World vs. COVID-19

Post created by Grace and Sara

Introduction

As the world goes into isolation due to COVID 19, many companies are stepping up to help stop the spread of this virus. New York Times wrote an article highlighting the unique way in which baseball teams are aiding in this issue. Fanatics, the company that supplies national sports gear, has closed down shop from making their normal uniforms for the 2020 baseball season. Instead, they have switched to making masks and gowns for medical professionals across the country. The protective gear is made out of the classic Yankee uniform material --- thus gaining some attention from the classic aesthetic of material. After Fanatics announced their decision to switch production in Philadelphia, many media outlets picked up the story. Across the country, hundreds of companies are beginning to make masks for individuals in need. But what is all the hype for? Why is it so important that people across the country are wearing face masks? Our respiratory systems seem to have the answer.

COVID-19

Coronavirus has recently become the top issue of today --- spreading fiercely throughout the world. But how exactly does it affect our human anatomy? Coronavirus begins by being transmitted through droplets on a surface or in the air. Once the pathogen has entered the body, they begin spreading through the mucous membranes of the throat. This virus is attracted to a specific kind of receptor that is located in the lower respiratory tract (trachea). Therefore, the pathogen will begin invading healthy cells down your respiratory tract, change the genetic coding, and continue to mutate. After the virus has reached your lungs, the lungs respond by becoming inflamed. The alveoli in your lungs can become infected, impairing the oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in between your lungs and blood. If this occurs, the individual may need to be aided in breathing, as they have developed a severe case of pneumonia. 

Preventative Measures   

Amidst this pandemic, it is encouraged for people across the world to protect themselves from contracting the virus. Two ways to do that is by wearing masks or glasses. There are three different masks people can wear: cloth masks, surgical masks, and respirators.

When it comes to the transmission through the eyes, the American Optometric Association explains how the coronavirus can enter your body through the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers part of the front of the eye, as well as the inner part of the eyelids. If a droplet comes into contact with the conjunctiva, it could spread throughout your body through blood vessels within the conjunctiva. Wearing some sort of eye protection, like glasses or goggles, is one way to protect yourself.

On the other hand, masks are another preventative measure that can lessen your chances of contracting the virus. Surgical masks are commonly used by medical professionals. These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses or other germs from escaping via the nose and mouth. They also protect against splashes and sprays from other people, such as those from sneezes and coughs. There are also respirators, called N95 masks, that help protect the wearer from small particles in the air, like viruses. Unlike regular face masks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.  Overall, respirators are considered much more effective at preventing the coronavirus.

All in all, it is important to take preventive measures in these times. Take care of yourself and those around you. Equip yourself not only for you but for your neighbors left and right of you.