CDC, State and local public health departments, and health units throughout the world are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by the Coronavirus. It was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. But it has now affected all the 190 countries around the world. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2”. Based on current information, the CDC considers this is a very serious public threat and W.H.O has declared it as a Global Pandemic.
Coronavirus And COVID-19
The Coronavirus is like any other virus that causes infection in nose and throat. COVID-19 is the disease spread by this corona virus that affects respiratory tracts and lungs severely. It has already affected millions of people around the world and claimed many lives but what causes the Covid-19 disease is yet to be revealed. Human-human transmission is definitely occurring and it is very dangerous because people are spraying droplets by coughing and sneezing. It is found that it can also be spread by people with no or mild symptoms known as Asymptomatic people which makes very difficult to detect the virus.Scientists are spending days and nights in effort to study the virus with scrutiny and finding a vaccine for it. This article is based on what we have learned so far about the Coronavirus.
Symptoms of COVID-19 Disease
The main symptoms are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, with mild symptoms sometimes worsening during the second week. The majority of people who are hospitalized internationally, are older or have significant underlying medical conditions. Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Nausea
According to researchers in China, these were the most common symptoms among people who had COVID-19:
Fever 99%
Fatigue 70%
Cough 59%
Lack of appetite 40%
Shortness of breath 31%
But the virus has also been found in people who have not shown any of these above symptoms. This is majorly being referred to the second wave of the virus or the New Coronavirus spreading through Asymptomatic people. Therefore it is very difficult to predict exactly how this situation will evolve over the next weeks, but it is certain that more cases will be reported and many lives will be impacted either directly or indirectly by this virus.
Preventive Measures:
There is no vaccine developed for this disease yet but you can do certain things to protect yourself from Coronavirus by following these tips.
1. Hygiene
The best thing you can do to prevent any virus from affecting is practicing a good personal hygiene.
- Wash your hand properly with soap or hand wash
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with the people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Use a sanitizer while going out
- Disinfect the packages that you receive from outside
- Using a Mask while stepping out of the home
2. Maintaining Social Distance
The droplets that are infused into the air during coughing and sneezing are the main reasons the virus is spreading. So in this matter you can prevent this virus from spreading by maintaining social distance. It can be done by shutting any kind of social mingling activities. According to the evidence crowded emergency rooms of the hospitals are the entry points for the virus too. So, front line health workers are at a higher risk.
3. Restricting Unnecessary Travelling
The Indian Government has shut down the airports , railways and local transport sealing the borders. But Life has to go on, one day or the other the restrictions on these movements will be curbed despite of the fact of people getting infected with the virus. Often the results of the screen tests do not come suddenly, and the person could be spreading the virus before his test results arrive. So it is advised that the person becomes socially responsible and isolates himself from other during the incubation period. If you are travelling then you should practice basic hygiene. If there is no essential travelling, then it is advised to stay at home as much as possible.
4. Public Awareness
The Indian Government divided the areas in Red, Orange and Green Zone based on risk of spreading the virus. Even though the risk level in your area is low but you have to stay aware with the facts. You should not act careless just because you live in a different place where the danger level is low but also you should not be stressed or worried about it either. Panicking can make this situation much worse. Scientists are working for developing a vaccine and hope it will come out as soon as possible.
5. Avoid Home Delivery Services
The risk of getting infected from food and other packages is high if you are living in a high risk zone. Recently many people have contracted the virus from delivery boys. So it is advised to avoid home deliveries for the time being and eating home made food. The Govt of India has already banned the delivery of non essential items. If you are ordering any of the essential items it is advised to disinfect the packages.
6. Practicing Self Isolation
If you have traveled to any place, it is important to practice self isolation for 14 days to avoid spreading of the virus to other people if you have been contracted with the virus. You should immediately register yourself for testing of the virus in Govt Portal and visit nearest hospital if you get any of the above symptoms.
We have no idea how long this pandemic will last but with the combined efforts of Scientists & Researchers , Government , and People, we shall soon be able to fight against this virus and find solution to this. Elderly people, Pregnant Woman , People wit underlying disease such as Heart Diseases , Diabetes, Hypertension etc are at greater risk of falling severely sick due to this virus. This is the time to become socially responsible and avoid close contact with people if you are showing the symptoms or have returned from any other place recently. Every country is putting their best efforts in developing a vaccine and we hope that day is not far enough.
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