The StartBio team has collected and answered the most frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus (COVID-19):
What is the Corona virus (COVID-19)?
The new coronavirus of 2019 (2019-nCoV) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as it is called today, appeared in the city of Wuhan in China and is spreading rapidly. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that commonly cause respiratory infections of varying severity in humans and animals. Their name is derived from their structure, from the glycoprotein spikes which surround the surface of the virus, and look like a crown, whose function is to attach to tissues and assist with their entry into cells. It is estimated that about one-third of upper respiratory infections in humans may be caused by coronaviruses.
SARS-CoV-2 is very easily transmitted from person to person via the respiratory tract (large droplets cough, sneeze, direct contact with infected respiratory secretions). The infection begins with mild symptoms of a common cold (cough, myalgias, fatigue) and progresses with high fever, respiratory difficulty and shortness of breath. In elderly people the infection is more severe. The average incubation time (the time it takes for the virus from the time we come into contact to multiply and become detectable or symptoms appear) is about 5-7 days, with a maximum of 14 days.
How is the Corona virus transmitted?
SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted between people either by direct contact or by indirect contact (through contaminated objects or surfaces). Direct contact is defined as contact with either mouth droplets or nasal secretions. These include saliva, secretions from the respiratory tract, mouth or nose droplets released by patients when they cough, talk, sing or blow their nose. A distance of less than one meter from an infected person is critical for transmission of the virus.
Are there age groups that are not at risk of getting sick from the Corona virus?
Small children, teenagers and young people seem so far to not be affected at the same rate and do not manifest significant/severe symptoms, but under no circumstances can we claim that any age or social group is immune or that it may be exempt from virus prevention measures.
It appears that COVID-19 has a more severe impact on people over the age of 60. In addition, people with underlying illnesses or respiratory diseases are at high risk of becoming seriously ill. Indicative:
- Chronic Respiratory Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular
- Severe Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Immunodeficiency
Other diseases that may increase the risk of serious illness?
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Transplant patients
- Hypertension
- HIV patients
What are the Symptoms of Covid-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 vary from person to person.
The most common are:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea
- Conjunctivitis,
- Headache,
- loss of taste or smell
More serious symptoms are:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure,
- Loss of speech or movement
What should I do if I experience any of the symptoms of Covid-19?
In case of symptoms, to limit the spread you should:
- Stay at home (unless you need medical treatment).
- Isolate yourself from others in the home
- Monitor your symptoms.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you are with others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often and observe hygiene rules
- Clean surfaces with an antiseptic every day, especially those you come into contact with frequently
- Avoid sharing household items.
In case you have any of the symptoms of the Corona virus, you should contact your doctor or call the 24-hour hotline of EODY and more specifically 1135 in order to get the appropriate instructions. If the experts think that the symptoms you are experiencing match those of the coronavirus, then you will need to have the appropriate test.
What are the symptoms of the Delta mutation (DELTA mutation) of Covid-19
The new Delta mutation of Covid-19 initially looks more like a common cold and can show the following symptoms:
- Runny Nose
- sore throat
- upper respiratory infection symptoms
- fever
- loss of smell
- persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
Can I be a Corona Virus patient and not have symptoms?
Yes there is a chance that you will never show symptoms. It is therefore important to observe all the personal hygiene rules set by the relevant authorities.
Can the Corona virus be transmitted by an asymptomatic patient?
Thorough studies on transmission from asymptomatic patients are extremely difficult to conduct as they require screening of large populations and more data is needed to better understand and quantify SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility. WHO is working with countries around the world and global researchers to gain a better evidence-based understanding of the disease as a whole, including the role of asymptomatic patients in transmission of the virus.
But it appears that the virus can be transmitted either by people with or without symptoms.
For this reason it is very important that infected individuals are identified by molecular testing and isolated regardless of the severity of the disease. This is the only way to break the virus’ chain of transmission.
What is the incubation period of the Corona virus?
The average incubation time (the time between exposure to the virus (infection) and the onset of symptoms) of the coronavirus is 5.2 days. It ranges from 2-14 days, and in rare cases 24 days. During this period called “pre-symptomatic”, some people may be contagious. The average incubation time (the time between exposure to the virus (infection) and the onset of symptoms) of the coronavirus is 5.2 days. It ranges from 2-14 days and in rare cases 24 days. During this “pre-symptomatic” period, some people may be contagious.
Equitable access to safe and effective vaccines is vital to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is extremely encouraging to see so many vaccines being proven effecting and more in development.
The vaccines with a conditional marketing authorization from the EMA – European Medicines Agency until today (8/2021)
- BNT162b2/COMIRNATY Tozinameran (INN) – Pfizer/BIONTECH
- AZD1222 – AstraZeneca
- COV2.S – Johnson & Johnson
- mRNA-1273 – Moderna
- SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated (lnCoV) – Sinopharm/BIBP
- COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated/CoronavacTM – SINOVAC
There are 3 ways to detect COVID-19.
Molecular Testing (PCR), Rapid Test (Antigen test) and Antibody Test.
According to current studies, the most reliable detection method for Covid-19 is the molecular test (PCR), with a sample collected from the nose or throat, which has the highest rate detection rate compare to other methods.
Molecular testing is currently the most reliable method for diagnosing the virus. Molecular tests tell us if someone has the virus now, but they cannot tell us if someone has had it in the past. The molecular test is performed via nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, and using molecular techniques to detect the virus. Startbio conducts the molecular COVID test in the specially equipped biosafety class 2 laboratory. To diagnose the virus, we use real time PCR, which is the most valid method for diagnosing the new coronavirus according to the World Health Organization. The molecular method can be negative in people without obvious symptoms who are, however, infected with the virus and may develop the disease after a few days.
What is the difference between the molecular COVID-19 Rapid Test and the Antibody Test?
The difference between the two tests is that the molecular COVID-19 test can diagnose whether the patient is CURRENTLY positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Detection of specific antibodies against the virus is used in the following cases:
The Differences between Molecular Control (PCR Test), Rapid Test and Antibody Test are as follows:
- Molecular PCR tests detect the genetic material, RNA, of the virus. They are more sensitive and accurate, can detect the virus in asymptomatic individuals, and can even detect active infection for a longer period of time compared to the rapid antigen detection tests (Rapid Test).
*At StartBio you can get the results of your PCR molecular test on the same day
- Rapid tests detect antigens (proteins) of the virus. The reference times of the rapid antigen tests are shorter, compared to the molecular tests and the antibody tests. However, the specific tests show less sensitivity, especially in the cases of asymptomatic individuals. They can detect active infection only in the first days of the disease.
*At StartBio you can have the results of your Rapid Test for any use within half an hour
- Antibody tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the virus. They are ideal for identifying people who have had COVID-19 in the recent past (or may have an active, less virulent infection) and have developed antibodies against the virus, which can provide future protection against it.
The Coronavirus test should be done in case your doctor considers that your symptoms match those of the virus and advises you to take the test. EODY will also advise you accordingly if you have been in close contact with a positive case. There are other cases such as screening tests by companies, associations, clubs, organisations, etc. and travel guidelines where they consider the COVID-19 molecular test necessary in order to welcome travellers. The instructions differ depending on the measures announced by EODY and the viral load of the country and city where you live.
Where should I take do test for the Corona virus?
Important for a valid diagnosis is the diagnostic center you choose to do the Corona virus test.
The Diagnostic center should be approved by the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and the World Health Organization.
StartBio has submitted to all competent bodies the procedure by which it conducts the molecular test of the Corona virus in the specially equipped Biosafety II laboratory while operating in accordance with the International Standard ISO 9001:2015.
At StartBio you can receive the results of your molecular test (PCR) on the same day with maximum validity
I was in a company where one or more people were diagnosed positive for the Corona virus. After how many days should I take the test?
Since the average incubation time (the time it takes for the virus from the time we come into contact to the time it can multiply and become detectable or symptoms appear) is about 4-14 days, it is recommended to do the molecular test for the coronavirus 4 days after someone came into contact with a positive case unless he has earlier symptoms. During this time you shouldremain in isolation, so as not to transmit the virus to others.
How many days before traveling abroad should I do the molecular test for Corona virus?
Each destination country has announced specific travel guidelines for the Corona virus. Several countries currently require that a COVID-19 molecular PCR test be performed 48-72 hours prior to traveling. It is important to contact the airline you are traveling with, the embassy of the destination country in Greece or the Greek embassy of the country you are traveling to before the trip.
In a recent study, researchers at Johns Hopkins found that the time between the possible infection with the new coronavirus and the day of the test plays a crucial role in its outcome.
In particular, the study showed that when the molecular test to detect the new coronavirus was performed very early (during the first day after infection) it was negative in 100% of patients infected with the virus. This was due to the virus not having enough time to replicate, and as a result the very small amount of viral load present in the nose or saliva of patients does not get detected by the available diagnostic tests.
According to the study, the rate of false negative results is significantly reduced to about 40% of patients when the molecular test is performed in the four days after exposure to the virus. Finally, the researchers concluded that the molecular test had the best results when performed on average three days after the onset of clinical symptoms, but even then 20% of patients had a false negative result, meaning that one in five people with the virus remained undiagnosed. Based on the recent literature, we recommend that a molecular test for coronavirus should be performed at least 4 days after recent travel or possible exposure to the virus.
In case of a negative result, the molecular test should be repeated if the patient develops clinical symptoms (fever or other respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough) suggestive of SARS-CoV-2.
What is the procedure in case I test positive for the Corona virus after the test?
Our laboratory informs you by phone and e-mail in case of a positive diagnosis of the test for COVID-19. We’ll also inform on the same day EODY and the Patient Register COVID-19 as stipulated in the protocols of the Health Ministry and EODY. Immediately afterwards, the authorities will take over the handling of the case. Some of the measures taken by the authorities on a case-by-case basis may include: communication with the patient, tracing of contacts, prophylactic tests of close contacts, etc.
Is there a cure for the Corona virus?
While some Western, traditional, or home remedies may provide comfort and relief from mild COVID-19 symptoms, there are no medications that have been proven to prevent or cure the disease. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials of both Western and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated information as research results become available.
To date, three treatments have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19: dexamethasone in the UK and Japan; Avigan (favilavir) in China, Italy and Russia. and Veklury (remdesivir) in Japan and Australia.
Potential treatments are being tested in several large international trials. The largest, SOLIDARITY, is run by the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 100 countries have joined SOLIDARITY to evaluate high-profile treatment candidates for COVID-19.
Once a leading candidate, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine has been removed from the tracker due to evidence that it may cause more harm than good in patients with COVID-19. It will be reinstated if evidence to the contrary arises.
6/37 studies have entered Phase 3 clinical trials and we await the final results of these new drugs.
Antibody tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the virus. They are ideal for identifying people who have had COVID-19 in the recent past (or may have an active, less virulent infection) and have developed antibodies against the virus, which can provide future protection against it.
Detection of specific antibodies against the virus is used in the following cases:
- As a complement to the detection of the virus by a molecular method in order to increase the probability of a correct diagnosis.
- When the molecular method is negative while the symptomatology is highly suspect for COVID -19.
- To clarify the stage of COVID -19 infection.
The serological diagnosis of the disease COVID-19 is made with a simple blood draw. In our laboratory we detect the IgG and IgA and IgM antibodies produced by the human body against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). All our reagents carry a CE-marking certificate for diagnostic purposes. Results are ready in 48 hours after taking the sample.
How will I know if I have antibodies after vaccination?
You can find out if you have antibodies after the vaccine with the Test for detection of neutralizing antibodies (neutralizingantibodies)
The neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 acts against the binding domain (S-RBD), glycoprotein S (spike protein) of the surface of the virus, on the receptor of the cells of the tissues of the human body. This test is ideal for evaluating the effect of the vaccine against COVID-19 on the human body as well as for the detection of neutralizing antibodies in infected patients.
*At StArtbio you can receive the results for the antibody test after vaccination within 2-3 working days.
What are the basic protection measures against the Corona virus?
The World Health Organization, the American and European competent bodies (CDC, ECDC) and the Public Health services of all countries have been put on standby to contain the virus as much as possible, while at the same time proposing the appropriate precautionary measures:
- Avoiding overcrowding and contact with patients who have symptoms of a respiratory infection (e.g. sneezing, coughing, etc.).
- Avoid shaking hands and contact of hands with mouth, nose, eyes.
- Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissue immediately after use and wash hands immediately. In the event that a tissue is not available, sneezing/coughing should be done into the sleeve, so that the particles do not circulate in the environment.
- Thorough hand washing (not rinsing) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, drying with air or a clean towel/tissue, or rubbing hands with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Using a disposable mask and applying it correctly to the mouth and nose
- Use of disposable gloves in case of patient care, blood sampling, medical procedures, cleaning of surfaces, handling of infectious substances and discarding them immediately after work.
Can the Corona virus be transmitted through food?
According to EFET (Single Food Control Agency) the virus is not transmitted to humans through contaminated food, including frozen food or food packaging. However, it is always important to follow good hygiene practices (i.e. wash hands and surfaces frequently, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the correct temperature and cool food quickly) when handling or preparing food . Since viruses are sensitive to heat, the risk of infection can also be further reduced by heating food.
Can the Corona virus be transmitted from humans to pets and vice versa?
It appears that dogs and cats are not directly infected with SARS-CoV-2, we have little evidence that they can get sick, and no evidence that those who do get sick can spread SARS-CoV-2 to other pets or people.
As an extra precaution and until we know more about the virus, if you have COVID-19 you should limit your contact with pets and other animals, just as you would limit your contact with other people. Where possible, have another member of your household or business take care of the feeding and general care of your animals, including pets. If you have a service animal or need to care for your animals, including pets, wear a cloth mask. Do not pet, kiss or hug animals or share food with them. Wash your hands before and after contact with your pet or service animal. You should not share plates, glasses, mugs, cutlery, towels or sheets with other people or animals in your household. While these are recommended best practices, it is important to remember that to date there is little or no evidence that pets or other domestic animals naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 will contract or transmit COVID-19 the virus in other animals, and no evidence that they can transmit the virus to humans. Therefore, there is no reason to remove animals from their home even if one of the household members has been diagnosed with COVID-19, unless there is difficulty in properly caring for the pet. In this particular case of the pandemic, pets and people need each other’s support, and veterinarians are here to ensure the good health of both.
Coronaviruses or coronaviruses (alternative spelling: coronaviruses or coronaviruses) are a family of viruses. They get their name from their characteristic appearance in the electron microscope, where you can see lumps around the perimeter like a crown, which in Latin is called “corona” (Latin: corona). Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses and carry a single-stranded RNA genome. The genome of coronaviruses is approximately 26 to 32 thousand bases long, the largest among RNA viruses.
The characteristic rays are composed of protein polymers (protein crown of coronaviruses), which unlike that of other viruses, withstands the conditions of the gastrointestinal system.
Most coronaviruses usually cause upper respiratory infections in humans, but they can also cause pneumonia. It is the cause of 10-15% of respiratory system infections. A coronavirus was responsible for an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS, internationally known as SARS) that began in 2002 in China. Another type of coronavirus caused the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). By 2019, 2,468 cases had been recorded with 851 deaths (mortality rate of about 34.5%). In late 2019, a new Wuhan coronavirus (officially known as SARS-CoV-2) emerged, causing a pandemic. Coronaviruses have also been associated with gastroenteritis
Symptoms of COVID-19.
What are COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic (Coronavirus disease COVID-19), which was of international public health concern. This coronavirus most likely first appeared in the city of Wuhan, in the Chinese province of Hubei, from where it got its unofficial name.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, known by the international name SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and also known as the Wuhan coronavirus and initially as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV), is a coronavirus with a single-stranded RNA genome.
The virus is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is contagious between humans. SARS-CoV-2 has genetic similarities to SARS (SARS-CoV) (79.5%) and bat (96%) coronaviruses, making it likely that it originated from bats, although it is also believed to be involved an intermediate host, such as the pangolin.
What are the official sources from which I can be informed about the Corona virus?
- The official source of information in Greece is the National Public Health Organization (EODY)
- Globally it is the World Health Organization (WHO)
- European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)
- The European Council: Council: Page on the coronavirus disease pandemic, COVID-19
- European Commission: Tackling the coronavirus
- European Parliament: The EU’s response to the coronavirus outbreak
- EEAS: latest updates
- European Medicines Agency
Where can I read news about the Corona virus and its development in Greece and globally?
Google’s special page about COVID-19 gathers news from Greece and the rest of the world and aggregate numbers about new cases, etc.
More details about the molecular COVID-19 test from Startbio can be found here.
Omicron mutation. What is the new data?
Η Δρ. Στέλλα Τάκα (Styliani Taka) είναι μοριακός βιολόγος με πολυετή ερευνητική δραστηριότητα ως μεταδιδακτορική ερευνήτρια στο εργαστήριο Αλλεργιολογίας και Κλινικής ανοσολογίας, της Β΄ Παιδιατρικής Κλινικής, του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Τα τελευταία χρόνια οι κύριες ερευνητικές της δραστηριότητες επικεντρώθηκαν στην αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ των ανθρώπινων αναπνευστικών παθογόνων (ιών και βακτηρίων), και της φυσικής ανοσίας τόσο σε υγιείς όσο και σε αλλεργικούς ασθενείς. Έχει συμμετάσχει ως κύρια ερευνήτρια σε ευρωπαϊκά προγράμματα: NANOMYC, MIDAS, PREDICTA, iFaam, CURE. Έχει περισσότερα από 25 επιστημονικά άρθρα (h-index 8) και πάνω από 200 αναφορές , και είναι μία από τους εφευρέτες (Inventors) της πατέντας (Application number: 12001210.9) «Detection of leishmania». Είναι ενεργό μέλος της Ευρωπαϊκής Ακαδημίας Αλλεργιολογίας και Κλινικής Ανοσολογίας – EAACI. Με τον τομέα της διάγνωσης, ασχολείται από το 2009, ως υπεύθυνη του μοριακού ελέγχου, κυρίως μέσω των γενετικών και μοριακών αναλύσεων διάφορων ασθενειών όπως η κυστική ίνωση, η θρομβοφιλία, τα σεξουαλικώς μεταδιδόμενα νοσήματα και τα τελευταία χρόνια από το 2012 και μετά κυρίως με τις αλλεργίες και τα παθογόνα του αναπνευστικού. Περισσότερα για το ερευνητικό έργο της Στέλλα Τάκα στα Google Scholar και ResearchGate.