ADITYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

(An Autonomous institute)

(Approved by AICTE, Permanently Affiliated to JNTUGV Vizianagaram,
Accredited by NBA&NAAC A+
TEKKALI ANDHRA PRADESH
2024

A Project report
On
(CORONA VIRUS)COVID -19
Submitted unfulfilment of the requirements for

Professional Communication Skills Lab

By
MUDDA LALITHA 22A51A0105

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING

ADITYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

 (An Autonomous institute)
(Approved by AICTE, Permanently Affiliated to JNTU Vizianagaram, Accredited by
NBA&NAAC A+
Recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) & 12(B))
TEKKALI ANDHRA PRADESH
2024

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project on social issue entitled “CORONA VIRUS”
is a bonafide work done by MUDDA LALITHA, Reg no:22A51A0105,to fulfil
the requirements for the Professional Communication skills lab of 3rd YEAR
B.TECH. 2nd semester in Civil Engineering for the academic year 2024.

Signature of Faculty Signature of HOD

Dr.P.PRASANTHAM DR.DINAKAR Ph.D
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is indeed with a great sense of pleasure and immense sense of

gratitude that we acknowledge the help of these individuals. I Am
highly indebted of Director Prof V.NAGESWARA RAO and
principal DR.A.S.SRINIVAS RAO. Forth facilities provided to
accomplish this project report. We would like to thank our head of the
department DR.DINAKAR for his constructive criticism throughout
the project. We feel elated in manifesting our sense of gratitude to our
guide

Dr.P.PRASANTHAM for his valuable guidance. He has been a

constant source of inspiration for us and we are thankful to him for
him support and in valuable advice we are extremely grateful my
department staff members, lab technicians and non-teaching staff
members for their extreme help throughout project.
Finally, I express my heartfelt thanks to all my friends who helped in
successful completion of this project.
BY,
MUDDA LALITHA 22A51A0105
 PROJECT REPORT ON CORONA VIRUS:

Title: CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)

MUDDA LALITHA
B Tech 3rd year
Department of CIVIL
Roll no: 22A51A0105

ABSTACTION:
Aim
To provide an overview of Coronavirus, its impact, and implications.

Method
Literature review and analysis of scientific studies, WHO reports, and global
health data.

Results
1. Global Pandemic: COVID-19 spread to 220+ countries, infecting 600M+
people.
2. Mortality Rate: 6.5% global mortality rate (varies by age, health conditions).
3. Economic Impact: Estimated $3.2 trillion loss in global GDP.
4. Vaccination Efforts: Multiple vaccines developed, distributed, and
administered.

Discussion
1. Transmission: Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets, contact.
2. Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue.
3. High-Risk Groups: Elderly, immunocompromised, healthcare workers.
4. Public Health Measures: Social distancing, masks, travel restrictions.
5. Vaccine Efficacy: Varied effectiveness across vaccines, populations.

Limitations
1. Data Quality: Underreporting, inconsistent data.
2. Vaccine Access: Disparities in distribution, affordability.
3. Mutations: Emerging variants affect vaccine efficacy.

Suggestions
1. Global Coordination: Enhanced international collaboration.
2. Vaccine Equity: Ensure access for low-income countries.
3. Public Awareness: Continuous education on prevention, vaccination.
4. Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in capacity building.

Keywords
1. COVID-19
2. SARS-CoV-2
3. Coronavirus
4. Pandemic
5. Vaccination
6. Public Health
7. Epidemiology
8. Virology
9. Global Health
10. Infectious
Diseases References
1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). COVID-19.
3. The Lancet. (2020). The origin, transmission and clinical therapies on
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
4. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). (2020). COVID-19: A
Review.
CONTENTS:
-Introduction
- What is Coronavirus?
- Global Impact
- Cases and Death
- Symptoms
- Transmission
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Economic Impact
- Vaccination
INTRODUCTION:
Corona Virus which is commonly known as COVID-19 is an
infectious disease that causes illness in the respiratory system
in humans. The term Covid 19 is sort of an acronym, derived
from “Novel Corona Virus Disease 2019”. Corona Virus has
affected our day to day life. This pandemic has affected
millions of peoples, who are either sick or are being killed due
to the spread of this disease.

COVID-19 is a new virus that is impacting the whole world badly

as it is spreading primarily through contact with the person. It is
spread from person to person among those in close contact
within 6 feet. Most of the countries have slowed down their
manufacturing of the products.

The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus

pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with
an outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
It spread to other areas of Asia, and then worldwide in early
2020.
WHAT IS CORONA VIRUS?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different
kinds, and some cause disease. A coronavirus identified in
2019, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of respiratory
illness, called COVID-19.

How did the coronavirus start?

The first case of COVID-19 was reported Dec. 1, 2019, and the
cause was a then-new coronavirus later named SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in an animal and changed
(mutated) so it could cause illness in humans. In the past,
several infectious disease outbreaks have been traced to
viruses originating in birds, pigs, bats and other animals that
mutated to become dangerous to humans. Research continues,
and more study may reveal how and why the coronavirus
evolved to cause pandemic disease.

How does the coronavirus spread?

As of now, researchers know that the coronavirus is spread

through droplets and virus particles released into the air when
an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs or
sneezes. Larger droplets may
fall to the ground in a few seconds, but tiny infectious particles
can linger in the air and accumulate in indoor places, especially
where many people are gathered and there is poor ventilation.
This is why mask- wearing, hand hygiene and physical
distancing are essential to preventing COVID-19.

GLOBAL IMPACT DUE TO CORONA VIRUS:

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been profound,

touching nearly every aspect of life across the world. Below are some
key areas of impact:

1. Public Health

 Infections and Deaths: COVID-19 caused millions of infections

and deaths worldwide. The pandemic strained healthcare
systems, overwhelmed hospitals, and disrupted regular medical
care. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those
with pre-existing conditions, were particularly at risk.
 Mental Health: The pandemic led to widespread mental
health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress,
exacerbated by social isolation, loss of income, and
uncertainty about the future.

2. Economic Impact

 Global Recession: The pandemic triggered a global economic

downturn, with major economies entering recessions.
Businesses, particularly in hospitality, tourism, and retail
sectors, faced closures, layoffs, and bankruptcies. Supply chains
were disrupted, and trade volumes fell.
 Unemployment: Unemployment rates spiked worldwide, with
millions losing jobs due to business closures and economic
slowdowns. Informal workers, such as those in gig economies
or in developing countries, were especially vulnerable.
  Government Spending and Debt: Governments introduced
stimulus packages, but the resulting debt has raised concerns
about future economic stability. Some countries faced severe
fiscal constraints, leading to economic inequalities.

3. Social Impact

 Education: School closures affected millions of students

worldwide. The transition to online learning highlighted the
digital divide, with many students lacking access to necessary
technology or a conducive learning environment at home. In-
person education resumed with mixed success in many
places.
 Social Inequalities: The pandemic exacerbated existing
inequalities. People from lower-income backgrounds,
minorities, and rural areas faced greater challenges in accessing
healthcare, education, and social support. Women, especially in
some regions, faced disproportionate impacts in terms of
economic loss and increased caregiving burdens.

4. Political Impact

 Government Response and Public Trust: The pandemic tested

governments' ability to manage crises. In some countries, the
lack of preparedness or inconsistent responses undermined
public trust. There were significant differences in how nations
handled lockdowns, health measures, and vaccination
campaigns.
 Political Unrest: In some nations, the pandemic led to political
instability, protests, and dissatisfaction with government
responses. Economic hardship and frustrations over restrictions
fueled social unrest.
5. Global Health Systems and Infrastructure

 Healthcare System Strain: Healthcare systems, particularly in

countries with limited resources, were stretched to their
limits. There was a shortage of medical supplies, hospital beds,
and healthcare workers, as they faced rising numbers of
patients needing critical care.
 Vaccine Development and Distribution: The pandemic
prompted unprecedented collaboration in vaccine
development, leading to the creation of multiple effective
vaccines in record time. However, there were challenges in
distributing vaccines globally, with disparities between wealthy
and low-income nations.

6. Scientific and Technological Advancements

 Acceleration of Innovation: The pandemic accelerated

technological adoption in various sectors. Remote work, digital
learning, e-commerce, telemedicine, and virtual events became
the norm. In the scientific realm, vaccine development saw
incredible advances in mRNA technology and global
cooperation.
 New Frontiers in Public Health: The pandemic led to
breakthroughs in public health surveillance, testing
technologies, and international collaboration for health
initiatives. There was also a push for better preparedness for
future pandemics.

7. Environmental Impact

 Reduced Pollution: Lockdowns led to a temporary decrease in

pollution levels as industries and transport networks slowed.
Air quality improved in many cities, providing a glimpse of
potential environmental benefits from reduced human activity.
  Impact on Climate Change: While emissions briefly dropped
during the pandemic, long-term impacts on climate change
were limited. The pandemic delayed some climate change
mitigation efforts and shifted attention away from
environmental policies in many countries.

8. Global Relationships

 Geopolitical Tensions: The pandemic strained international

relations in several areas, including the handling of supply
chains and the availability of medical resources. There were
tensions over the origins of the virus, competition for medical
supplies, and uneven distribution of vaccines.
 International Cooperation: While the pandemic caused some
geopolitical rifts, it also highlighted the importance of global
cooperation. International organizations, like the WHO, and
initiatives like COVAX, aimed to share resources and
knowledge.

9. Cultural Impact

 Changes in Lifestyle: Social distancing measures and lockdowns

led to significant changes in people's day-to-day lives. People
spent more time at home, leading to changes in leisure
activities, shopping habits, and family dynamics. Social and
cultural events, like festivals, concerts, and sports events, were
canceled or moved online.
 Digital Transformation: There was a massive shift toward
digitalization, with a greater reliance on digital media, online
communication, and entertainment. Virtual events and social
interactions became the new norm for many.
10. Long-term Consequences

 Economic Recovery: While many economies are recovering,

the speed of recovery remains uneven across regions. Some
countries are bouncing back faster, while others continue to
face severe economic challenges.
 Shift in Work Culture: The pandemic may lead to lasting
changes in how people work, including more remote work,
flexible hours, and digital collaboration.
 Pandemic Preparedness: The global response to COVID-19 has
led to reforms in pandemic preparedness. Governments and
organizations are likely to invest more in global health
infrastructure, monitoring systems, and emergency planning.
Global COVID-19 Cases

1. Total Cases: 643 million+

2. Total Deaths: 6.9 million+
3. Active Cases: 10 million+
4. Recovered: 623

million+ India COVID-

19 Cases

1. Total Cases: 44.7 million+

2. Total Deaths: 530,000+
3. Active Cases: 10,000+
4. Recovered: 43.9

million+ COVID-19 Case

Breakdown

1. Mild Cases: 80-90%

2. Severe Cases: 10-20%
3. Critical Cases: 5-10%

virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most commonly

through the air in tiny droplets of fluid between people
in close contact. Many people with COVID-19 have no
symptoms or mild illness.
But for older adults and people with certain medical
conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care
in the hospital or death.

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps

prevent serious illness, the need for hospital care due
to COVID-19 and death from COVID-19. Other ways that
may help prevent the spread of this coronavirus
includes good indoor air flow, physical distancing,
wearing a mask in the right setting and good hygiene.

Medicine can limit the seriousness of the viral infection.

Most people recover without long-term effects, but some
people have symptoms that continue for months.
Symptoms

Typical COVID-19 symptoms often show up 2 to 14 days after contact with

the virus. Symptoms can include:

 Dry cough.
 Shortness of breath.
 Loss of taste or smell.
 Extreme tiredness, called fatigue.

 Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting or loose stools, called

diarrhea.
 Pain, such as headaches and body or muscle aches.
 Fever or chills.
 Cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose or sore throat.

People may only have a few symptoms or none. People who have no
symptoms but test positive for COVID-19 are called asymptomatic. For
example, many children who test positive don't have symptoms of
COVID-19 illness. People who go on to have symptoms are considered
presymptomatic. Both groups can still
spread COVID-19 to others.

Some people may have symptoms that get worse about 7 to 14 days after
symptoms start.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. But COVID-
19 can cause serious medical complications and lead to death. Older adults
or people who already have medical conditions are at greater risk of serious
illness.

COVID-19 may be a mild, moderate, severe or critical illness.

 In broad terms, mild COVID-19 doesn't affect the ability of the lungs to
get oxygen to the body.
 In moderate COVID-19 illness, the lungs also work properly but there are
signs that the infection is deep in the lungs.
 Severe COVID-19 means that the lungs don't work correctly, and the
person needs oxygen and other medical help in the hospital.
 Critical COVID-19 illness means the lung and breathing system, called the
respiratory system, has failed and there is damage throughout the body.

Rarely, people who catch the coronavirus can develop a group of

symptoms linked to inflamed organs or tissues. The illness is called
multisystem inflammatory
z
syndrome. When children have this illness, it is called multisystem
inflammatory syndrome in children, shortened to MIS-C. In adults, the name
is MIS-A.

When to see a doctor

Contact a healthcare professional if you test positive for COVID-19. If

you have symptoms and need to test for COVID-19, or you've been
exposed to someone with COVID-19, a healthcare professional can
help.

People who are at high risk of serious illness may get medicine to block
the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the body. Or your healthcare team
may plan regular checks to monitor your health.

Get emergency help right away for any of these symptoms:

 Can't catch your breath or have problems breathing.

 Skin, lips or nail beds that are pale, gray or blue.
 New confusion.
 Trouble staying awake or waking up.

 Chest pain or pressure that is constant.

Causes

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory

syndrome coronavirus 2, also called SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus spreads mainly from person to person, even from

someone who is infected but has no symptoms. When people with
COVID-19 cough, sneeze, breathe, sing or talk, their breath may be
infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The coronavirus carried by a person's breath can land directly on the

face of a nearby person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. The
droplets or particles the infected person breathes out could possibly be
breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with
low air flow. And a person may touch a surface that has respiratory
droplets and then touch their face with hands that have the coronavirus
on them.

It's possible to get COVID-19 more than once.

 Over time, the body's defense against the COVID-19 virus can fade.
  A person may be exposed to so much of the virus that it breaks through
their immune defense.
 As a virus infects a group of people, the virus copies itself. During this
process, the genetic code can randomly change in each copy. The changes
are called mutations. If the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 changes in
ways that make previous infections or vaccination less effective at
preventing infection, people can get sick again.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect some pets. Cats, dogs, hamsters
and ferrets have caught this coronavirus and had symptoms. It's rare
for a person to get COVID-19 from a pet.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for COVID-19 are:

 If someone you live with has COVID-19.

 If you spend time in places with poor air flow and a higher number of
people when the virus is spreading.
 If you spend more than 30 minutes in close contact with someone who has
COVID-19.

Many factors affect your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19.
How long you are in contact, if the space has good air flow and your
activities all affect the risk. Also, if you or others wear masks, if someone
has COVID-19 symptoms and how close you are affects your risk. Close
contact includes sitting and talking next to one another, for example, or
sharing a car or bedroom.

It seems to be rare for people to catch the virus that causes COVID-19 from
an infected surface. While the virus is shed in waste, called stool, COVID-
19 infection from places such as a public bathroom is not common.

Serious COVID-19 illness risk factors

Some people are at a higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness than others.
This includes people age 65 and older as well as babies younger than 6
months. Those age groups have the highest risk of needing hospital care
for COVID-19.

Not every risk factor for serious COVID-19 illness is known. People of all ages
who have no other medical issues have needed hospital care for COVID-19.

Known risk factors for serious illness include people who have not gotten a
COVID- 19 vaccine. Serious illness also is a higher risk for people who
have:

 Sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

  Serious heart diseases and possibly high blood pressure.
 Chronic kidney, liver or lung diseases.

People with dementia or Alzheimer's also are at higher risk, as are people
with brain and nervous system conditions such as stroke. Smoking
increases the risk of serious COVID-19 illness. And people with a body
mass index in the overweight category or obese category may have a
higher risk as well.

Other medical conditions that may raise the risk of serious illness from
COVID- 19 include:

 Cancer or a history of cancer.

 Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

 Weakened immune system from solid organ transplants or bone marrow
transplants, some medicines, or HIV.

 Pregnancy.

This list is not complete. Factors linked to a health issue may raise the risk of
serious COVID-19 illness too. Examples are a medical condition where
people live in a group home, or lack of access to medical care. Also,
people with more than one health issue, or people of older age who also
have health issues have a higher chance of severe illness.

Complications

Complications of COVID-19 include long-term loss of taste and smell, skin

rashes, and sores. The illness can cause trouble breathing or pneumonia.
Medical issues a person already manages may get worse.

Complications of severe COVID-19 illness can include:

 Acute respiratory distress syndrome, when the body's organs do not

get enough oxygen.

 Shock caused by the infection or heart problems.

 Overreaction of the immune system, called the inflammatory response.
 Blood clots.
 Kidney injury.
 Transmission of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 can spread through both direct means (droplet and human-to-human transmission)
and by indirect contact (contaminated objects and airborne contagion). Meanwhile personal
protective equipment (PPE) could also be the source of airborne infections . As mentioned
before, person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 is supposed to occur mainly via respiratory
droplets, when a patient coughs, sneezes, or even talks or sings. Droplets typically cannot
traverse more than six feet (almost two meters) and remain in the air for a limited time.
However, SARS-CoV-2 remains intact and contagious in droplets (less than five microns in
diameter) and can be suspended in the air for up to three hours .
Therefore, airborne isolation, room ventilation, and appropriate application of disinfectant
(especially in toilets) might restrict aerosol spread of the virus .

COVID-19 can occur if a person touches a surface contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, and then the
hands come into direct contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth .
Thus, sufficient washing of hands with soap and water or hand sanitizers is recommended.

The reported contagion rates from a patient with symptomatic infection vary by location and
efficiency of infection control measures. Based on a joint WHO-China report, the rate of
secondary COVID-19 infection ranged from one to five percent among tens of thousands of
confirmed patients in China .

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic individuals (or individuals within the
incubation period), without any radiological findings, has also been reported . Therefore,
there is a need for improvements in rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods for detecting
infected individuals.

In a study on four hospital staff who became infected, although each patient had at least two
negative tests, the RT-PCR was still positive from 5 to 13 days after being discharged . Also,
viral shedding in the stool likely occurs up for to five weeks (the longest time of shedding
was 37 days and in deceased patients until the moment of death) with a mean of 11.2 days
after the respiratory tract test was negative . So, because SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted
from recovered patients, it is wise to change the current discharge criteria. The current
discharge criteria are as follows:

(1) Two consecutive RT-PCR negative results in at least a 24 h interval; (2) Complete
resolution of the patient's acute exudative pulmonary lesions on chest Computed
Tomography (CT) examination; (3) Normalization of temperature for over 72 h; and (4)
Resolution of the patient's respiratory symptoms .

Although SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been discovered in blood and stool samples and living
SARS-CoV-2 has been cultured from stool in some COVID-19 patients , a joint WHO-China
report indicated that fecal-oral transmission route did not appear to be an important factor in
the spread of infection .

It should be mentioned that a study of semen and testicular specimens of COVID-19 patients
suggested that SARS-CoV-2 could not be transmitted through sexual contact .

As pregnant women are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19, investigating the possible
vertical transmission of COVID-19 is important. An infant delivered from an affected mother
was reported to test negative for seven duplicate samples of neonatal blood, stool, and
oropharynx ; however, recent studies showed immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to SARS-
CoV-2 were present in newborn infant blood; so, possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from
mother to fetus could not be ruled out .

Although it is unknown whether the SARS-CoV-2 was transmitted from infected animals
(civet cat, snake, or other species) to humans at the Huanan seafood market or not, there is a
clear possibility for animal-to-human transmission . Ferrets, cats, dogs, and other
domesticated animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 . It has been demonstrated that cats can
be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and transmit it to other cats. Nevertheless, it is not yet clear if
cats can transmit the virus to their owners; so at present this not a problem for cat owners.
Moreover, ducks, pigs, chickens, and dogs are not likely to be infected. However, it should
be mentioned that a German shepherd pet dog died (the cause of death could not be
determined as the owner declined to conduct an autopsy) two days after the owner was in
COVID-19 quarantine . So, possible animal-to-human transmission of the virus must be
taken into account.

Based on the above-mentioned evidence, transmission of the virus could be more

complicated than that seen in previous pandemics. The virus is highly contagious, and there
is no successful treatment or a vaccine. Also, a relatively long incubation period, presence of
asymptomatic patients, and continued viral shedding after recovery all underline the
importance of home quarantine through lockdown of the entire society like the Chinese
government carried out .
6.
Temperature and humidity and SARS-CoV-2
infection

One study investigated the relationship between the mean daily average temperature and the
average rate of increase of new patients with COVID-19. Five countries (Iran, Italy,
Germany, Spain, and United States) were studied. To minimize the impact of confounding
factors like the imposition of government measures or cultural differences between these
countries, different areas in each country were compared separately. The results of this study
found that in all studied areas, a significant difference in the average daily air temperature
between the two regions was associated with a substantial difference in the daily average
cumulative rate of new patients in those two regions .

In addition, the average temperature and humidity of infected cities were found to be 5 °C to
11 °C and 47 to 79%, respectively, and the optimum temperature and humidity for the
survival of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro were 4 °C and 20 to 80%, respectively. Also, the average
temperature in the contaminated cities was never below zero degrees Celsius. Additionally,
the virus spread in the latitude corridor was 30 to 50°north (South Korea, Japan, Iran, and
North Italy). Furthermore, at this time, the SARS-CoV-2 had not been able to spread quickly
in southern China .

Although the above-mentioned reports suggest a relationship between temperature and the
distribution of the virus, comparing the global climate and COVID-19 distribution maps [50],
it could be concluded that there was no significant relationship between temperature,
humidity, and the virus distribution.
7.
Preventive approaches

The WHO has stated that education, isolation, prevention, controlling the transmission,
and treatment of infected persons are the critical steps in controlling contagious diseases
like COVID-19 . It is possible to minimize the spread of infection by making the following
recommendations.

Staying at home (home quarantine) and avoiding any direct contact with any healthy
(possible asymptomatic patients) or infected person, which has been called shielding;
avoiding nonessential travel; observing social distancing rules like avoiding crowded public
places and maintaining at least two meters of distance between each person, especially if
they are coughing or sneezing; avoiding shaking hands when greeting others; frequently
washing hands for at least 20 s with soap and water or hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol, especially after touching common surface areas, using the bathroom, or shaking
hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; and disinfecting
surfaces using household sprays or wipes.

It should be mentioned that due to the long incubation period and presence of asymptomatic
patients, using a medical mask (especially N95) or a respirator (especially FFP3) could be
recommended. Also, sterilizing the used respirator, only reusing it for a limited time, and
proper disposal of the used masks, have been recommended. Although respirators (the
protective classes, including FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 are produced as single-use items, they
could be used again for a limited time unless there is a risk for contamination through the
deposition of infectious particles on the surface . When the respirator becomes soiled or wet
with bodily fluids or it can no longer be appropriately fitted, or if breathing via the respirator
becomes difficult, it should be discarded. Also, masks should be discarded after being used
during an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP). Until now, manufacturers have had no reason
to disinfect masks or to produce masks for repeated use. However, there is a vital need to be
able to disinfect masks and reuse them. SARS-CoV-2 remains viable in the environment,
including on the surface of different materials like cardboard, iron, or tissue for some time.
This suggests that there is a risk for rapid contamination of the outer surface of respirators
and surgical masks. Contamination of the respirator surface could be prevented through
placing a medical mask over it, or wearing a face shield that can be cleaned. Because of the
severe contamination of respirators and surgical masks in the COVID-19 pandemic, several
methods could be considered for the sterilization of used masks, including steam, hydrogen
peroxide, or radiation.

Besides, the use of medical shields or wearing protective suits is recommended, especially
for health care workers. It should be mentioned that wearing gloves in public is not an
adequate protection against COVID-19, because gloves can easily be contaminated. So,
frequent washing of hands is the best way to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection .

A study in six departments of a hospital in Wuhan, China demonstrated that the use of N95
masks, disinfectants, and handwashing by doctors and nurses were effective in preventing
against COVID-19 infection .

In terms of vaccines, there are a large number of vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV,
MERS-CoV being tested in animals, including a live-attenuated virus, viral vectors,
inactivated virus, subunit vaccines, recombinant DNA, and proteins vaccines (1 1 6).
Although, until now, there has not been any approved vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, several
clinical trials have been launched for testing the effects of various vaccines against SARS-
CoV-2.

What type of vaccine is COVID?

The main types of COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. or
being studied include: Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. This type of
vaccine gives your cells instructions for how to make the S protein found
on the surface of the COVID- 19 virus.