Coronavirus COVID19 are a large family of viruses which cause diseases from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome MERSCoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARSCoV

Coronavirus (COVID-19) are a large family of viruses which cause diseases from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Recently the world was stunned by the outbreak of Coronavirus in Wuhan, China.

Despite locations in China, it has spread to almost 70 international locations around the world. In the last 50 years, scientists have identified that coronavirus has spread to humans from animals. They have identified the presence of these viruses in mice, pigs, dogs, cats etc. In this blog, we can discuss coronavirus, it’s symptoms and some precautionary measures.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new type of virus which affects the respiratory system of human beings. The virus was first isolated in 1937 as they found it to be the reason for infectious bronchitis virus in birds. The virus is usually spread through certain body fluids such as droplets of cough or even sneeze.

The name “coronavirus” comes from the crown-like bump on their surfaces. “Corona” in Latin means “halo” or “crown.” The spread rate of the virus is high in winter or in early spring.

How does Coronavirus spread?

The virus spreads normally from one person to another. If an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus will reach the other person and it could spread even to a distance of over 6 feet. The close contact with the infected person is the primary reason for it, or even touching the surfaces that might have remains of droplets of the sneeze or cough of the infected person may lead to the infection.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

The reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The symptoms may appear from 2 to 14 days after the exposure.

The normal symptoms include,

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Fever in rare cases
• Sore throat
• Exacerbated asthma

What are the preventive measures we can implement?

As of now, no preventive vaccine has yet been developed to fight against coronavirus. But, we could implement some preventive measures that could help us.

• Cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe, clean and disinfect surfaces that you frequently touch.
• Use a facemask only if you have symptoms of COVID-19, so you can prevent spreading it to others. Facemasks are not recommended for people who are not sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

The major issue to be addressed is unlike any other similar flu, the coronavirus don’t have a preventive vaccine. If you are travelling abroad always make sure you follow all the regulations by WHO to be safe throughout the journey.

More preventive measures and details about such infections are available in the Infection Control course by Olive Safety.

Stay safe from infections!