The most recent outbreak of the Corona virus has put into perspective how much we take our health for granted.
What is Corona virus?
Corona virus is a type of coronavirus. It was first identified in the 1960s when people started developing respiratory illnesses after contact with sick animals. The name Corona comes from the Latin corona, which means crown.
How is it transmitted?
Coronaviruses are not spread through the air like the common cold and other viruses. They are spread by contact with an infected person’s body fluids. Most commonly, these infections are spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic occurs when a disease spreads quickly around the world. According to the WHO, a disease is considered a pandemic if it can be passed from person to person and is spreading in two or more countries.
How long has it been spreading?
The outbreak started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of now, it has not been fully controlled. However, vaccination programs are conducted worldwide.
What do we know about it?
We know a lot about the virus. We know that this is a new virus that is very similar to SARS-CoV, and we know that it can cause respiratory infections that range from mild to severe
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can take anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. They include: fever, coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat and body aches. The most serious illness is called pneumonia and is characterized by difficulty breathing, coughing and shortness of breath. As of now, various variant has been diagnosed including Delta variant and Omicron variant. The symptoms varies according to the variant and according to the immunity level of the patient.
How do you protect yourself?
You can protect yourself against the coronavirus by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and clean surfaces frequently to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Don’t go in crowd and always wear mask when you are in out.
Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
Most of the people have been treated successfully using anti-viral medication. Many people are able to recover by themselves following simple home care techniques. The vaccination seems to be much effective and protect from severe damage. If the condition of patient is serious, s/he need to visit doctor. We must not ignore the complications.
How can you help stop the spread?
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if they are available to you. If you are in an area with increased risk of exposure, like a hospital or a grocery store, use a mask to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wear a face covering when out in public, especially if someone has a cold or cough.
