What we need to know about Coronavirus /COVID-19?
It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent the spreading of the COVID-19 virus and protect him/herself and their loved ones.
We can only beat the virus if we know his origin and its method of transmission.
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The name of the virus is SARS-COV-2 and the disease that the virus causes is COVID-19.
‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for the disease.
It is a new strain that appeared in Wuhan, China, at the beginning of December 2019.
COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses which cause cold and mild respiratory illnesses.
It is more like the coronavirus agents that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The virus probably emerged from an animal source and spreads from person to person through infected coughs or sneezes.
The incubation period is 2-14 days for the virus. The first symptoms appear most commonly around the fifth day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic on 11 March 2020.
CDC and WHO tell people who might have been in contact with a confirmed to self-isolate themself for 14 days.
lately, WHO considered airborne precautions for medical staff after a study shows that Coronavirus can survive in the air.
Symptoms and Complications:
80% of cases are spreading from people who do not have any symptoms.
The main symptoms are:
1. Respiratory symptoms
2. Fever
3. Cough
4. Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
High-Risk People:
Everyone could be contaminated with the Virus. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no specific vaccination and treatment for the disease.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to this virus.
Governments around the world are initiating lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.
Click here to know more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19