CORONA VIRUS
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are
a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they can
be transmitted from animals to humans. The spikes protruding from the virus's
membrane look like the sun's corona. It is from this that the virus gets the name
'coronavirus'. It causes illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging from the
common cold to severe conditions like SARS. According to the World Health
Organisation (WHO), a novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not
been previously identified in humans.
What is the difference between Coronavirus and Covid-19
Covid-19 is the
disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which originated from China's Wuhan.
On February, World Health Organisation (WHO) named the novel coronavirus
"Covid-19". "Co" stands for "corona",
"vi" for "virus" and "d" for "disease",
while "19" was for the year, as the outbreak was first identified on
December 31.
According to the
WHO, "there are different procedures, and purposes, for naming viruses and
diseases.
"Viruses are
named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of
diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines."
Viruses are named
by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).
This particular
virus was named "severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2" – or
SARS-CoV-2.
The WHO says that
"from a risk communications perspective, using the name SARS can have
unintended consequences in terms of creating unnecessary fear for some
populations, especially in Asia which was worst affected by the SARS outbreak
in 2003".
Hence, the name
'Covid-19 virus” was given.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of
COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may have aches and
pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually
mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild
symptoms. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing
hospital treatment. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes
seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with
underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems,
diabetes, or cancer , are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However
anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. Even people with very mild
symptoms of COVID-19 can transmit the virus. People of all ages who experience
fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from
others who have the virus. The disease spreads primarily from person to person through
small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with
COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are relatively heavy, do
not travel far and quickly sink to the ground. People can catch COVID-19 if
they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus. This is
why it is important to stay at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from others. These
droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables,
doorknobs and handrails. People can become infected by touching these objects
or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is why it is
important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean with
alcohol-based hand rub.
WHO is assessing ongoing
research on the ways that COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated
findings.
Protecting yourself and others from the spread COVID-19
You can reduce your chances of
being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
- Avoid going to crowded places. Why? Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COIVD-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
- Keep up to date on the latest information from
trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health
authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best placed to advise
on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Advice on the safe use of
alcohol-based hand sanitizers
To protect yourself and others
against COVID-19, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use
alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. If you use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, make sure you use and store
it carefully.
- Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers out of children’s reach. Teach them how to apply the sanitizer and monitor its use.
- Apply a coin-sized amount on your hands. There is no need to use a large amount of the product.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose immediately after using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as it can cause irritation.
- Hand sanitizers recommended to protect against COVID-19 are alcohol-based and therefore can be flammable. Do not use before handling fire or cooking.
- Under no circumstance, drink or let children swallow an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It can be poisonous.
- Remember that washing your hands with soap
and water is also effective against COVID-19.
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