Why COVID-19 can be so deadlyOne key thing to understand about the deadliness of the coronavirus is how it infects the body and how our body responds to fight it. Cytokines are small molecules released by the immune system that travel throughout the body to co-ordinate an immune response against an infection or injury — even with something as common as a mild fever. "The immune response to this particular disease is very different than what we've seen in other infected patients that end up in the ICU," he said. (Chinatopix/The Associated Press)Lawler said the outcomes for COVID-19 patients with cardiac issues are "dramatically worse," and even though the virus enters through the respiratory system, it can take root in other areas of the body. Fraser is also using his research on the "cytokine storm" immune response to COVID-19 to find "targets" to further efforts toward an effective treatment.

Source: CBC News April 18, 2020 08:00 UTC