We will be talking about how an infected victim can prevent the spread of the virus, acknowledgement of the virus, how to know if you are infected, what and what measures can be carried out to prevent yourself from initially contacting the virus.
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Firstly, What is Corona Virus?
The corona virus disease first started in Wuhan, China in 2019. Hence, it is code named 2019 Novel Corona Virus (2019-nCov) and later referred to as COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a flu-like respiratory disease caused by a new corona virus (known as SARS-CoV-2).
This implies that corona virus (or viruses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV) has always existed before now.
They are common in people and animals such as bat, cat, cattle, etc, and are rarely transmitted. However, COVID-19 is a new strain of the virus known as SARS-CoV-2, and is highly contagious.
All these viruses are genetically similar in that they cause severe acute respiratory syndrome. Due to the rapid transmission of the disease across the world, coupled with lack of available vaccines to prevent it, the WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020, and later declared it as a pandemic by March 11, 2022.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 is characterized by mild to severe symptoms between 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. In some cases it could lead to death. These symptoms include:• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Pneumonia
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Note: People with a higher risk of infection include those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc.
What is The Mode of Transmission?
• Animal-to-human spread• human-to-human spread (close contact within 6 feet)
• air-bone transmission through discharge of respiratory droplets from the sneezing and coughing of infected persons
• touching infected surfaces/objects, etc.
How to Protect Yourself/Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• There is presently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best option is preventive – avoid being infected.• Get the latest updates on COVID-19
• Stay at home when sick
• Cover your moth when sneezing or coughing
• Wash your hands with soap and water after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, as well as after having been in public places
• Use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with infected persons or those who show symptoms
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces e.g. laptop keyboard, phones, stair case railings, doorknobs, etc
• Wear facemask, especially when you’re sick
Sources: WHO, CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA), and LOINC
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the coronavirus disease the same as SARS?
No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different.What are the symptoms of the coronavirus disease?
The most common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. The period within which the symptoms would appear is 2-14 days.
How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.
Who is most at risk for the coronavirus disease?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
What should you do if you think you have the coronavirus disease?
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Is there a vaccine for the coronavirus disease?
When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed.
Can you contract the coronavirus disease by touching a surface?
People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
What happens when you get the coronavirus disease?
People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms, including mild respiratory symptoms and fever, on an average of 5-6 days after infection (mean incubation period 5-6 days, range 1-14 days). Most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover.
Is headache a symptom of the coronavirus disease?
The virus can cause a range of symptoms, from ranging from mild illness to pneumonia. Symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, sore throat and headaches.
Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
Current evidence on other coronavirus strains shows that while coronaviruses appear to be stable at low and freezing temperatures for a certain period, food hygiene and good food safety practices can prevent their transmission through food.
Can babies get the coronavirus disease?
We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children.