All over the world, major new outlets are awash with news regarding Coronavirus. The disease has thrown governments into action due to its rate of spread. The Coronavirus, often referred to as COVID-19, is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus, which is currently being referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). The disease was first discovered in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China late last year. The first case was reported on 31st December 2019. Barely three weeks later, the disease was declared a worldwide health emergency. It did not take long for the disease to emerge in other countries, a move that led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a global pandemic.
What does COVID-19 stand for
One of the question questions lingering in people’s minds is why the disease is being referred to as COVID-19. So, who came up with the name, and how did they arrive at it? After emergence, the virus was merely referred to as a “novel” strain belonging to the coronavirus family. However, scientists named the strain as 2019-nCoV with 19 representing the year of discovery, “n” represents the virus status as “novel” while CoV stands for the family. Later, the world was rearranged to read COVID-19, which is being hailed for providing a standard format for future use.
how coronavirus symptoms start?
How Coronavirus Affects the Body? The initial symptoms have many people confuse the disease for common flu; however, according to WHO, symptoms include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In some cases, the disease can cause pneumonia, organ failure, or even death.
Currently, the incubation period of the virus ranges from one to fourteen days, with most people showing early symptoms between the fifth and the sixth day.
How It is Spread
The virus is mainly spread from one person to the other. However, it requires people to be in close contact less than 6 feet apart for the virus to spread. Imagine being seated on a bus or a boardroom and the other person sneezes or coughs? Pretty much, most people would not make a deal out of it. However, doing so without covering one’s mouth exposes the rest of the group to the virus. Apart from contact with a sick person, the virus is also believed to be transferred from surfaces. When you touch a contaminated surface and touch your nose, mouth, or eye, you are likely to contract the virus.
How Long Does the Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces?
Many theories are being given regarding the time that the virus can survive on different surfaces. However, a study that was published by the New England Journal of Medicine offers a clearer picture. For example, the study showed that the virus could survive on copper for a maximum of four hours, 24 hours on cardboard, and 72 hours on plastic and steel. However, the study showed that during this time, the amount of virus reduced on each of these surfaces.
What Countries are Doing?
The disease has knocked a six on many countries, with Europe emerging as the new epicenter. According to WHO, states should act fast to curb the spread of the virus. The governments should act quickly to detect, test, isolate, and trace all the people who have been in contact with an infected person. This might require concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the numbers are kept at the barest minimum.
What does shelter in place mean
It is the responsibility of each citizen to ensure that the virus is not spreading as fast. So, what can an individual do to turn the tide? One of the things that you should do is avoid being in areas where COVID-19 is spreading; this will mean that you reduce your chances of contracting the virus. Also, you should ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly, preferably with water and soap, and for at least twenty seconds. In the absence of these things, one should use a sanitizer to disinfect their hands. Maintain at least six feet between you and the other person. Avoid physical contact and as well as touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. Also, one should “shelter in place,” which means one should stay at home to avoid infecting or getting infected.
How many cases of coronavirus in the united state & other countries
The virus started in China and spread across the world. Currently, the reported coronavirus cases stand at 502, 973, with the number expected to rise. Some of the worst-hit countries include China, Italy, Iran, and Spain. Currently, China, the U.S., Vietnam, and Thailand are among the affected countries with 81,285, 75, 066, 153, and 1,045 cases, respectively. Additionally, China, the U.S., and Thailand have recorded deaths due to the virus with numbers standing at 3,287, 1,080, and 4, respectively.
Who is Affected?
COVID-19 is affecting everybody despite their age; however, older people and individuals with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of dying from the virus. Given that the disease is respiratory, smokers were listed as among the vulnerable groups, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC).
