Coronavirus and paramyxovirus infection, what is the difference between the two?

The topic of paramyxovirus had skyrocketed amidst the news about the COVID-19 outbreak that is now spreading in various countries. Have an investigation, paramyxovirus and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 are two types of viruses that both attack the human respiratory system.

In addition, coronavirus and paramyxovirus have similar forms and characteristics. Both viruses are also carried by bats and can transfer species to humans. So, are they both equally dangerous, and what diseases does it cause in humans?

Difference between coronavirus and paramyxovirus

The link between coronavirus and paramyxovirus started during the outbreak Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) occurred in 2003. Researchers at that time suspected three types of viruses that might be the cause, namely paramyxovirus, coronavirus, and metapneumovirus.

SARS is a disease of the respiratory system that can cause severe shortness of breath, pneumonia, and death. After further investigation, it was finally discovered that SARS was caused by a new coronavirus type SARS-CoV.

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The COVID-19 outbreak is also caused by a coronavirus, but it is of a different type and its official name is SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses of the SARS-CoV-2 type and paramyxovirus can both attack the respiratory system, but they have some differences. The following include:

1. The structure of the virus

The name coronavirus comes from Latin ' corona 'Which means crown. The reason is, the coronavirus has a round or irregular shape with many protein molecules that form a kind of crown on its surface. This crown is what allows the coronavirus to infect host cells and multiply.

Paramyxovirus has a more irregular shape, but this virus is also sometimes found in a nearly spherical shape. The surface is filled with sugar and protein molecules, it's just that the shape doesn't resemble a crown like a coronavirus.

Coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses both have a single chain of genetic code called RNA. RNA is both stored in the center of the virus and will come out as soon as the virus attaches to the host cell to multiply.

2. The disease caused

Coronavirus causes a number of diseases of the respiratory system, from colds and flu to serious illnesses that can cause death. These severe diseases include SARS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19.

Paramyxovirus also attacks the respiratory system like the coronavirus, but the symptoms and illnesses it causes are more diverse. Paramyxovirus infection can cause pneumonia, bronchiolitis, measles and mumps. In some cases, paramyxovirus can also attack the brain.

3. Symptoms of infection

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports some of the symptoms experienced by patients positive for coronavirus. They generally have a high fever, cough and shortness of breath that can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms can last for 2-14 days.

Paramyxovirus infection of the respiratory tract also has symptoms similar to COVID-19. Apart from fever and cough, this disease also causes congestion, chest pain, sore throat, and a number of other symptoms.

In mumps, the patient will experience symptoms in the form of fatigue, decreased appetite, and swollen glands in the neck. Meanwhile, in measles, you will see symptoms of respiratory problems accompanied by reddish spots on the body.

4. Handling

So far, there are no standard methods for treating patients infected with coronavirus and paramyxovirus. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and optimizing the patient's condition so that the patient's immune system can fight off the virus.

One type of paramyxovirus, henipavirus, can be treated with an antiviral drug called ribavirin. The risk of measles and mumps is now also very low thanks to immunization.

Meanwhile, no cure or vaccine has yet been found for COVID-19. Researchers are currently studying HIV drugs, antivirals in the form of remdesivir, and anti-malarial drugs to treat COVID-19. However, the search for a cure and a vaccine for COVID-19 is likely to take some time.

The number of COVID-19 cases until Monday (24/2) has touched 79,561 people. Of these, 11,569 patients were in serious condition, 25,076 patients had recovered, and 2,619 patients were reported to have died.

Coronavirus and paramyxovirus can both infect the human respiratory tract and cause a number of diseases. However, they both trigger different types of diseases and need to be treated in different ways.

To prevent general viral infections, make sure you wash your hands regularly and wear the right mask. As much as possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick or animals that spread the virus.