Coronavirus ( COVID-19)
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has spread globally, leading to an outbreak of disease that has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
– Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub
– Maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
-Avoid touching your face
– Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing – Stay home if you feel unwell
– Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs
– Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people
– Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.
