Prevalence of COVID-19: A Look behind the Scenes

Abstract

Mankind faces a coronavirus pandemic originating from a seafood market in Wuhan, China since December 2019. The pathogen was named novel coronavirus (n-CoV) and bats are the identified key reservoir. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quickly spread over China across the globe, turned into a pandemic with exponentially increasing numbers of cases and significant mortality rate. China reacted with lockdowns and strict control measurements to prevent spreading the virus. The treatment of severe cases was hampered by lack of specific vaccines. Vaccine-development and production is a painstaking process and can only be enforced by international cooperation. Different supportive treatment options surfaced due to combinations of antiviral agents with antibiotic drugs. Elderly, male, immune-suppressed patients with co-morbidities showed a high mortality rate. Health literacy, strong immune system, adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and healthy life style choices can support fast recovery. Antibiotic resistance needs to be addressed by development of new generation antimicrobials against nosocomial infections in preparation for future outbreaks. Plant-biosynthesis of nanomaterials and antiseptics may help in prevention and recovery rate. Prevalence of COVID-19 maybe inversely related to BCG vaccination, endemicity of malaria, humidy and temperature but directly with latitude. Recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be followed strictly.

A Basic Review of the Preliminary Evidence That COVID-19 Risk and Severity Is Increased in Vitamin D Deficiency

“…At the extremes, some researchers recommend large bolus doses of vitamin D, or correction of deficiency, primarily for patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19, and others recommended only the dose of vitamin D needed to maintain bone health (200–400 IU/day) ( 44 , 45 , 73 , 91 , 108 , 118 , 160 , 169 , 223 – 229 ). Additional authors recommend vitamin D supplements to boost the immune systems of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 ( 2 p , 35 , 69 , 71 , 74 , 75 , 118 , 120 , 125 , 230 – 233 ). However, most authors recommend widespread daily vitamin D supplementation (most often with 1,000–5,000 IU per day) to prevent and decrease the severity of COVID-19, at least until the pandemic abates ( 1 , 5 , 12 , 28 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 64 , 65 , 107 , 109 , 113 , 114 , 116 , 121 , 124 , 127 , 165 , 171 , 172 , 178 , 190 , 192 , 197 , 198 , 210 , 214 , 219 , 222 , 234 – 248 ) ( Figure 8 ).…”

“…COVID-19 was first recognized in December of 2019 ( 1 , 2 p ) 1 . By January of 2020 it was clear the elderly are by far the most likely succumb to COVID-19 pneumonia, which is caused by a “cytokine storm.” ( 6 , 7 ).…”

“…By January of 2020 it was clear the elderly are by far the most likely succumb to COVID-19 pneumonia, which is caused by a “cytokine storm.” ( 6 , 7 ). Later, male sex, obesity, and possessing naturally melanin-rich skin while living outside of the tropics came to be known as the highest risk factors after older age ( 2 p , 8 – 13 , 14 p , 15 , 16 ). Unlike influenza, children under age 10 are almost completely spared in COVID-19 ( 17 , 18 ).…”

Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates

“…During the UAE countrywide lockdown, imposed between mid-March and July 31, 2020, people were instructed to stay at home other than for important individual movement (8). Moreover, the government closed non-essential business (e.g., cafes, gyms, theme parks, salons, and spas), initiated telework and distance learning, improved delivery services like delivering drugs to chronically ill patients and sanitized cities during the night as part of the national disinfection program (9). By the end of the lockdown on early July 2020, reopening of businesses and economic activities was initiated, but with strict preventative and restriction measures including overnight curfews, movement restrictions at the local level, physical distancing and wearing of face covering in public spaces (10).…”

Lifestyle Variations During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dietary, Physical Activities and Weight Gain Among the Adult Population

“…In some studies, there was a favorable relationship between the parents' higher degree of academic education and the frequency of consuming quick meals and snack consumption [44][45][46]. And finally, the effect of age on sleeping patterns was studied.…”