Covid Care

What Is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses or family of viruses that range from the common cold to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus) and SARs (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus). Coronaviruses circulate in animals and few of them have the capability of transmitting between animals and humans.

What Is Coronavirus, Covid-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a virus closely linked to the SARS virus. It was earlier known by the provisional name 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The disease was first reported in Wuhan, China. 

Epidemiology:

During December 2019, the health authorities in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China observed a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause. The first few cases had connects  to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and therefore, the virus is thought to be of zoonotic origin, The new virus that has caused the outbreak is known as SARS-CoV-2. It is believed to be closely related to bat coronaviruses, pangolin coronaviruses, and SARS-CoV. 

How Does Covid-19 Spread:

A) PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CONTACT:

The virus is believed to spread mainly from one person to another. It generally spreads between people who are in close contact (6 feet or lesser) with each other. When the infected person sneezes, the respiratory droplets produced enter the mouths or noses of nearby people and can get inhaled into the lungs.

People who are at the sickest level (most symptomatic level) are thought to be most contagious.

Although it may also be possible for people to be contagious before they show any symptoms.

B) CONTACT WITH CONTAMINATED OBJECTS OR SURFACES:

It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 if he/she touches a contaminated surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their own nose,  mouth or eyes. Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Steps To Prevent Illness:

Currently there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The most recommended way to prevent illness is to avoid getting exposed to this virus.

1) IMPORTANT STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Wash and clean your hands often: Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum 20 seconds after you have been in a public place, or after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap is not readily available, you may use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick: If COVID-19 is spreading in your region or community, keep distance between yourself and other people. This is even more important for people who are aged or at higher risk of getting sick.

• Stay home if you’re sick:  If you are sick, stay at home, except to get medical care. In the next section we will explain what to do if you are sick.