The Coronavirus outbreak is no longer news as almost every continent has had at least a case of one person been attacked by the virus. This has affected lives at all levels as several shows and events have resulted in being canceled/ rescheduled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.)and other health bodies are working on ways to combat the virus and promote a normal everyday life as this has brought about fear to all. This outbreak has also affected business as some companies have restricted visas to other countries where the percentage of the virus attack is high. The number of people in airports has drastically reduced, the passengers for trips are very few or at times none. Flights fly empty or with very few passengers from one location to another as travelers have subsided to a minimal rate.
The word Corona is Latin means “Halo”‘ or “Crown”, the name Coronavirus comes from the crown-like projection on the surface. Coronavirus refers to a large family of viruses and these viruses are capable of causing illness and even death if not properly and quickly managed. A recent study explains that the virus has a survival time of 24 hours on copper and can stay for up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel. Coronaviruses affect the respiratory tracts of birds, mammals or humans. Some other symptoms associated with it include pneumonia, colds, bronchitis.
History has it that the Coronavirus was first discovered in the late 1960s in animals. It is betacoronavirus meaning it originated from bats, this has caused some to believe that it started in animals and further spread to humans. The virus has a diameter of 120mm.
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More About The Virus
Coronaviruses belong to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae. Different types of human Coronaviruses vary in how severe the resulting disease becomes, and how far they can spread. Coronaviruses vary significantly in risk factors. Some can kill more than 30% of those infected (such as MERS-CoV), and some are relatively harmless, such as the common cold. Doctors currently recognize seven types of Coronavirus that can infect humans and these are;
1. Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E)
2. Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43)
3. Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)
4. Human Coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63, New Haven Coronavirus)
5. Human Coronavirus HKU1
6. The Middle East respiratory syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), previously known as novel Coronavirus 2012 and HCoV-EMC
7. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), previously known as 2019-nCoV or “novel Coronavirus 2019”.
The Coronaviruses HCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43, and -HKU1 continually circulate in the human population and cause respiratory infections in adults and children worldwide.
SYMPTOMS
Here are some symptoms of Coronavirus, this doesn’t mean when one coughs the person has contacted the virus, but these are symptoms to watch out for and if you are experiencing any of these, you should get medical attention for proper tests to be carried out.
- Exacerbated Asthma
- Cough
- Running nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO STAY SAFE
1. Limit contact with people at least for now, stay at home. Most organizations are now advising work from home for safety and health reasons as this reduces the risk of being exposed.
2. Imbibe the culture of washing your hands for 20 -30 seconds with soap and water.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze, then dispose in the trash.
4. Keep a reasonable distance from sick people.
5. Surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected every day.
6. Notify health authorities if you suspect or feel sick.
7. Social Distancing
The term social distancing refers to a set of non-pharmaceutical infection control actions. Avoid social gatherings and events that expose you to a large number of people.
Conclusion
Always remember to keep washing your hands, adhere strictly to social distancing and if you suspect anyone around you is infected, report immediately to the designated authorities.