With the rising panic in the society about the pandemic happening, creating awareness & educating the community l plays a crucial role in combating the crisis.
The internet is flooded with information the Covid-19 pandemic. Although any particulars about the virus is termed as the emerging information, in this Article I will explain the basic facts about the virus in a way as simple as possible.
What exactly is the Corona Virus ?
It is a virus belonging to a large family of Coronaviride. The illness caused by these viruses vary from common cold to more severe MERS ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) & SARS (Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
The Novel Corona virus ( SARS-CoV-2) is a new Strain of Corona virus that hasn’t been identified previously. This virus as first discovered in the Wuhan city, Hubei province, China in the late 2019.
What happens when a person gets infected by the SARS CoV-2 ?
Infection by this particular virus primarily affects the lungs causing Respiratory illness/disease which is called as the COVID-19 ( Corona Virus Disease-2019). The severity of this disease can range from mild to critical.
Why is the Novel Corona Virus dangerous ?
The SARS CoV-2 is very dangerous & life threatening not only because it causes Severe Acute Respiratory illness, but also because it is outrageously Contagious (Human to Human transmission of disease). This is reason for the active pandemic.
How does the Virus spread ?
The SARS CoV-2 is highly contagious than a flu virus. It can spread human to human in one of the following most common ways.
- Droplets or aerosols. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets or tiny particles called aerosols are released which carry the virus into the air from their nose or mouth.
- Airborne transmission. Researchers convey that this virus can survive in the air for up to 3 hours. It can get into your lungs if someone who has it breathes out and you breathe that air in.
- Surface transmission. One can get infected by the novel coronavirus when he/she touch the surfaces that someone who is been infected has coughed or sneezed on. You may touch a table top or doorknob that’s contaminated and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19 ?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- 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
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. This list will be updated as we learn more about COVID-19.
What are the preventive measures to take ?
What to do when a person gets infected by SARS CoV-2 ?
Around 80% of people will require no treatment as such & will recover on their own. For these people Covid-19 can be tackled at home.
Around 20% of people may need Hospitalisation & Intensive care.
How is the Covid-19 Treated ?
There is no specific treatment for Covid-19. It is being dealt by treating the symptoms caused by the disease. Supportive & mental healthcare is found to be highly effective.
How can this pandemic brought to an end ?
Although it may take several years/decades to eradicate & completely eliminate the virus from the planet, the active pandemic can be ended by gaining herd immunity which can be attained through Vaccination.
