Coronavirus, a group of virus that has left the whole world in a pandemic and impacted the whole world causing human death, Economy downfall, affected every human being on this planet leading to fear, stress, loss and what not.
What is Coronavirus ?
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.The first discovery of coronavirus in human was in 1960s but was not deadly like it is now in 2020. The symptoms of first discovered coronavirus were like common cold after which coronavirus were given different names like 'Human Coronavirus 229E', 'Human Coronavirus OC43' etc. Like this other coronaviruses have been identified and given different names and most of them involved serious respiratory tract infections.
COVID-19
Coronavirus Disease 2019 also known as COVID-19 or Novel Coronavirus is the latest form of Coronavirus that has led human race in shock and great danger.
Originated in December, 2019 from Wuhan, China as a pneumonia but after testing it was found to be a novel strain of coronavirus.
It is said to be a bat virus because of its similarity to bat coronavirus(96%) and hence suspected to originate from bats. The pandemic caused due to COVID-19 has resulted in nationwide lock downs in several countries affecting the global economy and led the scientists and doctors to brainstorm and find it's cure as soon as possible.
An Overview by World Health Organization
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.
Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19.
However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- tiredness
Other symptoms include:
- dry cough.
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains
and very few people will report diarrhoea, nausea or a runny nose.
- sore throat
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.
Declaration of COVID-19 as a Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, Director General of WHO remarks at the media,
Good afternoon,After declaring it a pandemic, he focused on not to live in fear after this declaration, rather take necessary steps to control the transmission and also summarized it into four key areas to help in this condition.
In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled.
There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.
Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.
In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher.
WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.
We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.
The current situation of the world does not looks better, and the COVID-19 cases are increasing on a large scale.
- First, prepare and be ready.
- Second, detect, protect and treat.
- Third, reduce transmission.
- Fourth, innovate and learn.
Till date, in over 205 countries 827,419 cases have been confirmed out of which 40,777 people have died and the numbers doesn't looks to stop or slow down.
Live Information on COVID-19/Live Update
Prevention Steps from COVID-19
WHO has mentioned few but necessary and effective steps to contain the virus and help you and your dearer ones.To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
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