, information appeared that coronavirus infection, in addition to the respiratory system, can affect almost all organs. Growing evidence suggests that infection can directly or indirectly affect the central nervous system and be associated with numerous neurological symptoms, from olfactory and taste dysfunction to more severe and rare events such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or encephalitis. The risk of death from coronavirus infection among patients with schizophrenia was four times higher than in people without mental illness, regardless of the concomitant pathology of patients.

Scientists from the Medical Science Center in Texas analyzed data from 2.5 million patients, patient data were taken from the US electronic medical archive. Everyone was tested for COVID-19 in 2020. In particular, the researchers analyzed the number of positive tests for polymerase chain reaction according to COVID-19 and mortality among patients with affective disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety syndrome. The results of the study were published in the monthly open-access medical publication JAMA Network Open.

In the course of the study itself, 317 thousand patients with a positive test for COVID-19 were identified, and among them schizophrenia was diagnosed in 3.3 thousand, 26 thousand suffered from affective disorders, 18 thousand people suffered from anxiety disorders. The average age of participants was 44 years, female gender - 62%, male - 38%. In the study, scientists took into account: age, sex, race, region of residence, body mass index, smoking, the presence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The results of a scientific study showed that among patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders, testing for COVID-19 was less likely to give positive results than in patients with anxiety disorders and people without mental illness at all. This fact may be due to the fact that patients with mental illness lead a more closed lifestyle, researchers from the university believe that a low number of positive results does not serve as an indicator of a low incidence, but reflects a smaller number of tests performed.

The analysis, taking into account demographic indicators and concomitant diseases, found that patients with schizophrenia had a four-fold higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than people without mental illness. Among patients with schizophrenia at various stages and a positive test for COVID-19, 8% of participants died, in the group without mental illness only 2%. Among patients with schizophrenia and a negative test for COVID-19 in 2020, 3.5% of patients died in the United States, in the comparison group 1.4%. As a result, the percentage of risk of death in patients with afferent disorders is increased by 2.76 times, and with anxiety disorders by 2.39 times.

The main findings of this study were as follows:

• Patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders had lower rates of COVID-19 infection.
• Patients with schizophrenia were more often diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in the hospital.
• Patients with schizophrenia had higher mortality rates from COVID-19.

The results of this study suggest that many patients with major mental disorders have lower rates of positive COVID-19 tests during the 2020 pandemic than in the general population. These indicators may be influenced by more limited contact with COVID-19 due to social isolation. This study also showed that patients with serious mental disorders are more likely to have comorbidities associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Finally, patients with schizophrenia had higher mortality rates in COVID-19, regardless of comorbidities. The results of this study suggest the need for greater recognition of pandemic risk for specific groups of patients with psychiatric diseases and may serve as an incentive for alternative approaches to testing COVID-19 disease and conducting activities around the world to improve clinical outcomes.^[15]

A gene has been established that affects susceptibility to COVID-19

At the end of September 2021, small variations in the genetic structure of a person can help explain why some people have strong natural protection against the COVID-19 virus, while others develop a severe disease.

Scientists from the Center for Viral Research (MRC) at the University of Glasgow have identified a specific gene encoding a protein called OAS1, which is believed to play a key role in shaping the early human response to Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

When a human cell is infected, the OAS1 protein is able to sense the presence of the virus, hence the OAS1 takes effect and triggers a chain of events related to the activation of the RNA-killing enzyme, allowing the cell to begin attacking the genetic material of the virus. It is believed by those skilled in the art that some individuals express a more protected version of the OAS1 that has been prenylated, i.e. the addition of a single lipid molecule to the protein. Because coronaviruses hide inside cells and replicate their genomes in vesicles formed from lipids, prenylated OAS1 is better suited for finding Sars-CoV-2 and directing cell weapons to attack them.

We know that viruses adapt, and even Sars-CoV-2 has probably adapted to replicate in the animal reservoirs in which it circulates. Interspecies transmission to humans has exposed the virus to Sars-CoV-2 new repertoire of antiviral defenses, some of which Sars-CoV-2 may not know how to get around, said Sam Wilson, a virologist at the Center for Viral Research.

In hospitalized patients, the prenylated version of the gene was associated with better outcomes from severe COVID-19. Patients without this gene had worse clinical outcomes and were 1.6 times more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit or die, the study said. Experts also found that about 55 million years ago, this protective gene was removed in horseshoe bats, one of the alleged sources of SARS-CoV-2. This means that the virus never needed to adapt to bypass this particular line of defense, which thus remains effective in protecting some people, but if the Sars-CoV-2 mutates and gains the ability to bypass the protection created by the prenylated OAS1 protein, the virus may become more lethal or transmissible.^[16]

Low testosterone in men increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe forms

At the end of May 2021, scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published the results of a study according to which low testosterone levels in the blood are associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. The researchers urge caution from everyone involved in clinical trials of hormone therapy that blocks or lowers testosterone or boosts estrogen to treat men with COVID-19. Read more here.

In Russia, the average age of infected is 44-47 years

As of April 19, 2020, the average age of infected in Russia is 47.9 years for women and 44.7 years for men.

They get sick, die more often after 60 and from bad medicine

Young people are sick in Korea, old people in Italy

One of the main reasons for the huge discrepancies in mortality from coronavirus between South Korea and Italy is the age structure of cases.

In Korea, 30% of cases are people aged 20-29 years (who, according to statistics, are the easiest to tolerate the disease), plus there is a second peak in the range of 50-59 (which is also still uncritical, as far as statistics allow you to understand). The elderly are very few among the sick.

In Italy, the picture is the opposite: almost 60% of cases are people over the age of 60, for whom the disease is already a serious danger.

China: In the main risk zone, old people and men

Representatives of the bodies health care China published at the end of February 2020 their first major report on coronavirus.

The paper says the death rate is gradually increasing with age. And there were no deaths at all among children under the age of nine.

Another finding is that more men die than women - the mortality rate for men is 2.8%, compared with 1.7% for women.

As of February 20, 2020, the death rate from coronavirus in China was 3.8% of those infected. The mortality rate fluctuates greatly across territories - from 5.8% in Wuhan, to 0.7% in other provinces of China.

The maximum increase in mortality in Wuhan - 17.3% - was recorded at the very beginning of the outbreak from January 1 to 10, 2020, and then decreased to 0.7% after February 1. This circumstance does not indicate the attenuation of the coronavirus. At the first stage, those who were already in an extremely difficult situation died and went to the doctor only at the last stage of the course of the disease.

Mortality increases with age. The highest level is for persons over 80 years old - 21.9%. Mortality in men is 4.7% versus 2.8% in women. Among pensioners, who in China belong to high-ranking officials, engineering and technical workers in their age, as a rule, in 70 years, the death rate was 8.9%. Among the dead, the proportion of people with cardiovascular diseases has an indicator of 13.2%, with diabetes - 9.2%, for hypertension - 8.4%.

The average time from the onset of the disease to recovery for clinical cases is two weeks, for patients with severe illness - 3-6 weeks. The growing number of patients has fully recovered even after a severe course of the disease. Among severe cases requiring the connection of a ventilator, 13.4% die. The rest are recovering. The earlier the disease is identified, the more effective the treatment.

Which diseases increase the risk of coronavirus disease

According to the data at the beginning of March 2020, for healthy people, the mortality rate with coronavirus disease is less than 1%, but in the presence of concomitant diseases, the risks greatly increase.

Number 1 is cardiovascular disease, mortality 10.5% of cases. Then there are diabetes (7.3%), chronic respiratory diseases (6.3%), hypertension (6%) and cancer (5.6%).

Safety measures

Quarantine

How quarantine was introduced due to coronavirus in the countries of the world.

Social distancing

To stop the spread of the coronavirus, social interactions around the world are limited. Based on the calculations of Robert A. J. Signer, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, this infographic shows how social distancing can reduce the spread of the virus.

Without changes in social behavior, one infected person will transmit the virus to 2.5 people on average within five days. In 30 days, this figure will increase to 406 new infections. The number can be significantly reduced. With a 50 per cent reduction, the number of new infections caused by the average person after 30 days is just 15. A 75 per cent change would lead to an even lower number of 2.5 new cases, significantly reducing the burden on health services and, if all follows, allowing the country to "flatten the curve" of new infections.

Prevention

Here are WHO recommendations to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water;
• when coughing and sneezing, use a clean napkin or cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow;
• cook the meat and eggs enough time;
• avoid close contact with anyone experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing;
• seek immediate medical attention for fever and other alarming symptoms;
• If possible, avoid visiting markets, especially in areas where there are currently cases of the emergence of a new coronavirus;
• Ventilate the premises without fail;
• carry out daily routine cleaning in the room.

Wearing masks

Electric medical mask is presented, which is charged from breath

At the end of February 2023, scientists at the City University of Hong Kong presented an electrostatically charged face mask that can replenish its charge by breathing the user. Read more here.

Medical masks reduce the number of exhaled COVID-19 particles by 1000 times

At the end of June 2021, scientists from the Brazilian Osvaldo Cruz Foundation published the results of a study of the effectiveness of masks used during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. According to their data, medical masks effectively block the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in sick people, reducing the number of exhaled viral particles by 1000 times.

Although there is still debate about whether the use of masks can prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, no study has previously evaluated the virus-blocking effectiveness of masks used by patients. Brazilian scientists tried to fill this gap and assessed the effectiveness of medical masks that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 use in everyday life.

In total, the researchers were able to obtain and process 45 paired nasopharyngeal swabs and swabs from the inner and outer surfaces of medical masks used by the same patients. Masks were divided into woven masks (66.7%) and surgical nonwoven masks (33.3%). Scientists assessed the presence of viral RNA using quantitative PCR with reverse transcription and revealed the presence of viral particles in all samples of smears and masks, but the RNA of the virus could only be detected on the inner surface of the masks, that is, the one adjacent to the face of the infected patient. None of the masks tested positive for RNA when evaluating the external side, that is, the one that came into contact with the external environment.

The results of the study suggest that masks of various types effectively block the transmission of viruses, and confirm that in order to avoid the spread of the pandemic, both infected and uninfected people should use protective devices of this type in addition to social distancing and personal hygiene measures.^[17]

Masks provide protection against COVID-19 particles - proven

As of October 2020, Japanese researchers have proven that masks can provide protection against coronavirus particles.

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have built a secure camera with mannequin heads. One head imitated a cough and released real particles of coronavirus. Another simulated breathing and had a device to collect the virus.

The cotton mask reduced the intake of viruses with the head-receiver by 40%, and the N95 mask used by health workers blocked up to 90%. But some viral particles still penetrated the dummy.

When the mask was attached to the coughing head, it blocked more than 50% of the virus transmission.

"There was a synergistic effect when both the virus recipient and the virus distributor wore masks," the researchers wrote in a study published Wednesday.

Hand hygiene

The most common way to get infected is to touch people, so you need to wash your hands often. The virus can only live on your hands, for 5-10 minutes. But anything can happen in those 5-10 minutes (you can rub your eyes with your hands or touch your nose).

Mouthwash and throat

In addition to washing your hands frequently, you can gargle Betadine to eliminate or minimize the effects of germs while they are still in your throat (before entering the lungs).

According to a new report from Cardiff University in May 2020, mouthwash can protect against COVID-19 infection by killing the coronavirus before it infects human cells.

Coronaviruses belong to the class of "enveloped viruses," which means that they are covered with a fatty (lipid) layer that is vulnerable to certain chemicals. The adipose membrane does not change when viruses mutate, being a universal target.

Researchers believe mouthwash could destroy the virus's shell, preventing it from multiplying in the mouth and throat. Some mouthwashes contain enough compounds to affect fats in similar enveloped viruses.

The ingredients of mouthwashes, including chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, hydrogen peroxide and povidone iodine, have the potential to prevent infections.

Drinking hot water

The Wuhan virus is not heat resistant and dies at a temperature of 26-27 degrees. Therefore, drink more hot water. Stay more often and longer in the sun. Hot water is not a cure, good for health, effective for all viruses.

Vaccines against coronavirus COVID-19

Main article: Vaccines against coronavirus COVID-19

Vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19

• Vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19 in Russia
• Vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19 in countries of the world

Symptoms

Main article: Symptoms of COVID-19

When to call a doctor at home or ambulance

When to call a doctor at home

A doctor at home can be called if there is an increase in temperature - above 37.2 degrees and/or signs of SARS: cough, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, headache, loss of smell. In addition, there are conditions when calling a doctor at home with such symptoms is not just desirable, but strictly necessary. These are:

• the age of the patient is over 65 years old;
• concomitant pathologies, that is, chronic diseases, in which the risk of severe complications of COVID-19 increases. First of all, these are diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases of the kidneys, respiratory organs, oncological diseases;
• contact with persons diagnosed with COVID-19, or arrival from a region with a tense epidemiological situation for the spread of coronavirus infection.

When to call the ambulance brigade

When severe symptoms appear: a temperature above 38.5 degrees, chest pain, a feeling of lack of air, etc., it is better to immediately call an ambulance.

According to the results of a survey with an ambulance operator, one of three decisions is made:

• send an ambulance team to the patient. According to the rules, she must come within 20 minutes if there is a threat to the life of the patient;
• transfer the call to the emergency service. If the patient's condition does not threaten his life, but requires medical assistance in the near future, an ambulance team should arrive within two hours;
• transfer the call to the clinic at the place of residence for the arrival of a doctor at home. This option is possible if, after consulting an ambulance doctor, it turns out by phone that the patient's condition does not cause serious concerns and neither emergency nor emergency care is required.

As Sergey Shkitin, an expert, said in November 2020, the All-Russian Union of Insurers need for laboratory blood tests is determined by a doctor. The Methodological Recommendations of the Ministry of Health say that with a mild course COVID-19 and treatment of a patient at home, as a rule, high-tech research methods such as/are not required. CTMRI If the patient is hospitalized - mainly starting from the moderate course of the disease, then during hospitalization a general blood test and biochemical blood test, CT of the lungs and other studies should be done.

The sampling of the analysis is carried out by the visiting team of the medical organization. Or a polyclinic doctor at the initial examination.

The results of the analysis should be reported to the patient within a reasonable period, approximately within 2-3 days. In case of loss or significant excess of the deadlines for submitting the results obtained, patients must directly contact the insurance medical organization.

"The lack of a test result is assessed by an expert as not conducting it. And in the absence of a diagnostic study shown to the patient, the application of financial sanctions to a medical organization is provided, "the expert of the Union of Insurers emphasizes.

When hospitalization is due

During the pandemic, a large number of appeals from citizens who are denied hospitalization are recorded, in this case it is necessary to contact the insurance company.

If the temperature remains ≥ 38.5 ° C for 3 days, the patient diagnosed with COVID-19 should be hospitalized. Either in the direction of a local doctor or an ambulance doctor. Patients in a moderate condition who have any two of the following indicators are also subject to hospitalization:

• saturation <95%;
• ≥ temperature 38 ° C;
• respiratory rate > 22;
• signs of pneumonia with a prevalence of changes in both lungs greater than 25% (if there are lung CT results).

In addition, patients belonging to the risk group are hospitalized regardless of the severity of covid, namely:

• over 65 years of age;
• with concomitant diseases and conditions: arterial hypertension; chronic heart failure; cancer; hypercoagulation; DIC syndrome; acute coronary syndrome; diabetes mellitus; motor neuron disease; liver cirrhosis; long-term administration of HA and biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease; rheumatoid arthritis; patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; immunodeficiency conditions, including those with HIV infection without antiretroviral therapy; those receiving chemotherapy;
• patients living in a hostel, a multi-populated apartment, with persons over 65 years old, with persons suffering from chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary, cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

Sergei Shkitin emphasizes that in some cases, as part of the consideration of appeals to the insurance company, an examination of the timeliness and quality of the medical care provided will be organized. This will allow you to understand in detail the situation that has arisen in the insured. Why, for example, the patient was not given a referral to higher-level medical organizations, was not sent for examination, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound and others, did not perform an operation as part of high-tech medical care. Also, the insurance representative (expert) understands why the treatment scheme does not give the planned result.

COVID-19 coronavirus tests

Main article: Tests for coronavirus COVID-19

How to determine the severity of COVID-19

Mild flow

• temperature <38 °C, кашель, слабость, боли в горле;
• respiratory rate ≤ 22;
• saturation ≥ 95%.

Moderate course

• temperature > 38 ° C;
• respiratory rate > 22/min;
• shortness of breath during physical activity;
• changes CT in/X-ray: minimal or moderate lesion volume (CT 1-2);
• blood C-reactive protein level > 10 mg/l.

Severe course

• respiratory rate > 30/min;
• saturation ≤ 93%;
• unstable hemodynamics: systolic (upper) blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg or diastolic (lower) pressure less than 60 mm Hg);
• lung lesion volume significant or subtotal (CT 3-4);
• decreased level of consciousness, agitation.

How the disease proceeds

2023: Coronavirus causes changes in genome structure

On March 23, 2023, the results of a study were released stating that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, which provokes the COVID-19 disease, causes changes in the structure of the human genome.

The work was attended by American specialists from the Center for Health Sciences at the University of Texas at Houston, and the report was published in the journal Nature Microbiology. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can attack chromatin, the nucleoprotein that forms the basis of chromosomes. As a result, patients may experience impaired immune system functions and long-term symptoms of COVID-19.

Experts distinguish two spatial compartments of the genome - with the designations A and B. After the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the body, these compartments begin to mix, which provokes various complications. As a result, some genes change in infected cells, including the key inflammation gene - interleukin-6. This, in particular, may be associated with the development in patients with a severe form of COVID-19 of the so-called cytokine storm - a potentially lethal reaction of the immune system. In addition, the study showed that SARS-CoV-2 can change the chemical composition of chromatin.

We found that many well-formed chromatin structures of a normal cell become disorganized after infection, said Wenbo Li, work leader and associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Experts intend to continue research to find out exactly how the genome changes after SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body. The results of the work are expected to help in understanding the long-term consequences of the effect of viral infection on cells.^[18]

2022

Rospotrebnadzor: Coronavirus no longer affects the lungs

The omicron strain of the coronavirus COVID-19, which by the beginning of February 2022 had become dominant in Moscow and St. Petersburg (about 80% of infections), does not affect the lungs, stopping at the organs of the upper respiratory tract. This was stated by the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova.

The virus is constantly changing, this is its property... He is looking for the best form that adapts him to the human body. In search of such the most correct form, the most correct amino acid composition, the virus lost one of the receptors that provided its tropicity or the ability to penetrate into the lung tissue, she said in a conversation with RIA Novosti.

According to her, by the beginning of February 2022, COVID-19 mainly affects the organs of the upper respiratory tract, causing tracheitis and bronchitis in children. Popova also noted that the severe forms of the current that were observed earlier do not cause omicron. At the same time, it remains to be seen what the complications will be after him, since too little time has passed since his arrival, she added.

We saw then that the previous options caused distant complications, very different. Therefore, here the main task of today is not to get sick, to do everything for this, - concluded the head of Rospotrebnadzor.

At the end of January 2022, the chief physician of hospital No. 40 in Kommunarka, Denis Protsenko, said that the omicron strain less causes damage to lung tissues. He called the omicron strain milder compared to previous strains of coronavirus. According to Protsenko, the most aggressive was the delta strain. The head physician admitted that the coronavirus could become a seasonal disease by the fall of 2022.

According to the Gamaleya Center, the mortality rate of omicron is 4-17 times lower than that of other variants of coronavirus. At the same time, scientists note a high degree of spread of the strain.^[19]

Rospotrebnadzor: children from COVID-19 have frostbite-like complications

In early January 2022, Rospotrebnadzor spoke about new dangerous complications that arise in children infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus. We are talking about covid fingers.

Relatively recently, scientists described the so-called "covid fingers" - a complication after covid that resembles frostbite, - Alexander Gorelov, deputy director for scientific work of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, told RIA Novosti.

"Covid fingers" - areas of redness and swelling of the tips of the fingers and toes, on which bubbles and pustules are located, which collectively resembles the picture of frostbite, while this condition, as a rule, does not bring any discomfort.

According to Izvestia, specialists from the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, about 20% of patients with COVID-19 have skin symptoms. Maria Petina, head of the Center for Diagnostics of Disorders in Patients with COVID-19, said that "covid fingers" most often occur in children and adolescents, but are also found in adults. In her opinion, the symptom occurs for two reasons: due to the reaction of the immune system and dysfunction of the endothelium - the cells responsible for creating the inner lining of the vessels.

According to Gorelov, with the development of coronavirus infection, children may have respiratory symptoms or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. There are also problems with the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system and respiratory system organs.

Alexander Gorelov also noted that pneumonia in COVID-19 develops more often in children over seven years old. Moreover, in adolescents, lung damage can be the same as in adults. Children under a year old and adolescents, as well as those who have chronic pathology or congenital defects, are the hardest to get sick, the representative of Rospotrebnadzor added.^[20]

2021

FMBA: Severe course of COVID-19 is associated with inherited differences in the structure of two immune system receptors

In mid-December 2021, the head of FMBAVeronika Skvortsova said that the severe course of the coronavirus COVID-19 is associated with inherited differences in the structure of two immune system receptors that recognize the RNA of viruses.

According to the FMBA study, the presence of alternative gene variants (or polymorphism) encoding immune system receptor proteins is associated with the severe development of coronavirus infection. Polymorphism of Toll-like receptors of type 3 and 7 is associated with a severe course of coronavirus infection. The receptors are located inside and on the surface of some blood cells and recognize other people's viral RNAs, Skvortsova said.

According to her, polymophrism of these receptors was detected in 72-86% of patients with severe COVID-19. Relatively rarely, these structural differences occur in the population, according to the FMBA leader, in 4.6% and 7.5% of cases. The distribution of the representation of structural differences in receptor genes in the population largely corresponds to the distribution of mortality from COVID-19, she explained.

The head of the FMBA also named the reason why, when infected with the "delta" -stamp of coronavirus, the disease is more severe - this is due to a mutation in the gene of the auxiliary Orf7a protein. The mutated protein acquires new properties.

Earlier, the head of the pulmonology clinic of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the FMBA of Russia, Professor Alexander Averyanov said that the immune system of 20% of patients with coronavirus infection begins to work against their own body, which leads to serious consequences, including lung damage. These patients develop disproportionate immunity, which can be compared to a certain extent with sepsis, when the immune system begins to actually work against its body, he explained.^[21]

Coronavirus causes hearing and balance disorders

In November 2021, scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities published the results of a study on the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the hearing organs. Because of this infection, patients can hear worse, and their balance may also be impaired. Due to the disease, deafness may occur or hearing may suffer - false sounds appear.

According to the researchers, this is due to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus affects the cells of the inner ear. In its tissues, scientists drew attention to two types of cells - Schwann and hair. These cells expressed proteins necessary for infection - angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease type 2 (TMPRSS2) and furin protease. Next, the researchers were able to infect these cells with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Additionally, the team created cell models -- precursors to Schwann and hair cells that also expressed ACE2, TMPRSS2 and furin. In cell models, the SARS-CoV-2 virus could infect the precursors of hair cells and, to a lesser extent, Schwann cells.

Earlier, scientists from University College London and the Royal National Committee said that some patients with coronavirus infection complained of tinnitus - ringing or tinnitus without any external reason.

In addition, the researchers pointed out that there were cases when patients with a severe course of the disease later completely lost their hearing. As an example, they cited a 45-year-old man who was being treated in a hospital, including in the intensive care unit. A week after recovering, he noticed a noise in his left ear, and later a complete sudden hearing loss. Prior to that, the patient did not experience hearing difficulties, scientists say.^[22]

Coronavirus causes paranoia and hallucinations in adolescents

At the end of October 2021, information appeared that coronavirus infection causes paranoia and hallucinations in adolescents. Three teenagers from the United States, who developed psychiatric symptoms literally in one night, help researchers from the University of California at San Francisco better understand how COVID-19 can affect the brain in young people.

The study of these three adolescents, published on October 25, 2021 in the journal JAMA Neurology, is the first to look at how rogue antibodies can attack the brains of patients in adolescence who have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. Although the study is too small to draw broad conclusions, the profiles of three adolescents shed light on coronavirus infection as a potential cause of psychiatric symptoms in young people and offer referrals for treatment and further study.

The teens were among 18 children who were admitted to Benioff Children's Hospital at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 2020. All of them were sick with COVID-19, but could be hospitalized for other reasons. Three had psychiatric symptoms. A spinal tap revealed antineuronic antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of two teenagers. But instead of attacking the viral invader, as the antibodies should, they mistakenly targeted the brain. It turned out that the coronavirus infection caused a failure in the immune system of adolescents.

One of the teenagers, this is a 16-year-old girl who, in the totality of the information obtained during a medical examination, by asking the most examined person, was identified: mild anxiety, depression and marijuana use. Before being transferred to UCSF, she was hospitalized with symptoms that were much worse: social isolation, insomnia and paranoia, including the feeling that people were following her and listening to her home, said Claire Jones, a UCSF pediatrician and co-author of the study who later treated her. At the same time, she tested positive for COVID-19. The girl was discharged, prescribing her psychiatric drugs, but the girl's paranoia nevertheless intensified. She believed that people from the hospital were following her and talked about suicide.

Because the girl's condition was not improving, doctors referred her to UCSF. There, Jones said, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain hinted at the possibility of inflammation. Plezger's lab also conducted an analysis of her cerebrospinal fluid, which revealed antineuron antibodies that attacked her brain in an autoimmune reaction. Intravenous immunoglobulin, is a low-risk treatment usually given to patients with autoimmune diseases, and doctors have tried it. It is thought to act by suppressing abnormal antibodies and she was also prescribed a systemic steroid, a strong anti-inflammatory, five days after treatment the patient developed more orderly thoughts, reduced paranoia and improved insight. A month later, her delusional ideas disappeared, though she was still experiencing mood swings and receiving medication for them, the researchers wrote.

The girl, whose symptoms improved significantly, received intravenous immunoglobulin 15 days after the onset of symptoms, while the boy received treatment about 80 days after the onset of symptoms. Based on such a small number of cases, Plège said, firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the timing of treatment.

The researchers note that they cannot say for sure whether adolescents have improved through immunotherapy, psychiatric drugs or simply over time. Dr. Serena Spudic, a neurology expert at Yale University School of Medicine who was not involved in the study, called it a compelling report that highlights the need for further research.

Psychiatric symptoms in a third teenager, who was found to have no anti-neuronal antibodies, were later explained by their free time drug use. In 2020, Plezger co-published a work dedicated to the case of a 30-year-old Connecticut man with COVID-19, who also suddenly developed psychosis and aggression. On the 35th day after the symptoms began, doctors at Yale New Haven Hospital injected him with intravenous immunoglobulin and his delusional ideas disappeared and he returned to work.

As for the 15-year-old in this study, who received less benefit from treatment, he was a very smart child and in standardized tests he was at his best, and he also had friends and played sports. Noted his mother, who asked to remain anonymous to protect the identity of his son. She said her son's symptoms appeared so early during the pandemic that her scheduled medical and psychiatric appointments had to be canceled. According to her, she believes that coronavirus infection is the cause of her son's cognitive symptoms, and is grateful to the doctors for recognizing this connection. At the moment, this patient is still being treated, her son is again trying intravenous immunoglobulin.^[23]

Rospotrebnadzor: Every third infected with coronavirus suffers from gastrointestinal problems

At the end of September 2021, Rospotrebnadzor announced that every third infected with the coronavirus COVID-19 suffers from problems with the gastrointestinal tract (GI). We are talking about the so-called "Indian" (or "delta") strain.

According to Alexander Gorelov, deputy director for scientific work of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, in the spring of 2020, gastrointestinal disorder was observed in only 2% of those infected. The expert added that the "delta" coronavirus has become dominant in Russia and around the world. In Siberia, two-thirds of the incidence is associated with this type of coronavirus, in Moscow - almost 100%.

In September 2021, Khadizhat Omarova, head of the clinical research department of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, said that the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among those infected with coronavirus reached 15%. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and appetite disorder are most commonly seen. At the same time, in the second wave of the pandemic, the number of such manifestations became somewhat less, she noted.

According to Omarova, GI disorder may be the only symptom of the disease. By September 2021, the hypothesis is being considered that the gastrointestinal tract - like the respiratory organs - can serve as an "entrance gate" for the coronavirus, said the head of the clinical research department of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor.

According to the specialist, the infection affects the digestive organs, because with the development of systemic inflammation and microcirculation disorder, the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract becomes more permeable, the specialist explained.

Under normal conditions, hydrochloric acid contained in the stomach destroys all bacteria entering it, however, with illness and stress, the acidity of the stomach decreases and it cannot normally prevent infection, Omarova summarized.^[24]

Liver lesions seen in coronavirus patients who took steroids

At the end of July 2021, Indian researchers reported that patients with COVID-19 treated with steroids developed unusually large and multiple liver abscesses after recovery.

During the second wave of COVID-19, in April-May 2021, fourteen patients after recovering from COVID-19 infection developed unusually large and multiple liver abscesses, said a doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

Chairman of the Institute of Hepatic Gastroenterology and Pancreatobiliary Sciences and doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Professor Anil Arora, said that these phenomena were observed after recovering from COVID-19 for 22 days in patients who were otherwise immunocompetent. Patients belonged to the age group from 28 to 74 years old, ten of them were men, four women. All patients experienced fever and upper abdominal pain, and three patients also developed lower GI bleeding and black stool. Professor Arora also reported that three patients with blood in their stools were found to have ulcers in their colon by colonoscopy.

Eight of these patients have previously received steroids to treat the symptoms of COVID-19. Six patients had multiple large abscesses in both lobes of the liver, of which five patients had abscesses of unusually large size (> 8 cm; largest 19 cm). Multiple abscesses affected both lobes of the liver and required drainage and hospitalization.

Thirteen of the fourteen patients recovered with antibiotic therapy, metronidazole preparations, and pus drainage from the liver. One patient with multiple large abscesses died due to massive abdominal bleeding following a ruptured abscess.^[25]

Head of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation: COVID-19 affects the lungs not in a week, but in 3 days

In July 2021, the head of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Mikhail Murashko, announced an accelerated lung injury with the coronavirus COVID-19.

If earlier we saw that lung damage developed somewhere by the sixth or seventh days, today such a pronounced lung damage may occur by the third or fourth days, the minister said, adding that this feature should be taken into account, the early start of treatment can help maintain health.

Antiviral therapy, the early start of treatment allow with minimal losses to health to get out of this disease, often and save life, the minister explained.

He stressed that the spread of the virus among the population and the course of the disease in patients accelerated.

According to Murashko, new symptoms of coronavirus infection have recently appeared. These can be intestinal manifestations or similar to sore throat manifestations.

Earlier, a virologist, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Bionanotechnology, Microbiology and Virology Laboratory of Novosibirsk State University Sergey Netesov reported about new symptoms in those infected with the delta strain of coronavirus.

Netesov pointed out that a violation of smell and taste is observed in fewer people infected with the delta, although it was these symptoms that were often observed in those infected with the alpha strain of coronavirus (Wuhan). Now patients are more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms. This is due to the fact that the coronavirus "has slightly changed the structure of the receptor-binding domain of the S-protein, and with it the specificity in relation to the cells with which it interacts," the scientist explained.

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University (Virginia, USA) Ancha Baranova confirms the rapid defeat of the lungs by the Indian strain of coronavirus.

Lung function is now falling much faster than in early 2020. The patient is admitted to the hospital with KT-2, tomorrow he is already KT-3, and the day after tomorrow he is in intensive care, "she said.[26] faster

A third of those seriously ill with COVID-19 have brain inflammation

In early July 2021, researchers from Stanford Medical University (USA) and Saarland University (Germany) report that a third of those seriously ill with COVID-19 have brain inflammation . A molecular study of the brains of people who died from COVID-19 revealed signs of inflammation and cerebrovascular accident, very similar to lesions in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

The findings may explain why many patients who have undergone COVID-19 develop neurological problems. About a third of people hospitalized with COVID-19 report forgetfulness, concentration problems and depression, and these symptoms can persist for a long time after recovery. Hearing reports of persistent neurological symptoms in some COVID-19 patients, Professor Tony Wyss-Coray became interested in how SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause problems reminiscent of the symptoms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Using an approach called single-cell RNA sequencing, scientists estimated the level of activation of thousands of different genes in cells taken from brain tissue samples from COVID-19 patients and controls.

Many of the hundreds of unnecessarily activated genes in the brains of COVID-19 patients have been linked to inflammatory processes. In addition, the researchers identified signs of distress in neurons in the cerebral cortex, which plays a key role in decision-making, memory and mathematical reasoning. Molecular changes have been observed in the outermost layers of the cortex, suggesting suppression of excitation and increased inhibition. This kind of signaling imbalance is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers suggest that COVID-19 causes inflammatory reactions throughout the body that transmit distorted signals across the blood-brain barrier and lead to inflammation of brain tissue, although the virus itself does not penetrate the barrier.^[27]

Scientists have established the cause of blood clots in patients with COVID-19

In mid-June 2021, scientists from the Royal College of Surgeons COVID-19 blood at the University of Ireland published the results of a study that showed that patients with a severe form have a imbalance between von Willebrand factor (EF), which is involved in clotting, and its regulator, called ADAMTS13. Previous studies have shown that blood clotting is one of the main causes of death in patients with COVID-19, and the data obtained can be used to prevent these complications.

Our study helps to understand the mechanisms that cause serious thrombotic events in patients with COVID-19, which is critical for the development of more effective treatments, said Dr. Jamie O'Sullivan, corresponding author of the study and lecturer at the Irish Center for Research. - Although evaluating the efficacy of therapies aimed at correcting ADAMTS13 and VWF levels in such patients requires additional clinical studies, it is critical that we continue to develop new treatments for patients with COVID-19. For many people around the world, vaccines will not be available, so we must provide effective therapy for these patients.

To understand the causes of excess thrombosis, researchers analyzed blood samples taken from COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. The concentration of EF in the blood of patients with COVID-19 was higher than in the control groups, and the activity of the ADAMTS13 that prevents blood clotting, on the contrary, is lower. In addition, the researchers identified a number of other changes in proteins that cause a decrease in ADAMTS13. Based on these data, scientists intend to create a regimen of appropriate therapy for severe patients with COVID-19.^[28]

Researchers have found out how COVID-19 enters the brain

At the end of May 2021, the results of a study were published showing that a new type of coronavirus can infect cells in the walls of small blood vessels and destabilize the barrier between the brain and the rest of the body. COVID-19 is associated with a wide range of neurological manifestations, but the etiology of neurological symptoms has not been previously studied. Now researchers can say that SARS-CoV-2 can penetrate the nervous system thanks to pericyte infection.

The researchers used modern multiplex immunological staining of human brain sections (n = 6 COVID-19 patients, mean age = 69.5 years; and n = 7 controls, mean age = 68 years). It turned out that neurological symptoms occurred exclusively in patients with moderate to high expression of ACE2 in pericytes, connective tissue cells that enter the wall of small blood vessels and capillaries. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor to infect pericytes, and the death of these cells destabilizes the blood-brain barrier and allows the virus to penetrate into it. The violation of the integrity of the barrier was also indicated by the leakage of fibringen into the cerebrospinal fluid and a decrease in the marker of the activity of PDGFRβ pericytes in those infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Viral particles were identified in the vascular wall not only in the lungs, but also in the nasal mucosa, esophagus, blood vessels and heart. This feature of the virus explains why many patients lose their sense of smell, experience disorders in the digestive and circulatory systems.

The researchers also concluded that COVID-19 causes serious disorders in the brain, including darkening consciousness, temporary memory impairment and a decrease in mental abilities. Among the possible reasons are the penetration of the virus through olfactory receptors into the nervous system and brain.^[29]

How pneumonia proceeds with coronavirus

Getting coronavirus into the body mobilizes the protective mechanisms of the immune system to fight the disease. However, in some people, an excessive activation of the immune response occurs with an uncontrolled release of proteins (cytokines), as a result of which a so-called cytokine storm develops, which can lead to damage to the patient's lungs, kidneys and heart.

Oleg Rosenberg, Head of the Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of the Russian Scientific Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies named after Academician A.M. Granova at the end of March 2020 spoke about the specifics of pneumonia in coronavirus.

According to the specialist, the main feature of COVID-19 is the speed of penetration and damage to the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia - pneumonia. At the same time, most of those infected get sick with a common acute viral disease, are treated with vitamins, antipyretic, quenching drugs and recover.

Pneumonia with coronavirus develops faster than with seasonal flu and with swine flu. The severe course of the disease is typical mainly for risk groups: people over 60 years old, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic cardiovascular failure, obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic diseases leading to a decrease in immunity. With such a load of diseases, it is much more difficult to cope with severe pneumonia, since these diseases themselves make other organs (kidneys, liver, heart) work at the limit.

Number of cases and mortality

Main article: Incidence and mortality from coronavirus COVID-19

Coronavirus drugs

Main article: Drugs from Coronavirus COVID-19

• Avifavir (COVID-19 drug)
• Areplivir (drug against coronavirus COVID-19)
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Ilsira (Biocad Levilimab)
• Coronavir (COVID-19 drug)

Antibodies and immunity to coronavirus COVID-19

• COVID-19 antibody tests
• Antibodies and immunity to coronavirus COVID-19

Recovery from illness

• Main article: Recovery from COVID-19

Postcoid syndrome

Main article: Postcoid syndrome

Epidemics in the countries of the world

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Russia

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Russia
• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Moscow and the Moscow region
• How Russian companies are participating in the fight against COVID-19

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Ukraine

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Ukraine

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Poland

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Poland

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Kazakhstan

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Kazakhstan

Coronavirus COVID-19 in the United States

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in the United States

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Germany

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Germany

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Austria

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Austria

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Britain

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Britain

Coronavirus COVID-19 in India

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in India

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Latvia

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Latvia

Coronavirus COVID-19 in Singapore

• Coronavirus COVID-19 in Singapore

The impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the economy

• The impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the Russian economy
• The impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the economies of the world

The use of new technologies in the fight against the epidemic

Drone use

Main article: Drones and drones in medicine

Using robots

Main article: Robots in Medicine

Smart glasses

Main article: Smart glasses

Epidemic Control Software

Main article: Software to combat the COVID-19 epidemic

Chronicle of the fight against the virus

2021

Panasonic confirms inhibitory effect of hydroxyl radicals contained in water on four strains of coronavirus

Panasonic Corporation on November 11, 2021 announced the confirmation of the inhibitory effect of hydroxyl radicals contained in water (nanoscale water particles obtained by electrostatic atomization) on the following strains of coronavirus type (SARS-CoV-2): Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Testing was conducted in collaboration with major Japanese research center Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center.

Many viruses mutate continuously, while some variants can significantly affect the virulence and toxicity of the virus, which, in turn, can lead to a pandemic. For November 2021, the world has seen the spread of various strains of coronavirus, four of which - Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta - have been described by the World Health Organization as "options of concern."

In July 2020, Panasonic Corporation confirmed the inhibitory effect of hydroxyl radicals in the shell from water against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Prior to this, in 2012, Panasonic, together with a third-party organization, conducted a virus removal test and confirmed the effectiveness of each of the four categories in terms of biological characteristics. Based on this result, Panasonic reported that the technology of "hydroxyl radicals contained in water" can be expected to have an inhibitory effect on the latest viruses, including strains of a new type of coronavirus. The company has implemented new testing that takes into account the current state of the spread of coronavirus infection.

In the last study, the titers of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its four strains (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta) were tested in comparison in a test space of 45 liters with and without exposure to hydroxyl radicals in a water shell.

As a result, testing confirmed an overwhelming effect of more than 99% on all five types of viruses after two hours of exposure. It is specified that the supporting results are based on research in a closed laboratory environment, and not in an open, actually used space.

Panasonic will continue to study the potential of the "hydroxyl radicals contained in water" technology and confirm its various socially significant effects.

Study details:

• Organization: Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center
• Period: September 2021
• Items: a new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its four strains (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta)
• Equipment: hydroxyl radical generator in water shell
• Method:
  • A generator of hydroxyl radicals contained in water was installed 10 cm above the floor in a 45 L test space.
  • A piece of gauze impregnated with a virus-containing solution was placed in a petri dish and exposed to "hydroxyl radicals contained in water" for 2 hours.
  • Virus infection titer was measured and used to calculate the degree of inhibition.

• Results:

A decrease in the titer of viral infection by more than 99% in relation to four strains of a new type of coronavirus through the use of the technology of "hydroxyl radicals contained in water" has been confirmed.

The technology of "hydroxyl radicals contained in water" has demonstrated a similar inhibition trend for both a new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and four of its strains.

Шаблон:Quote 'author = said Osaka Prefecture University professor Masafumi Mukamoto regarding research findings.

Vietnamese given record 5 years in prison for spreading coronavirus

In early September 2021, it was reported that the Vietnamese was sentenced to a record five years in prison for spreading the COVID-19 virus after he violated home quarantine rules. Read more here.

Pakistani citizens who refused vaccination began to block phones

In mid-June 2021, the Government of Punjab (Pakistan) announced that it would block the mobile phones of citizens who refuse vaccination against COVID-19. Read more here.

Switzerland and WHO launch global repository to study pathogens

At the end of May 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the launch of a global repository to study pathogens. We are talking about a project called BioHub, which is designed to jointly study viruses and develop methods to combat them all countries of the world. First of all, the initiative was launched in order to counter the spread of COVID-19. Read more here.

2020

Medtronic and Medtronic Foundation donations to fight COVID-19 pandemic exceed $46 million

and the Medtronic Medtronic Foundation announced the allocation of additional funds in the amount of 3.8 million, dollars which will be aimed at supporting and protecting medical workers, providing operational assistance, psychological support and food assistance to needy organizations and communities in connection with the further increase in the COVID-19 pandemic and the trend towards food shortages. This became known in 2020. Thus, the total amount of donations from the company aimed at providing assistance in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic exceeded $46 million. More. here

Siemens AG established a fund to combat COVID-19

On April 15, 2020, it became known that the board of Siemens AG decided to establish a fund to combat COVID-19. Read more here.

Microsoft invests $20 million to fight Microsoft with AI

On April 9, 2020, Microsoft announced that it would invest $20 million to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus under the AI for Health program, which aims to provide companies, nonprofits and healthcare scientists with access to artificial intelligence tools, cloud computing and other necessary resources. The company decided to expand the program to help those who are looking for funds to combat one of the most important problems of our time - the COVID-19 coronavirus. Read more here.

Intel allocated $50 million as part of a technology initiative to combat coronavirus

On April 7, 2020, it became known that Intel will allocate an additional $50 million as part of a technology initiative to combat coronavirus, which is to accelerate access to technology in hospitals, develop research, and provide students and teachers with tools for online learning. The Enhanced Initiative includes an additional innovation fund for cases where access to Intel's expertise and resources can deliver immediate impact. Measures are being taken in addition to previously announced donations totaling $10 million allocated to support the regions of active presence at this critical time. Read more here.

Mindray will supply 10 thousand medical devices to Italy to help patients with COVID-19

On April 6, 2020, Zdrav.Expert learned that Mindray, a provider of medical devices and solutions, received a contract from the Italian government for the supply of about 10,000 medical devices for monitoring and treating patients with COVID-19. Read more here.

EU is working on a standard for tracing contacts with patients with COVID-19

On April 2, 2020, it became known that a group the European of scientists and specialists in the field of digital technologies, led by experts, are Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute for Telecoms (HHI) Germany working on a that does not violate technology for tracing close contacts with infected COVID-19 the laws on European Union. data protection Read more. here

Promobot introduced terminals for the prevention of coronavirus

At the end  of March 2020, Russian robot manufacturer Promobot demonstrated Thermocontrol terminals to help prevent the COVID-19 coronavirus. The equipment measures the temperature of a person with an accuracy of 0.2 degrees. Read more here.

Telecom operators will transmit geolocation data to EC as part of the fight against COVID-19

On March 26, 2020, it became known that the telecommunications companies Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, Telecom Italia, Telenor, Telia and A1 Telekom Austria agreed to provide the European Commission with geolocation data from mobile devices of their subscribers as part of the fight against the spread of coronavirus.

In order to protect privacy, the European Commission will receive data in anonymous form. Reportedly, this data will be used to coordinate measures to track the spread of coronavirus. The EC does not plan to either centralize data from mobile devices or violate the right of citizens to privacy, and when the crisis passes, all data will be deleted.

The Commission must clearly identify which dataset it wants to obtain and ensure transparency to the public to avoid possible misunderstandings. It would also be preferable to restrict access to the data and provide it only to authorized specialists in geographical epidemiology, data protection and data analysis, reported by European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Wojciech Wiewiorowski

However, Vievjorowski also expressed concern that the provision of geolocation data by telecommunications companies could become normal practice after the quarantine is completed.

Шаблон:Quote 'author = stressed Vievjorowski' As the EDPS emphasizes, such measures usually do not provide for their rejection after the situation normalizes. I would like to emphasize that such a decision still needs to be considered emergency,

As previously reported, he Securitylab also expressed concerns about the continuation of mass surveillance after the end of the crisis. Edward Snowden According to the former employee, CIA temporary measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, including the use of tracking technologies, may become permanent.

As of March 2020, governments of information technology different countries are being used to combat the spread of coronavirus. For example, Ministry of Health Israel it has released an application that allows detecting possible contacts with infected people from geolocation data, and the authorities Iran massively monitor the location of their citizens through the information application about. COVID-19 The authorities USA are also considering tracking the movements of citizens in order to monitor the spread of coronavirus^[30]

Holographic buttons appeared in elevators

At the end of March 2020, the technology company Easpeed, based near Shanghai, received more than 100 orders for panels with holographic buttons for elevators. Thus, Chinese citizens are trying to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus through contact transmission routes. Read more here.

How coronavirus turns telemedicine into the main treatment tool

By mid-March March 2020, IT directors health care in the field are trying to expand their use telemedicine to solve problems associated with the rapidly growing threat of a pandemic. Covid-19 More. here

Israeli government approves initiative to track citizens' phones without court order

On March 15, 2020, the government Israel approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initiative to use anti-terrorist measures to combat the spread. coronavirus The government reportedly agreed to allow the Shin Bet counterintelligence service to massively track citizens' phones without a court warrant. The final decision on the introduction of this measure will be made by the Knesset subcommittee on special services. More. here

Hospitals in Italy began to purchase 3D-printed devices

In mid-March 2020, hospitals in the northern part Italy began to purchase devices printed to save 3D printer patients. coronavirus More. here

WHO urges to switch to contactless payments due to coronavirus

On March 5, 2020, it became known that it World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that consumers avoid contact with banknotes and switch to to prevent contactless payments distribution. coronavirus COVID-19

WHO issued this recommendation after China and Korea began to separate in cash cash flow used banknotes, which are known to carry viruses and bacteria, and disinfect them.

In 2017, a study of used banknotes in New York identified 397 different types of bacteria on their surfaces.

We know that money often changes hands and can collect all kinds of bacteria and viruses. We advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes and try not to touch their front side. If possible, it is advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of the spread of infection.[31]

How video surveillance system helped China quickly cope with the epidemic

China was able to create an effective system not only to identify carriers of COVID-19, but also to identify the contact as a result of which a person fell ill. For example, in Wuhan in February 2020, more than 1,800 teams of professional epidemiologists of at least five people each operate at the same time, including at least two epidemiologists, a laboratory calculator and at least one police representative.

These teams visually offline and through the mobile surveillance system track tens of thousands of contacts in Wuhan every day. After it is possible to establish the presence of coronavirus in a particular citizen, the video surveillance system in the city in a matter of minutes allows not only to label the patient on video from all outdoor surveillance cameras, but also to establish contact persons. After establishing contact persons, team members, usually police representatives, turn to databases and find out the place of residence, as well as the phones of citizens in contact with the patient and warn them about the need for self-isolation with a visit to a doctor if necessary. According to available data, from 1% to 5% of contacts with the patient receive COVID-19, and in an unidentified proportion of contacts COVID-19 is asymptomatic.

Similar work is unfolding in other regions of China. For example, in Shenzheng, all 100% of contactees were recognized for 2842 infected. Thanks to this, it was possible to establish that only 2.8% as a result of contacts were infected and fell ill with COVID-19. In Sichuan province, 99% of contacts are identified. At the same time, slightly less than 1% are infected as a result of contacts. In Guangdong, all contacts of 9939 cases were identified. In this province, COVID-19 fell ill as a result of contacts 4.8%.

Chinese mass retailers launch courier robots to deliver orders due to coronavirus

At the end of February 2020, Chinese retailers began to massively launch order delivery robots to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Read more here.

How COVID-19 was investigated: people, mice, monkeys

On 30 Dec 2019, three bronchoalvial samples were received from a patient with pneumonia with an unknown etiology close to the virus identified during the SARS 2002-2003 outbreak at Wuhan Jinuntan Hospital. Positive samples for pan-beta coronavirus were obtained. After working with the samples, the main sequences of the genome of this type of virus were isolated.

Bioinformatic studies have indicated that the isolated virus has features typical of the coronavirus family, and specifically belongs to the species Betacoronaviruses of 2V origin. A study of the complete sequence of the COVID-19 genome and other available Betacoronavirus genomes showed that the isolated virus is closest to the bat virus, known as SARS coronavirus BatCov RaTG13 with an identity of 96%.

Viral isolation was carried out through various cell lines, including human airway epitheliocytes Vero E6 and Xa7. Cytopathic effects were observed 96 hours after vaccination. The cellular invasive capacity of isolated viruses was completely neutralized by serum collected from recovering patients.

Transgenic human Ace2 mice and rhesus monkeys, as a result of infection with the above virus, received rapidly developing multifocal pneumonia with intracanular hyperplasma. The COVID-19 virus was subsequently detected and isolated in the lungs and intestinal tissues of these animals.

A holistic analysis of the ordered genome of 104 strains of COVID-19 obtained from various symptomatic patients between late December 2019 and mid-February 2020 showed a similarity of samples taken from patients with 99.9% compliance without a significant mutation.

Post-mortem samples taken from a patient from Wuhan - a 50-year-old man - were obtained from the lung, liver and heart. Histological examination showed two-sided diffuse alveolar damage with cellular fibrous-like exudates. The lung showed obvious exfoliation of pneumocytes and hyaline membrane formation, indicating acute respiratory dysstress syndrome (ARDS). Lung tissue also showed cellular and fibroslysis-like exudation, pneumocyte exfoliation and pulmonary edema. Intracanular mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates were seen in both lungs. Multinucleated cells with atypical enlarged pneumocytes characterized by large amphiphilic granular cytoplasm nuclei and prominent nuclei have been identified at intraalveolar sites, showing viral as if cytopathic changes.

No apparent intranuclear or intracytoplasmic viral additional inclusions have been identified.

See also

• Zika virus

Notes