Coronavirus is a virus that circulates among animals, with some of them also known to infect humans. Bats are considered as natural hosts of these viruses. While animals are the source of the infection, it is now spreading from person to person(human to human transmission)through small droplets from the nose or mouth via coughing and sneezing.
The novel Coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the SARS-CoV-1(transmitted from civet cats)virus. SARS emerged at the end of 2002. Around one in ten of the people who developed SARS died.
SYMPTOMS
The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as:-
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
Serious symptoms may include:-
- Severe pneumonia
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Sepsis and septic shock can lead to death.
CURRENT SITUATION
The current COVID-19 outbreak caused around 7000 reported cases in China during the first month after the initial reports(January 2020), with further 80000 cases reported globally during the second month(February 2020) of their first 87000 cases, about 3000 died.
Cases are now being detected in Europe, the United States Of America, India, including others across the globe.
Current Statistics(updated on March 30)
For recent statistics visit https://www.google.com/covid19-map/
INCUBATION PERIOD
The incubation period of COVID-19(i.e., the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between 2 to 14 days.
# There's a lot of information circulating about coronavirus disease. So it's important to know what's right and what's not. Let us clear information to help keep you and your family healthy and safe.
What is the difference between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus, whereas COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
Are Children less likely to be affected by the infection?
Disease in Children appears to be relatively rare and mild. A detailed study from China suggested that just over 2% of cases were under 18 years of age. Of these, fewer than 3% developed severe or critical diseases.
What should I do if I have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
Notify public healthcare authorities in your areas. If you develop any symptoms, you should immediately call your healthcare provider for advice, mentioning that you have been in contact with someone having COVID-19.
Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year?
Influenza and virus that causes COVID-19 are two very different viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19.
Can people be reinfected?
This is a crucial question, and nobody is sure about the answer. There are a handful of cases of possible 'reinfection' in recovered patients, but scientists believe those are more likely to have a relapse. A patient may feel better and test negative for the virus in their nose and throat, while the germ remains elsewhere in their body. Fully recovered patients have antibodies in their bodies that should protect them from new infections, but we don't know how long those antibodies will last.
TRUE OR FALSE
Q. A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available!
'False'
⇒ There is no vaccine for coronavirus right now. Scientists have already begun working on one, but developing a vaccine that is safe and effective on human beings will take many months.
Q. A mask will protect you from COVID-19!
'True' (only to some extent)
⇒ Wearing a mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that you won't get infected as viruses can also transmit through the eyes. However, covers are effective at capturing droplets, which is the main transmission route.
Q. You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, saltwater, ethanol, or other substances!
'False'
⇒ None of these recommendations protects you from getting COVID-19, and some of these practices may be dangerous. The best way to protect yourself include:-
1. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, using soap and hot water.
2. Avoiding close contact with the person who is sick, sneezing, or coughing.
3. Stay home if you are sick.
4. Wearing of facemask is recommended.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
Q. The coronavirus was deliberately created or released by people!
'False'
⇒ Viruses can change over time. Occasionally a disease outbreak happens when a virus that is common in any animal such as a pig, bat, or bird undergoes change and passes to humans. This is likely how the new coronavirus came to be.
Q. Ordering or buying products shipped from China will make a person sick!
'False'
⇒ Scientists believe that most viruses like this one don't stay alive for very long on surfaces. So, it is not likely that you would get COVID-19 from a package that was in transit for days or weeks. The illness is most likely transmitted by droplets of an infected person's cough or sneeze, but more information is emerging daily.
For the latest information on coronavirus visit https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
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