Difference Between Coronavirus and Pneumonia

Question

While many argue that Coronavirus and Pneumonia shares very similar symptoms, there are a number of striking differences between these two viral disease. In discussing the difference between coronavirus and pneumonia, let’s start by discussing what coronavirus is.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae) are a family of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. Their name comes from the similarity of the viral particles with the solar corona in an electron microscope examination.

Coronaviruses rank second after rhinoviruses as causative agents of cold and flu. In humans, these viruses cause respiratory infections, which are usually mild, including the common cold. Humans are usually infected with human Coronaviruses 229 E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. However, there are also more rare forms, causing serious illness. Such are the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), the novel Coronavirus (nCoV) which was first reported in humans in China (Wuhan) on December 31, 2019, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses can be transmitted between animals and humans. Surveys have shown that the SARS-CoV has been transmitted to humans from civet cats, the MERS-CoV – from the Arabian camel.

The entrance to infectious particles is the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Viruses are spread from person to person mainly through close contact, in particular by airborne droplet (while coughing or sneezing) at a distance of about 2 m. Viral RNA was also found in the feces of infected patients. In a fecal-oral mechanism of transmission of the viruses, gastrointestinal syndrome develops.

How Coronavirus is Transmitted

Coronavirus can be transmitted by;

  • Secretions from the upper respiratory tract of infected people;
  • Contaminated food products;
  • Objects from the infected people’s environment;
  • Dirty hands.

Coronaviruses are resistant to environmental conditions. At a temperature of 34-36°C, they remain viable for 2-3 days. Disinfectants destroy them within 10 minutes.

Types of Coronavirus

Common human Coronaviruses include 229 E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. The more rare forms, causing serious illness include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), novel Coronavirus (nCoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Coronavirus infections are mild to life-threatening acute illness. The symptoms include:

  • Fever;
  • Cough;
  • Sore throat;
  • Runny nose;
  • Headache;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Diarrhea (develops in fecal-oral infection).

Complications

In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the following complications may develop:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome;
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia);
  • Cardiovascular shock;
  • Severe muscle pain (myalgia);
  • Fatigue;

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made based on a medical examination. For microbiological diagnostics can be analyzed:

  • Throat secretion;
  • Nasal secretion;
  • Feces.

Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence methods are used.

Treatment

Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms and may include:

  • Antiviral medication (not recommended for the new Coronavirus);
  • Rest;
  • Fluid intake;
  • Cough medications;
  • Pain killers.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. The disease affects individually, but more often simultaneously, the alveoli (responsible for the gas exchange between the inhaled air and the blood) and the surrounding lung tissue called interstitium. It disrupts the normal breathing process.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause it. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs, which are called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia is a lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs, most commonly due to an infection. Pneumonia may be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or fungi; less frequently by other causes. The most common bacterial type that causes pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Types of Pneumonia

Depending on the size of the affected area, pneumonia can be categorized as:

  • Lobar – affects the entire lobe;
  • Segmental – affects one or more lobal segments;
  • Lobular – affects separate lobules.

Inflammation can be caused by various chemical and physical agents in a gaseous state (e.g. toxic and irritating gases), from radiation, foreign bodies in the bronchi. However, the most common cause of pneumonia is biological, and depending on the cause the pneumonia is:

  • Viral pneumonia;
  • Bacterial pneumonia;
  • Fungal pneumonia;
  • Allergic pneumonia.

In some cases, pneumonia becomes chronic.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Cough with greenish or yellow phlegm;
  • Strong fever, sometimes accompanied by chills;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Chest pain;
  • Joint or muscle pain;
  • Headache;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Fatigue.

Some rare forms of pneumonia can cause other symptoms. For example, Legionella-induced pneumonia can lead to abdominal pain, and diarrhea; Pneumocystis-induced pneumonia can only lead to weight loss and night sweats. Children with pneumonia can develop the listed symptoms, but in many cases, they are just sleepy or with reduced appetite.

Complications

The potential complications of pneumonia include:

  • Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia);
  • Accumulation of fluid around the lungs;
  • Lung abscess;
  • Difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis

Pneumonia is usually diagnosed by medical examination and radiography of the lungs.

Treatment

Treatment includes:

  • Antibiotics;
  • Analgesics;
  • Rest;
  • Fluids.

However, people who have other illnesses, the elderly or those who have significant breathing difficulties may need more serious care.

Credit:http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-coronavirus-and-pneumonia/

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