The Business Insider has listed ‘critical’ questions about the novel coronavirus that remain unanswered since the virus emerged in China in December last year.
How did the new coronavirus get into people?
The first coronavirus infections were thought to have emerged in a wet market in Wuhan, in China’s Hubei province but researchers are fairly certain that the virus developed in bats. Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed theories which suggest that the virus was created in Chinese labs.
How many people have actually gotten Covid-19?
Global tallies of cases, deaths, recoveries, and active infections reflect only the confirmed numbers and researchers suspect the actual number of cases is far, far larger.
What makes the coronavirus so good at spreading?
Viruses are small and streamlined particles that have evolved to make many, many copies of themselves by hijacking the living cells of a host. Some say it is spreading because some people show no to few symptoms of the virus.
What drives mortality in people infected by the coronavirus?
The virus causes damage to the respiratory system and also seems highly correlated with blood clots and strokes. It’s not yet clear why, though one explanation is that the virus may be attacking blood cells.
Why do young people face the least risk of dying?
Although young people are not invincible, statistics have shown that they are the most resilient to coronavirus. Some allege that the virus might have trouble attaching to surface receptors on the cells of young children.
Can you get reinfected?
No one is certain about the prospects for long-term immunity, seeing as so little time has passed since the coronavirus emerged. China reported that some who had recovered from the virus tested positive again but this is also said when there are reports of faulty coronavirus testing kits.
How seasonal is the coronavirus?
Some believe the virus does not survive for long in hot weather conditions.
Are there any safe and effective drugs to treat Covid-19?
There are no scientifically proven vaccines although some are already trying their vaccines on humans. Scientists say it might take months to establish the effectiveness of the vaccines being tested.
What are the long-term consequences for those who survive Covid-19?
Some who recovered have only been well for weeks so the long-term consequences are not yet clear although the virus is associated with reduced lung function.
More: Business Insider