Commonsense Approaches to Minimizing Risks from COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses that usually affecting wild animals. COVID-19 is the latest virus from that family transmitted to human in late 2019 but the origin is not conformed. It causes predominantly lower respiratory tract syndrome but also affecting other epithelial cells and other systems such as the cardiovascular system. Approximately, 80% of the spread of COVID-19 is occur through aerosolized form via microdroplets and 80% of the affected are either asymptomatic or having a milder disease. Complications and the rates of deaths from COVID-19 differs from country to country, varying from 0.1 to 3.2%. The fundamental reason for developing serious complications and deaths from COVID-19 is having severe vitamin D deficiency that is associate with weak immune systems. There are no specific, safe, effective, and affordable antiviral or vaccines available yet. Despite claims and hypes, it is unlikely that such would materialize soon. Considering these, the most cost-effective approach to prevent and minimize complications and deaths from COVID-19 is through boosting the immunity through vitamin D adequacy. Meanwhile near total relaxation of public health precautions in certain countries, including allowing crowed gatherings, discouraging the use of face masks, spending time in public places, and allowing unprotected use of crowded public transport systems, failure in adhering to frequently washing hands, etc., (that are necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19) will be proven as expensive mistakes. This article provides information on the current status of COVID-19 outbreak and commonsense precautions to minimize risks during the current second wave of COVID-19 and future coronaviral pandemics. Keywords: Angiotensin; Coronavirus; Endocrine; Inflammation;innate immunity; Vitamin D; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2