What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Novel Coronavirus is a new kind of respiratory virus that was identified for the first time in China. Public health officials are continually working round the clock to identify the source of the disease.

The new force of Coronavirus was first identified on December 31st, 2019, in Wuhan city of China. It was originally linked to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market, huge seafood and animal market in Wuhan, which was also selling bats, dogs, cats, and snakes. Health specialists believe that people contracted the virus by either eating an infected animal or touching it.

Disease: (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease

Virus: (SARS-CoV-2) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

How is COVID-19 Spread?

Recent information shows COVID-19 might be passed from person to person. Community spread is being seen, also. Community spread means people have been affected by the virus in a particular area, including some people who are not quite sure how or where they became infected. The virus has been detected in people throughout China and in over 100 other countries, including the United States, UK.

The spread of this new virus is being monitored by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the WHO (World Health Organization), and other health organizations across the globe. On 30th Jan, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency.

Moreover, as for now, coronavirus in dogs and coronavirus in cats has not been detected, but health specialists are encouraging people to take preventive measures to counter Coronavirus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Those who are infected with COVID-19 might have little to no symptoms. You might not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to the flu or cold.

Symptoms might take up to fourteen days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is known to be the longest known infectious period for this disease. Health specialists are currently investigating if the virus can be transmitted to others if someone is not showing symptoms.

Symptoms have included:

• Pneumonia in both lungs
• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty while breathing
• Dry cough

Preventive Measures

We suggest that you use the same precautions as you usually use to prevent the spread of viral infections:

• Now and always during the flu and cold season, stay home if you are feeling sick. Inspire those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer possess symptoms.
• Since respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, are spread through contact, replace your regular greeting. Instead of a hug, a handshake, or a kiss, a friendly elbow bump or wave is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer properly.
• Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue, not your hand.
• Clean and frequently disinfect surfaces and touched objects, such as doorknobs and toys.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose unless you have just washed your hands.

Limit the spread of germs

The health organizations recommend the following steps to help prevent the spread of germs during this critical situation:

• Stay home and avoid gatherings of more than five people.
• Try to practice social distancing by keeping a distance of approximately six feet from others if you must go out in public.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, particularly after being in a public area, or after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. If soap and water are not readily available, then use a hand sanitizer with at least sixty percent alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who have been sick.
• Stay home if you are sick and isolate yourself, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing; throw used tissues and napkins in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, but not by your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes doorknobs, tables, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, and toilets.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them properly – use detergent and water prior to disinfection.
• Wear a mask if you are sick. You should wear a mask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

According to the CDC, corona symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms might appear in 2 to 14 days after exposure. Immediately call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.

Who is at a higher risk?

According to the CDC, early information reveals that some people are at higher risk of getting quite sick from this virus. This includes older age individuals and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease.

If you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 because of your critical medical condition or age, you need to take action to avoid getting sick. Every day take precautions to keep proper space between yourself and others.

• When you go out in public, keep a specific distance from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands frequently.
• Stock up on necessary supplies.
• Be certain you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.) to treat fever, cough, and other symptoms. Most people can easily recover from COVID-19 at just staying at home.
• Have sufficient household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for some time.

Tips to Prevent Coronavirus at Home

The following are given some of the tips to prevent coronavirus at home.

• Wash clothes in warm water to kill the germs
• Disinfect most-frequently touched surfaces like kitchen, washrooms, etc.
• Wear protective gloves and mask when cleaning
• Properly clean your mobile phones
• Handle laundry of an infected person with appropriate care