Corona Virus 101 – What’s All The Fuss About?
What is Corona Virus?
Over the last few weeks, there has been a worldwide panic revolving around the Coronavirus. Question is, what exactly is it, and why is it such a big deal? Let’s try and answer this question in a layman’s language.
Corona virus is actually a very common virus family that is known to cause infections in the upper throat, your sinuses or nose (upper respiratory system). When infected by this virus, symptoms set in within 2-4 days although these symptoms may vary from one person to the other. Again, some forms of this virus are mild while others can be fatal, with a good example being the COVID-19 causing coronavirus, which is a newly identified member of this virus family.
Corona virus is Caused By?
The better question should actually be COVID-19 is caused by? …and to answer it, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is caused by the newly identified coronavirus.
Why COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an abbreviation that comes from the word coronavirus disease 2019. This is because this was a new corona virus strain that was only identified in the year 2019 when it emerged in China’s Wuhan city in December 2019.
Corona Q&A Video
What are the coronavirus symptoms?
Symptoms of this illness include fever, sore throat, coughs and shortness of breath in severe cases.
How is it spread in humans?
This virus has been noted to spread very easily in confined spaces, hospitals, homes and from person to person. Though it’s not airborne, this virus’ ease of spread is attributed to direct contact; if you are close to an infected person (6 feet or less), you can easily get it.
It spreads through the respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. If the droplets are inhaled into your lungs (or the respiratory system), then you end up getting the same infection.
People at high risk of getting infected
Even though it sounds scary, this illness can be fought by your body. However, there are some people who are more prone to getting more sick than others. Elderly people are one such group owing to the fact that their immune system is a lot weaker than younger people.
Also, people who have other pre-existing conditions and diseases can also easily get infected. People with diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease should be extra careful.
If you work in crowded places, you may also want to take precautions. It’s easier to get infected in that set up than if you stay at home.
How to avoid it
Although you cannot guarantee yourself of a 100% prevention/protection, there are a number of things you can do to avoid going down with this illness:
To start with, wash your hands often, and with soap, for at least 20 seconds. Anytime you visit a public place, clean your hands. If you blow your nose, clean your hands. If you sneeze or cough, wash your hands.
How to wash your hands
In case you do not have soap nearby, a hand sanitizer can come in handy. The best sanitizers to use are the ones that contain at least 60% alcohol.
Again, always avoid touching your mouth, eyes, nose or even cheeks with unclean hands.
Further, avoid close contact with infected people. Avoid crowds and as much as possible, just stay and work from home.
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. These include doorknobs, phones, tables, light switches, water taps, desktops/keyboards and lift floor knobs, among others.
Ordinary house disinfectants work fine for this, with a good example being the household bleach. Just dilute it a bit and use it to disinfect all surfaces.
Related reading: Want to Boost Your Immunity? Try Black Seeds
If you are infected/sick…
Protect your loved ones by staying home and in isolation
Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to do this. Then immediately dispose of those tissues carefully. Do not forget to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after for at least 20 seconds.
A face mask is also very ideal when you are around other people. This applies if you are going to visit your health care provider, or you are sharing a vehicle or a room with others.
If you are not sick, YOU DO NOT NEED A MASK…not unless you are in the same room with a sick person who, for one reason or the other can’t wear a facemask themselves (due to breathing difficulties, etc.).
Corona Virus Treatment
As at the time of writing this article, there is no specific antiviral medication that can be used to cure this illness. There is also no vaccine against it yet.
Treatment simply consists of supportive care. Your body then does the rest.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
Based on studies from scientists in the US, the virus has been found to survive in air for up to 3 hours, up to 4 hours on copper (read coins), up to 24 hours on cardboards, and up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel.
Corona Virus in Africa
So far, as at the time of writing this post, the virus has been confirmed in 24 African states.
Corona Virus Situation Reports from WHO
Follow the situation updates about COVID-19 here
Corona virus effects
From the economic depression, to travel inhibitions, and even human stress and worry, this virus has made quite an impact. People are even scared of going to church, malls, weddings, schools and any other public events. The stock markets have received a big blow worldwide and this only shows how a tragedy this virus has been.
The good news, however, is that in no time, a solution will be found. There are also way fewer deaths from this virus than some other well-known types of coronaviruses that have been in existence for a long time. So, there is really no reason to panic.
Remember, you can easily get healed of this illness. Just take good care of yourself, eat well, keep clean & sanitized, and avoid putting yourself in situations where you may get the illness.
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Knowledge
Good information . Thank you