Key facts
- Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome( SARS-Cov).
- This disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.
- It is also a new strain discovered in 2019, which has not been [previously identified in humans.
- WHO reports of no official vaccines yet for COVID-19; neither is there a cure, even though there are potential treatments, these are not definitive.
- The best way to prevent being infected is to take necessary preventive measures.
Prevalence
- Covid-19 has affected 222,643 thousand people globally, with older people more susceptible to the disease.
- Reports place the death toll at 9,1115 with over 84506 recovered patients.
- Coronavirus is now pandemic which has killed over 9.115 persons with 84506 recoveries made.
- There are mild cases and severe ones as well. The mild ones are due to the response of the body’s immune system and its ability to contain the virus. ( mostly in young adults).
Causes & Symptoms
The disease Covid19 is caused by the virus designated, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). So far, health experts suggest respiratory droplets from an individual to be a prominent method of transmission. It can also be transmitted if a person touches the surface that houses the infected droplets and then touches any sensitive openings of the body, i.e. mouth, nose and eyes. So far, these are the known symptoms:
- Respiratory illness
- Fever
- Dry cough,
- Sneezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Body Aches
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
How does it spread?
- Coronavirus spreads through direct contact: Respiratory droplets of “an infected” person or by touching surfaces that are contaminated.
- The symptoms include coughing, sneezing, etc.
- Wear a mask if: infected or display respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others; if not, there is no need to wear a mask.
- There is no cure yet.
“How can my family and I stay safe?”
- Wash your hands frequently: Firstly, the regular act of thorough handwashing with soap under running water at intervals is an essential way to prevent being infected. Health institutes have surmised the “happy birthday” song is the duration it takes for handwashing.
- Regular use of hand sanitizer: WHO also advises we utilise alcohol-based sanitizers; this is especially important in scenarios where we cannot practice frequent handwashing. Note, this is a simple alternative (where necessary) and not a replacement to basic hand hygiene (handwashing). Some people choose to utilise both methods; this is not compulsory.
- Maintain social distancing: Furthermore, avoid anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness like coughing and sneezing, cold or general flu-like symptoms. The rationale behind this being that the flu droplets from such person may contain the virus, and you risk infection from inhaling said droplets.
- The deliberate effort of not touching eyes, nose and mouth: Your hands’ unavoidably touches many surfaces and can pick the virus up. The contaminated hands if not washed, can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth, which is easy access for the virus to enter the body.
- Practice excellent and continuous respiratory hygiene: Make sure to practice good respiratory hygiene that is, covering your mouth with a flexed elbow when sneezing or coughing, or with a paper tissue and dispose of immediately.
Are you feeling sick with flu-like symptoms? Do not panic. Stay home and seek urgent medical attention.
