Panic is what we see everywhere these days. The Covid-19 Pandemic has caused a great amount of confusion and chaos. Every day, we see chaos and a new story related to the Virus. Recently, the panic increased after Hanta Virus cases were reported. There was an immediate comparison between the viruses. Are both the viruses somehow the same? Or as different as they could be?

What is Corona Virus (Covid-19)?

Covid-19 is an acute respiratory tract infection that causes varying symptoms depending on the immunity of the person. From causing severe respiratory distress to causing no symptoms at all, the Covid-19 is still not fully known. It can be fatal and is extremely dangerous for people with chronic respiratory diseases and immune deficiency. Predominantly, it causes Pulmonic Symptoms, but that doesn’t limit it to not affecting the other body organs.  Its primary mode of transmission is through close contact. It is reported to exist in Bats. The treatment options are still not specific for Covid-19. And every day, new options are under trial for treating it.

What is Hanta Virus?

Known for its transmission through Rodents, the Hanta Virus causes complications for the respiratory system. Not to forget, it is not only confined to the Pulmonary System, but can also affect the other body parts. The virus is excreted in urine, stool and saliva of the Rodents mainly. However, it may also spread through contact with any contaminated surface. However, no human to human transmission is reported. Till yet, no specific treatment for Hanta Virus is available.

Covid-19 Vs Hanta Virus

It is likely for people to confuse two viruses. Also, during the pandemic if one more likely problem is seen, the panic rises further.

It is safe to say that there is an obvious line of demarcation between both the Viruses.

Human to Human Transmission: The Covid-19 spreads through human to human interaction and close contact. There is no evidence of such transmission of Hanta Virus.

Need for Isolation or Quarantine: Isolation or Quarantine is a must in the case of Corona Virus and there’s no need to sit bound at home for Hanta Virus.

Mortality Rate: The mortality rate of Hanta Virus is reported to be higher (38%) than that of the Corona Virus.

Infectivity: Whereas, the infectivity rate of Covid-19 is a lot higher than that of Hanta Virus.

Primary Reservoir: The Primary Reservoir for Covid-19 is Bat. As for Hanta Virus, its Rodents.

Incubation Period: Corona Virus has incubation period of 1-14 days. Whereas, Hanta Virus takes longer than Corona Virus and has an Incubation period of 1-4 weeks.

Related Terms:

Infectivity: A pathogen’s efficiency to cause the disease is what we call infectivity.

Mortality Rate: The deaths caused by a single and same cause.

Conclusions:

In times like these, where a Pandemic has caused severe lifestyle changes and disturbances the most important step anyone can take is to look after sanitation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

While, Hanta Virus may have more mortality rate the Covid-19 still is the bigger worry. With its huge infectivity power Corona Virus has become difficult to handle and treat. 

With very few cases of Hanta Virus reported in 2020, the Covid-19 has already infected mass millions of people. To avoid getting infected by either of the viruses, a person must take all the precautionary methods like washing hands, use of sanitizers, maintaining social distance, improving personal hygiene, for prevention. As they say, “Prevention is better than cure”. What is your opinion?