The world is witnessing an outbreak of a deadly disease caused by the coronavirus. The condition was first detected in China and has been spreading across different locations across the world. What makes the condition so formidable is that there are various versions of the “treatments” making rounds, and this has been fueling people’s hysteria. To control the condition which has been deemed untreatable to date, it is necessary to follow the various prevention and precautionary measures outlined by the government and health authorities. Here are some essential things you need to know about coronavirus and the various ways to keep the disease at bay.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses that cause illnesses in animals or humans are a large family of viruses. When the virus infects humans, it causes respiratory infections that range from a common cold to more severe diseases, such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recent coronavirus that has claimed lives across the globe is called COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
Wuhan, a city in China, witnessed the outbreak of a respiratory disease that was caused by a novel coronavirus, which later spread to almost 70 locations internationally. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes is called “coronavirus disease 2019” abbreviated as COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The common symptoms of coronavirus include fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people might even develop aches and pains, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and progress gradually. Some people can become infected but do not develop any symptoms, nor do they feel unwell. About 80 percent of those affected by the disease tend to recover without requiring any special treatment.
How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The incubation period here refers to the time period between a person catching the virus and them beginning to show symptoms of the condition. According to the various estimates, the incubation period for the COVID-19 ranges from one to 14 days, most commonly around five days.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Typically, people can contract COVID-19 from those who already have the virus. The disease spreads from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which spread when an individual with the disease coughs or exhales. When these droplets land on objects or surfaces around other people, they tend to contract the disease when they come in contact with the objects. Also, if people come in contact with such contaminated surfaces and end up touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, they will contract the COVID-19.
How likely is one to contract COVID-19?
The risk of developing COVID-19 depends largely on where the person is, and more specifically whether there’s a COVID-19 outbreak in that particular area. Those who are living in, or visiting these areas are at a greater risk of contracting this disease. Though government and health authorities continue to take vigorous action every time a case of COVID-19 is identified, people need to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gathering.
Who is at the risk of developing severe illness?
Generally, elderly people and those who have an underlying health condition such as heart disorders, hypertension, diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory diseases are at a greater risk of developing severe illnesses.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective in preventing or treating COVID-19 as they work only on bacterial infections, not viruses. Antibiotics should be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.
Is there any treatment for COVID-19?
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine, medication, or treatment for COVID-19. Those who display severe symptoms should be hospitalized immediately, as they will receive the necessary care to relieve their symptoms. Most patients tend to recover after receiving supportive care. However, possible vaccines and some specific medications are under investigation and are being tested through clinical trials.
How can one protect themselves from COVID-19?
Since there are no treatments for COVID-19, the onus lies on arming oneself with the right precautionary and safety measures. You must:
- Clean hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
- Maintain at least one meter (three feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Follow good respiratory hygiene, which means covering one’s mouth and nose with their bent elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if unwell.
- Seek immediate medical help in case of fever, cough, or experience difficulty while breathing.
- Keep oneself informed about the latest developments with COVID-19.
- Keep oneself updated on the latest COVID-19 hotspots.
Does one have to wear a mask to protect themselves?
It is essential to understand that one does not have to wear a mask unless they display COVID-19 symptoms or are looking after someone with the disease. The effective ways to protect oneself and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to follow the basic protective measures and seek immediate medical help when one is sick.