How to protect ourselves from Corona virus COV-19?

A Complete Guide on How to Be Safe From The Corona Virus COVID-19

As the Corona virus COV-19 is taking the world by storm, many want to know what they can do to protect themselves from it.

To be able to fight against the virus, it is important to know what it is and how it can spread. COVID-19 is the condition, that is caused by a corona virus.

This is a common virus that is medically known to be a respiratory tract infection, as it affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, throat, and nose, or the lower respiratory tract, which consists of the lungs and the windpipe.

Corona viruses have been present before, however, most of them weren´t dangerous. In early 2020, this changed due to the outbreak in China of a new type of corona virus.

This new type of coronavirus is other known as an acute respiratory syndrome, corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak, which started in China, quickly reached all parts of the world.

The way it spreads is the same as other corona viruses spread, namely through person to person contact. Such an infection can range from being very mild to very serious. Severe cases can even lead to death.

What are the symptoms of the Corona virus (COVID-19)?

Those who suffer from the Corona virus, start to cough, experience shortness of breath and fever.

During the early time of the condition, the symptoms are very similar to a common cold, which is why it is at first difficult to distinguish in some cases.

However, with time, the virus can worsen and cause pneumonia, respiratory failure and even septic shock in some cases.

Those who have been exposed or effected might show symptoms within two days, but this can occur up to 14 days after being in contact with the virus. During this time, it can be spread to other people.

The symptoms of corona virus COVID-19 are similar to the flu, however, fever and breathing problems may be a reason for the doctor to suspect you might rather be suffering from COVID-19 than the flu.

Having recently visited places where the virus has spread or having been exposed to people with an infection, are indicators, that one might be infected with the virus as well.

How does the Corona virus COVID-19 spread?

In most cases, the virus spreads from person to person, through being near a sick person who coughs or sneezes. It only takes these spray droplets to infect another person, as long as they are 6 feet away or closer.

Should you breathe these droplets or swallow them, the virus has a way of reaching your body. There are also cases, in which people who didn´t have any symptoms at all, we’re able to spread the virus, although this is rather rare.

You can also get the corona virus when you touch a surface or object where the virus is on and afterwards touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

It is important to know, that doctors still aren´t sure whether this is the only way that the virus can spread. Animals are affected by it as well and scientists believe that it was animals that first spread the virus to humans.

What can you do to protect yourself from the virus?

If you live in an area, where the virus has spread, it is important to be cautious and wash your hands often, as this can kill viruses on your hands. You shouldn´t only use soap, but alcohol-based sanitizer as well.

You should avoid touching your face, after touching dirty surfaces. This is because the virus can live on these surfaces for up to a couple of hours.

Make sure to sanitize your hands before touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Another way, in which you can protect yourself from the virus, is by maintaining a social distance.

You should stay at least 6 feet away, as the virus cannot spread to another person who is further than 7 feet away. Medical professionals believe that it is not necessary to wear a face mask unless this was specifically instructed to you by a doctor.

The only cases, in which a face mask would be necessary, is if you are already suffering from the COVID-19 Corona virus, or if you work as a health care worker or are caring for a person who suffers from it.

here are many clinical trials underway at the moment, which are working hard towards finding a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Up until now, officials haven´t declared to have found such a vaccine. The virus continues to affect people every day, worldwide.

Is Corona virus COVID-19 treatable?

When a person has the virus, treatment focuses around easing that person´s symptoms. This means that their fever would be treated and that person would need to rest more and drink more fluids.

Severe cases need continuous medical care hospitalization. Also, the condition might affect the respiratory tract, which would mean an increased risk of respiratory failure or septic shock.

What is the outlook for those suffering from COVID-19?

All cases of COVID-19 are different. While some persons might experience mild symptoms, for a couple of days, others might be severe, or even fatal.

The Virus affects people of different backgrounds and the milder cases typically affect children and young adults. While older people are at an increased risk of not being able to recover from the condition so quickly.

This is due to the weakened immune system that older people often have. Or other medical conditions, such as lung conditions, heart diseases, high blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, emphysema. Making them weaker in their fight against the quickly-spreading virus.

To protect yourself, and also the weaker part of the population. It is recommended that you stay at home if you don´t feel well. And contact your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, a fever or a cough.

REFERENCES:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369385/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7782/

Beatrice Sargin

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Beatrice Sargin is a dancer/choreographer, health and nutrition blogger, and a graduate Microbiologist who is passionate about good nutrition and holistic wellbeing. She's a certified Holistic Nutritionist, Healthy Eating for Weight loss Expert, and Personal Trainer. With her knowledge in these fields, she intends to improve the health of all those who care about their health by helping them work hand in hand to achieve their dream body, health, and lifestyle goals.