Want to know exactly what COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus is and how you can protect yourself from it? Here’s everything you need to know!
COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, has continued to spread uncertainty across the world. Entire countries are facing government-ordered lock downs to flatten the curve and curtail the spread of this virus. In such a panic-ridden environment, you must learn everything there is to know about COVID-19 to deal with it the right way.
Here are some frequently asked questions about coronavirus and its prevention:
What is the novel coronavirus or COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a virus strain, an infectious disease, which was first identified in Wuhan, China. Since this virus currently has no vaccine, health practitioners across the world are closely monitoring its interaction with the human body to discover more information about it and create a vaccine for it.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Coronavirus can easily spread from an infected person to a healthy one through tiny respiratory droplets, which are spread through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or exhales. You can catch this virus if you breathe in these droplets. You can also contract COVID-19 by coming into contact with a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the symptoms of this virus and how long do they take to appear?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can show up within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. These symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Some patients might also experience body aches, a sore throat, nasal congestion, or even diarrhea. The symptoms of COVID-19 are often mild and show gradually. However, some people despite being infected, don’t develop any symptoms of the virus at all.
Older people with various diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and children with an underdeveloped immune system are more at risk of becoming seriously ill after contracting the virus.
How is COVID-19 treated?
Presently, there is no FDA approved medicine or vaccine for COVID-19. However, individuals who are infected with the virus are offered supportive care. For instance, they are given medicines for the fever and are encouraged to drink fluids and rest.
How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
To help protect yourself from COVID-19, you should take the following steps:
- Wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If this is not possible, thoroughly rub a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol on your hands. Make sure to get the spaces between your fingers and the beds of your nails.
- Refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth with unclean hands.
- Wear a cloth face mask when in public to protect yourself and those around you from the virus. We wouldn’t recommend wearing N95 or surgical masks as those are more appropriate for first responders and all medical professionals on the front-line in the fight against this pandemic.
- Practice social distancing and don’t step out of your house needlessly. If you have to step out, maintain a 6-foot distance from other people at all times.
- Stay at home when you are feeling unwell.
- Follow proper coughing and sneezing etiquette by using a tissue to cover your mouth, then discard it right away in a covered bin, and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean all the frequently touched objects in your home with the usual cleaning supplies and disinfectant wipes daily.
