The COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

Abstract

The entire world is currently under the grip of a pandemic of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV2 The virus caused an initial outbreak in Wuhan, China with affected individuals presenting with viral pneumonia Early on, in the outbreak, metagenomic RNA sequencing shed light on this novel coronavirus which is an enveloped virus, containing a single stranded RNA and gets it name from the crown like spikes on their surface With limited availability of antivirals at the beginning of the pandemic and no vaccine;a lot of medications were initially re-purposed to treat COVID-19 As more clinical studies continue to be done, and the availability of antivirals increase, there is a huge need to consider alternative ways and means to boost one's immune system along with preventive measures of social distancing, masking and isolation of infected individuals Natural plant-based products with medicinal properties along with increased exercise and meditation to relax and de-stress, are vital resources that should be overlooked