The coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the world, transforming the way we live, work, and socialize leading to social distancing.
With the quick dissemination of misinformation, it is important to remain updated with correct facts regarding the virus, its symptoms, its spread, and prevention protocols. Knowing how COVID-19 spreads, its strains, and the current health protocols can assist you in protecting yourself and others.
In this blog, we’ll cover essential information about the coronavirus, debunk common myths, and provide tips on staying safe in an ever-evolving global health landscape.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a type of virus that can cause severe respiratory illness. It is a member of the family of viruses that include the common cold and the flu. The coronavirus is spread through contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood.
It can also be spread through contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, and can be fatal.
Some common human Coronaviruses include HKU1, OC43, NL63 and 229E, which cause mild to moderate respiratory problems like the common cold. Novel Coronavirus is a new strain that has been identified recently, and it’s the cause of respiratory illness outbreaks originating from Wuhan, China.
Symptoms of Coronavirus Infection
The symptoms of a coronavirus infection can vary from mild to severe. Here are the common symptoms:
Fever: A high temperature is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of a coronavirus infection. It may present as a mild fever or a higher fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cough: Another common symptom is a dry, persistent cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. The cough may worsen over time and become more frequent.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or experiencing extreme exhaustion is commonly reported by individuals infected with the coronavirus.
Shortness of breath: Some people with COVID-19 may develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially in more severe cases or in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Muscle or body aches: Many individuals infected with the virus experience muscle pain, body aches, or general discomfort throughout their bodies.
Sore throat: A sore throat can be an early symptom in some cases but is also associated with other illnesses, so it’s important to consider other symptoms as well.
Headache: Headaches, including migraines, have been reported by some individuals infected with the coronavirus.
Loss of taste or smell: An unusual symptom associated with COVID-19 is the loss of taste (ageusia) or smell (anosmia). This can occur suddenly and without any prior nasal congestion or blockage.
It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to COVID-19 and can also occur with other respiratory illnesses like the flu or common cold. Moreover, some individuals infected with the virus remain asymptomatic and do not show any noticeable symptoms at all.
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect you might have been exposed to the coronavirus, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider for guidance on testing and appropriate medical advice based on your condition and location.
Transmission
Coronaviruses are common in different species of animals, such as cattle, bats, cats, and camels. Rarely can animal coronaviruses infect humans and spread between individuals.
As person-to-person spread occurs, it’s believed to be happening because of respiratory droplets produced by an infected person while sneezing or coughing. This virus spreads generally occurs when there are close contacts.
Diagnosis
The healthcare provider will order tests on serum and respiratory specimens to detect COVID-19. Laboratory testing is likely to be used in cases of severe disease.
If you face similar symptoms, you must tell the healthcare provider about your recent contact with animals or travel. Reporting your travel history or instances of contact with animal products or animals is important while diagnosing CoV cases.
Prevention & Treatment of COVID-19
The worst thing about this virus is that there is no vaccine yet to control infection. The best possible way is to prevent infection, so avoid getting exposed to this virus. However, health experts believe everyday hygiene can help you prevent the virus. Some common habits are:
- Always wash your hands with medically approved soap and water. If you don’t have access to water or soap, use an alcohol-based sanitiser that contains a minimum of 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you’re unwell or sick.
- Try to avoid coming into close contact with people who are sick.
- Always try to cover your sneeze or cough with tissue and dump the tissue properly.
- Keep frequently touched surfaces and objects clean and disinfected regularly.
- If you have travelled from or to a country already affected by the coronavirus, go to the quarantine centre for 14 days.
Medical experts suggest treating coronavirus infection is similar to the way you treat the common cold, such as:
- Drink fluids regularly
- Get plenty of rest
- Get immediate medical attention and conduct tests as directed by the physician.
- Maintain social distancing:
The best way to avoid coronavirus is to maintain social distancing. This means keeping a distance of at least 1 metre from people who are not from your household.
- Wash your hands regularly:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This will help to remove any viruses that may be on your hands.
- Avoid touching your face:
Touching your face can help to spread the virus if you have it on your hands. Try to avoid doing this as much as possible.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes:
If you do need to cough or sneeze, make sure you do so into a tissue or your elbow. This will help to stop the spread of the virus.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces:
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, tables and phones. This will help to remove any viruses that may be on these surfaces.
- Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell:
If you’re feeling unwell, particularly if you have a fever or a cough, you must stay at home. This will help stop the spread of the virus.
It’s important to note that prevention measures are the most effective tool in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Vaccination is also a crucial component of prevention and is recommended for eligible individuals. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and follow the guidance provided by public health authorities in your area.
Conclusion
Remember to stay informed about the latest updates from reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or your local health department, to ensure you are following the most up-to-date recommendations regarding COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
