An Unprecedented Virus

The COVID-19 virus’s unprecedented features—pathogenicity and transmissibility—are beyond what any virologist or doctor has previously encountered.

The original Wuhan COVID-19 virus could spread widely throughout the body, starting in the lungs and affecting various vital organs, including the brain, heart, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and intestines.

Other viruses, such as the SARS virus, can also affect multiple organs, though not as broadly or severely as COVID-19. Most SARS complications have been self-limiting or reversible, although serious illness can sometimes result. In contrast, lethal complications such as heart failure, acute cardiac injury, and pulmonary embolism have been more commonly reported in COVID-19 patients. The flu virus infects far fewer organs and is much less severe than the original Wuhan COVID-19 virus.

The unprecedented virus-COVID-19 can attack almost every part of the body due to several key factors:

ACE2 receptor binding: The virus has used its key—or spike protein—to bind to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is the gatekeeper of our cells, allowing the virus entrance.

Inflammation and cytokine storm: Once inside, the spike protein triggers inflammation, which can cause an extreme immune response (cytokine storm) that can lead to multiple organ failure.

Blood vessel damage: The spike protein can damage blood vessels, causing blood clots in vital organs that can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.

Covid virus attacking body