So what’s all the fuzz about corona virus? What is this virus and where does it come from?

The corona virus (covid-19) according to WHO (as at March 2020), is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus. It’s been realized that the majority of people who are infected by this virus tend to experience mild to moderate respiratory  illness.

The corona virus is linked to the same family of viruses as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Similar to the common cold or influenza, this virus covid-19 also travels from person to person through droplets of saliva through speech, sneeze, or cough. However, unlike the common cold, corona virus tends to cause its victims a serious illness which can cause difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, or even in worst cases death.

The corona virus is known to survive on surfaces for several hours, but the good thing is that simple disinfectants can kill the virus.

Global Statistics

DEATHS PER CAPITA AS AT 31ST MARCH 2020

Explanation: Darker red shows more deaths, lighter color means less deaths

How severe is Covid-19

Having in mind first of all that there is yet no medication or cure established for the virus, which makes it very deadly, as at 31st March 2020 counting from January 2020; 780,000 people have been infected in over 170 countries across the globe, with over 37,800 deaths.

Signs and Symptoms of Covid-19

The corona virus is known to show some or most of the following symptoms in patients:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness
  • Shortness of breadth
  • Sore throat
  • Aches and pains,

And in very rare cases; diarrhea, nausea, or runny nose.

Prevention: How to Avoid the Risk of Covid-19 Infection

You can protect yourself to prevent getting or spreading this virus by following these actions as advised by WHO and Google during this pandemic:

DO’s

  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and running water, or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid close contacts (1 meter or 3 feet distance) with other people
  • Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Most of all stay home and isolate yourself from others as much as you can if you feel unwell
  • As a health worker or someone taking care of an infected person, practice using the necessary PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) to avoid getting infected.

DON’T:

Do not touch your face if you have not recently washed both hands or used an alcohol-based hand rub.

NOW LET’S TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES, EAT HEALTHY AND KEEP FIT TO MAINTAIN A GOOD IMMUNE SYSTEM, AND WE’LL BE FINE.