Contrasting the impact of two Coronaviridae pandemics in Pakistan

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 being contagious and highly transmissible emerged in December 2019 causing pandemic of acute respiratory disease. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious disease and also named as ‘coronavirus disease 2019’ (COVID-19) as the novel strain identified in 2019. This research review aims to provide an insight to compare important features of SARS with novel COVID-19. We capitulate the current data available on the topic to provide a sound basis on the emerging issues related to two pandemics. Both viruses belong to the same family and accountable for two different pandemics i.e. SARS in 2003 and COVID-19 from 2019 to date. This review focuses on aspects like origin, transmission, pathogenesis, symptoms, impact, and challenges faced during the pandemic, development of immunity, possible treatments, along with possible preventions for personal protection. COVID-19 seems similar to SARS regarding its clinical features and high transmissibility than SARS. Although, COVID-19 belonged to same family as SARS, yet the spread and impact of this disease bought developed and undeveloped countries to their knees. However, the current scenario shows that not only undeveloped countries but also developed countries are not prepared to cope up with pandemic. As soon as the pandemic ends it will enable the world to evaluate the health, social and economic impact of this global mishap and to understand situations according to gained experience most likely in areas of public and global health to prepare for future pandemics.