Corona disease 2019 (COVID-19) – In a careful study on the outbreak of the COVID – 19, I was able to note some points on its nature that would free our mind off panic.
Corona disease 2019 COVID – 19 is really contagious and can really kill. But the reason why more deaths are recorded is because it’s a Nobel virus; the first of its kind and as a result, there will be difficulty in managing a victim of the virus most especially when facilities were not in place initially.
Should we be super scared at these moments? Malaria kills, Lassa fever kills, Ebola kills, HIV kills…… But were these sicknesses totally eradicated? No. so just like any other disease Covid-19 also kills…
so having the Covid-19 is just like having any other disease and its 50:50 either you survive or you die. But just like we avoid having other diseases we also need to take precaution to avoid getting the Covid-19
What is a coronavirus?
- Coronaviruses is a huge family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- A novel, or new, coronavirus is called nCoV
- The current new coronavirus is called 2019-nCoV
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
- The most common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.
- In more serious cases infection can cause pneumonia, serious acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. The symptoms would appear within a period of 2-14days
Where do coronavirus come from?
- Coronaviruses cause disease in a wide variety of animal species
- many known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans
- A spillover event is when virus that are circulating in an animal species is found to have been transmitted to human(s)
How can I protect myself from infection?
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub regularly
- protect your mouth and nose with a tissue, sleeve or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing
- abstain from unprotected close contact with anyone developing cold or flu-like symptoms
- Go for medical checkup if you have a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing
- When visiting a crowded place like markets, avoid direct unprotected contact with other people
- Make sure you cook your food and especially meat thoroughly
- Visit the hospital for a checkup if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing: please reveal your travel or contact history
Is there treatment?
As of yet, there are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, but symptoms can be treated.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating 2019-nCoV?
- For now, antibiotics do not work against viruses, the 2019-nCoV is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment
Does 2019-nCoV only affect aged people, or are younger persons also exempted?
- individuals of all age groups can be infected by the virus, older people and those with pre-existing medical problems appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus
Can pets at home spread the 2019-nCoV?
- At present, there is no legal evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the virus. However, it is always a good decision to rinse your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
While we wait for experts to keep conducting their research and learn more on how to manage this deadly virus, we sincerely hope that we will continue to stay safe and maintain good personal hygiene
