Coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. According to the World Health Organisation, as of May 15th 2020, over 4,444,670 cases have been identified globally in 188 countries with a total of over 302,493 deaths. There are many rumours saying it started from a zoonotic source through bats to humans. Others say it was made in a lab but couldn’t be controlled.
How does it spread:
Coronavirus spreads very easily, this highly contagious virus appears to be most commonly spread during close (within 6 feet) person-to-person contact, through respiratory droplets. “The means of transmission can be through respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes, or by direct physical contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands,” says Dr. David Goldberg. This is why you must always make sure you are socially distancing at all times and making sure you are respecting the COVID-19 regulations.
When to wash your hands:
Washing your hands during this pandemic is very important. Washing your hands very frequently will make you and others safe, here are some times when it's especially important to wash your hands.
Before eating or preparing food
Before touching your face
After using the restroom
After leaving a public place
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling your mask
After caring for someone who’s sick
After touching animals or pets.
Wearing a Mask:
Face masks have become essential accessories in protecting yourself and others from contracting COVID-19. The CDC recommends that people wear face coverings in public settings, especially since studies have shown that individuals with the novel coronavirus could be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. (Face masks, however, do not replace social distancing recommendations.) “Face masks are designed to provide a barrier between your airway and the outside world,” says Dr. Ole Vielemeyer, who is the medical director of Weill Cornell ID Associates.
Restrict your travel:
Traveling can increase the spread of COVID-19 and can put you at risk for contracting the disease. The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to many international destinations during the pandemic. It also advises people to weigh the risks when it comes to domestic travel, “Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19,” states the CDC. “Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” “For people at risk for the complications of COVID-19, such as those with underlying medical conditions or those who are older, it’s prudent to avoid travel,” says the ANA. If you must travel, take safety measures, consider your mode of transportation, and stay up to date on the restrictions that are in place at your destination. Adhering to your state’s quarantine rules after traveling will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Watch for symptoms:
The symptoms of infection for the coronavirus are often similar to those of other respiratory virus infections, such as influenza. Symptoms can include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
With the COVID-19 pandemic now coinciding with flu season, it’s important to recognize the differences in symptoms — as well as get a flu shot. “The medical community is concerned that if we have an increased number of influenza cases, it will strain the hospital system on top of what’s already going on with the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Ting Ting Wong, who is an attending physician and infectious disease specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Vaccines:
On November 16, Moderna, a biotechnology company, announced that its new vaccine could be successful at fighting COVID-19. Early results show the vaccine is nearly 95 percent effective. That means the treatment should reduce the chances of you contracting COVID-19 by 95 percent compared with no treatment at all.
Coronavirus is a deadly virus and nobody knows when it will end. It is important to stay safe and be careful.
- Aisha Ortis
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