The Coronavirus, the newly identified virus believed to have originated in a livestock market in Wuhan has spread across China and all over the world. Furthermore, the virus has affected over 204 million people globally and over 4.32 million people have died.
What is a coronavirus?
This new virus belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses. Named for the crown-like spikes on their surfaces, they infect mostly bats, pigs, and small mammals. Furthermore, they mutate easily and can jump from animals to humans, and from one human to another.
In recent years, they have become a growing player in infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. At the moment, scientists are still racing to learn more about this deadly virus.
How deadly is this new virus?
It appears to be less deadly than SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which also started in China in 2002 and spread all over the world. SARS kills between 14 and 15 percent of people that got infected. Many of those who have died from the Covid-19 are elderly or have other illnesses such as diabetes. Furthermore, the new virus may spread from one person to another more easily than SARS, some early disease modeling suggests.
How is the Coronavirus spread among Humans?
COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from infected people to others through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected persons, and contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
- Cough or Sneezing
- Kiss or other contacts with saliva
- Touching an infected person
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces
How to protect Yourself From Coronavirus
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is sick
- Avoid congested areas
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention
- Follow the directions of your local health authority
Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash
