COVID-19: What We All Need To Know

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”

words by Dr. Tedros Adhanom, WHO director general

Our world is undergoing a catastrophe, we need to abide by the guidelines set for us in order to help our planet heal.

On 31st of December 2019, China reported multiple cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province. By 3rd January 2020, a total of 44 patients with pneumonia of unknown etiology had been reported to WHO out of which 11 were severely ill, while the remaining 33 patients were still in stable condition. These infections were found to be caused by a new coronavirus which was given the name “2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-nCoV). It was later renamed “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,” or SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses on February 11, 2020. It was named so because the virus is a genetic cousin of the SARS-coronavirus which caused the SARS outbreak in 2002 (SARS-CoV). 

What are the ways to test for COVID-19?

There are two broad categories of test. Some look for the presence of the virus, e.g. the RT-PCR test. Others look for the antibodies which arise when a body is attacked by the virus. The purposes for which the test results are useful are different for the two kinds of test. Another option is to look for lung damage via either CT scan or low oxygen take up since testing via RT-PCR requires the virus to be established and there are a number of false negatives especially in the initial stages. Also, an antibody test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1-3 weeks after infection to make antibodies.

What symptoms are seen in a COVID-19 positive?

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 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).

Common symptoms include:

• fever
• tiredness
• dry cough.

Other symptoms include:

• shortness of breath
• aches and pains
• sore throat
• loss of smell and/or taste
• diarrhea, nausea or a runny nose (rarely).

How to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may also spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

What are the protective measures?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains more than 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Practice social-distancing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, STAY HOME