COVID 19 or coronavirus disease is a global outbreak that has now spread to more than 78 countries from South Korea to Italy, Iran, Japan, the United States, and India.
Causative agent
Coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that cause sickness varying from the common cold to more severe diseases which include MERS- CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The present novel coronavirus or COVID 19 is a new strain that has not been previously acknowledged in human beings.
Cause of Coronavirus Disease
In present times, it is exactly not clear how infectious the new coronavirus is. It appears to be spreading from person to person especially among those in close contact with the person. It is believed to be spread by respiratory droplets which are released when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes.
Check for these Symptoms of COVID 19
The following signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear after 2-14 days after exposure and can include
High Fever (100.4°F or higher)
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
These symptoms do not essentially mean you have the sickness. They are alike to common viral diseases, such as colds and flu. It is advisable to consult a doctor and follow their instructions.
As per the WHO, common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, and shortness of breath. In more infected cases, this can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death.
Risk Factors
- Risk factors for COVID-19 appear to include
- Recent travel or stay history from an area with an ongoing spread of COVID-19 as determined by WHO
Close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This can occur in cases such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person.
Protect yourselves and others: Do’s and Don’ts
Standard recommendations by the WHO to prevent coronavirus infection spread include regular hand washing, properly cooking meat and eggs, and covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. It is also important to avoid close contact with anyone experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Do’s
- Practice regular hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water properly in all areas or use alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands even if they seem clean to you.
- Cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief/tissue while sneezing and coughing and discard used tissues into closed bins right away after use
- See a doctor if you feel ill (symptoms like fever, difficult breathing, and cough). While visiting doctor put on a mask or use a cloth to cover up your mouth and nose
- Avoid partaking in large gatherings
Don’ts
- Have close contact with anyone, if you’re having cough and fever
- Repeatedly touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Spit in publicWhat to do if I have these symptoms
First of all, don’t panic in such cases. The disease might not be COVID-19.
If you have these signs/symptoms please call State helpline number or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Government of India) 24*7 helpline at 011-23978046 or can also Email at ncov2019@gmail.com
Some Myths and facts of COVID 19
1. Coronavirus is man-made or is the outcome of some lab study
Clinical experts are still trying to outline the exact cause of the virus, but present research indicates that it likely instigated in bats and was sent out to an intermediate host before reaching to the human population.
2. Coronavirus is the most dangerous virus that exists
Common flu kills 60 times more people than coronavirus annually
3. One will die if they have COVID 19 disease
Only 3% of cases have been reported deaths. So, don’t and consult your physician immediately in case of any doubt
4. Heat can kill the virus
Public health experts say that there’s as of now no way to know this.
5. Kids can’t get the coronavirus
Any person regardless of their age can get the new coronavirus, though older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions or weaker immune systems appear to be more susceptible.
So, act wisely and don’t believe everything that you read or encounter on the internet. Follow the guideline mentioned above carefully and effectively.
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