5 Things You Need To Know About COVID-19

It is no longer news that the world is experiencing a global pandemic, with the continuous spread of the new coronavirus strain (COVID-19) across many countries around the world. Due to the high infection rate and some mortality cases in some region, there is also a lot of panic in the mind of people all over the world.

Having fear or panic should not be the first thing on your mind instead, you should have adequate information on what the virus is and how you can protect yourself and your family during this period. I would be sharing with you the basic things you should know about  COVID-19.

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5 Things You Need To Know About COVID-19

I tried to gather relevant information on this new virus strain which would be useful to people who have little or no understanding of the medical terms used by health care professionals

Where Did COVID-19 Originate From?

According to YaleMedicine, coronavirus, when viewed under the microscope, appears to have spikes on its surface and other strains of this virus have been known to cause respiratory-related illnesses. There are many speculations that this virus was released from the laboratory, however, it has been established that the mode of transmission was from animals to humans before it’s widespread commenced.

How Does This Virus Spread?

First of all, I would like you to know that understanding how the virus spreads would help you know how to effectively protect your self from contact with an infected person. some of the ways through which it spreads includes;

  • From an infected person especially if you are in contact with the infected person’s body fluid when they sneeze or cough.
  • Having contact with an asymptomatic patient who has been exposed to the virus.
  • Touching a surface or object which has the virus and directly touching your face, eye or nose afterwards.

What Are The Symptoms?

Well although people who have a travel history are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days for proper assessment if they might be carrying this virus those with the COVID-19 virus always show the following symptoms;

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry Cough
  • Fever
  • Persistent Chest Pain

In case you have these symptoms or observe someone within your environment exhibiting these symptoms please make sure you contact the appropriate authorities in your country for evacuation and access to proper treatment.

How Can I Protect Myself and Those Around Me?

Protecting yourself or those around you from this illness means that you would obey the rules given by medical practitioners who gave this recommendation in a bid to prevent/slow down the spread of this virus some of these include;

  • Undergo self-isolation for a period of 14days if you just got back from a high-risk country or have been in contact with an infected person.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching surfaces or objects unnecessarily and make sure your environment is clean.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes unnecessarily.
  • If you exhibit any of the symptoms self-isolate and undergo testing to protect those around you.

Is There A Cure Yet?

Actually there is no cure yet for COVID-19 as a lot of research and clinical trials are going on in research institutions around the world. Treatments, for now, are to manage the side effects of this disease. People who are immune-compromised or older people are the most susceptible to this infection.

Conclusion

Please make sure to practice social distancing and avoid going out except if extremely necessary. Also, you can stock up on groceries and toiletries that you need for a long time to ensure that you are healthy even as most people would be staying at home during this period.

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