COVID -19 is a viral infection declared as a global pandemic by WHO (World Health Organization) in March 2020, affecting 183 countries till now. COVID-19 was first reported as an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It was initially reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019.
COVID-19 belongs to the family of corona-viruses that causes illnesses such as common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses. Corona-viruses are a large family of viruses, some cause illness in humans, and some cause in certain types of animals. The one affecting animals can affect humans as well but it is very rare. Till now no exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known. Public health officials and partners are working hard to know the source of COVID-19.
The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.
Some international destinations now have ongoing community spread with the virus that causes Corona Virus. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they become exposed.
05 Easy Ways to Overcome Depression Without Medication
COVID-19 Symptoms
Most people who got Corona Virus start noticing symptoms within 2 to 14 days after being bare to the coronavirus. Approximately, it takes about 5 days to develop symptoms. The early signs of detection of the coronavirus are
- Cough
- Fever usually high grade
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
Other symptoms may include
- Myalgia
- Tiredness
- Runny nose
- Headaches
- Extreme weakness or aches
If a person has experienced any of these symptoms, he or she should immediately contact health care authorities for further investigations.
The severity of symptoms may range from very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms. People who are elderly or have existing chronic medical conditions such as having lung or heart disease or having chronic kidney disease (CKD) or having diabetes are may be at higher risk to get a serious illness.
Most people who got Corona Virus start noticing symptoms within 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. On average, it takes about 5 days to develop symptoms, but this may change as we learn more about the virus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor for advice.
Complications for Corona Virus are
- Pneumonia in both lungs
- Multiple organ failure
COVID-19 Modes Of Transmission
COVID-19 is a new disease; still, researches are carried out to find the exact cause of the spread of the disease. According to recent data coronavirus COVID-19 is a droplet infection. It is highly contagious.
Person -to person- spread
The corona virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can get into the mouth or nose of the people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographical areas. A community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they become exposed.
Corona Virus Treatment
There is no vaccine for coronavirus COVID-19 till now.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Treatment is symptomatic i.e. relieving the symptoms and it may vary from person to person.
Corona Virus Prevention
Since COVID-19 is contagious and spreading fast so there are a few measures and steps that must be taken by all of us to avoid the COVID-19 infection. Remember “prevention is better than cure”. These measures and steps are as follows.
- The best protection and prevention is hand washing. Frequent hand washing is recommended to all age groups. You need to wash your hands more often and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water not available, use hand sanitizer but hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol.
- Do not touch your face nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- It is safest to avoid physical contact when greeting. No handshaking or hugging during greetings. Safe greetings include waving or a nod.
- Stay at home as much as possible. Avoid mass gatherings, crowds, and public places.
- Avoid all non –essential travel including plane trips
- Work from home as much as possible.
- Stay at home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Do not meet people who are sick. If you have to take care of the sick, wear a face mask and all precautionary measures.
More preventions are
- Cover your mouth or face while coughing or sneezing with a tissue paper or in the crook of your elbow. Throw the used tissues into the bin. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if water not available.
- Till now no evidence that pets are affected by COVID -19 but thorough Hand washing must be done after handling the pets.
- Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals.
- Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
- Disinfect and clean frequently used objects daily like doorknobs, laptop screens, TV and AC remote desktops, tabletops, light switches, sinks, toilets, staircase rails, lift buttons, etc.
- Stay indoors to Stay Safe & Stay Healthy.
Coping and Support From Corona Virus
You may feel stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Below are some tips that can help you cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Be positive, energetic, and confidant
- Be optimistic.
- Don’t be panic & confuse.
- Don’t be get stressed
- Limit reading or watching the news about COVID-19 to once or twice a day.
- Avoid watching or reading news about COVID-19 that makes you feel anxious.
- Know the symptoms and facts about COVID-19 from reputable sites such as CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) & WHO (World Health Organization) for information.
- Take care of yourself, eat healthy food and take enough sleep. Do some stretching exercises, deep breathing, and meditation exercises.
- Do something that feels good like reading a book or watching your favorite TV show or cooking a new meal.
- Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support.
- Take Special Care for the elderly.
- Love your dear ones, keep connected with them via social media or phone and share your feelings with them.
- Be careful not to react to rumors. Avoid spreading rumors as well.
You can also read 09 Stress Management Techniques During Pandemic You Have to Follow the article to stay calm and peaceful during this pandemic.
Disclaimer:
This article is written for general public information and awareness only. If you are suffering from any illness contact your local health care provider. All copyrights are reserved. Comments and queries are welcomed at info@livefitpk.com
