Last updated: 06-03-2020
Coronavirus has become a major pandemic within a short time, infecting lots of people all over the world. What’s scary about this virus is that there’s currently no medication that can treat it effectively. So, it is vital that you know what you should or shouldn’t do to help you be on the safe side. Here, we look at what Coronavirus is, what to do if it spreads to your country, and crucial steps to take if you notice any symptoms. So, read on to find out.
So, what is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a new sickness that mostly affects your respiratory system causing mild to severe effects. So, Coronavirus causes symptoms like coughs, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and even breathing difficulties in severe cases.
How Coronavirus spreads
Coronavirus is still very new, even to medical experts, and research is being done to better understand how it’s spread from person to person. However, similar viruses are usually spread through sneeze droplets and coughs. Therefore, when someone affected with this virus sneezes or coughs, he/she releases some mucus or saliva droplets that might fall on the face or hands of another person, especially if it’s in public. That way, if the person inhales the droplets or touches the face, then that can lead to Coronavirus transmission. It is currently known that being within ten feet of someone with this virus and who’s coughing continuously for about 10 minutes can increase the chances of being infected.
Scientists say that this illness can also be spread if droplets from an infected person land on surfaces like seats on trains, buses, and even desks. The virus can last for hours or even months, depending on the surface, making it hard to determine if this is a major transmission route. There is also some evidence showing that people can transmit Coronavirus even before showing any symptoms hence making it very tricky to control its spread.
How to prepare for the Coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus cases are increasing daily all over the globe, making it essential to know how to stay safe. In Europe, many countries have already ordered schools to be closed and urged the public to stay away from public places to try and reduce the spread of this virus. According to recent information available, here are some of the most effective ways to help you prepare for this virus:
1. Regularly wash your hands
Some of the most helpful tricks that can help to reduce the spread of this virus are those you find hard to follow. For instance, washing your hands more often helps to get rid of the Coronavirus in case you touched some infected when outdoors.
The CDC insists that it’s advisable to wash your hands with clean water for about 20 seconds after visiting the washrooms, before meals and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. If you feel your hands are not dirty, you can always use a hand sanitiser to stay clean.
It is also vital that you avoid shaking hands and always use a tissue when blowing your nose, then dispose of it immediately. In addition, ensure not to touch your face with dirty hands as that can increase the chances of catching the virus.
2. Avoid public places
The most effective method known so far to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus is by avoiding close contact, especially in crowded places. Most governments worldwide are now advising their residents to work from home, order food online instead of visiting supermarkets, and even cancel public events.
In a conference held in Boston, USA, one attendee affected over 70 people indicating that this virus is spread very easily. Therefore, avoiding public or crowded places will help to reduce the chances of infection.
If you must go to a public place such as a church, then it’s advisable you stay about 6 feet away from another individual or even further if possible. Working from home also helps to reduce the number of people using public transport means such as trains and buses. Doing this makes it easier for passengers to keep a safer distance between each other and minimise the risks of infection in case one or more are infected.
3. Wear a face mask
In places like China, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, the sight of people wearing face masks has become very common nowadays, as they’re the most affected places. This has made it necessary to wear face masks in other countries hit by Coronavirus. However, the CDC has advised that these masks should mostly be worn by infected people. So, if you’re healthy and haven’t shown any Coronavirus symptoms, then it is not mandatory to wear a mask, provided you follow advice like avoiding crowded places and maintaining good hygiene.
Doctors are, however, advised to wear these masks, especially those dealing with the screening of this virus. That way, they can help patients with Coronavirus without the fear of contracting it. Also, if you are tested and you show some characteristics of Coronavirus, then it’s crucial you wear a mask to help protect the people around you.
4. Psychological preparation
Pandemics can have an impact on mental health. The spread of this virus has disrupted many lives in the world. So, it is best to understand that this pandemic can disrupt your lifestyle. You can read more about this virus to help better understand what its symptoms and effects are. That way, you’ll be prepared if you get infected or a family member, thus making the containment period even easier to handle.
What to do If you think you might have Coronavirus
Coronavirus symptoms usually show within ten days or even more. Older people, especially those with underlying medical conditions, might get more severe symptoms since their weaker immune system can’t fight the virus. So, if you notice a symptom, make sure you seek immediate medical help.
If you suspect you might have Coronavirus and live alone, then ask friends, family, or even colleagues to help you get the things you need and stay indoors for approximately 14 days or more. This is usually a great idea as it enables you to be sure if you are sick, then determine the next step. For people living with their families, you are advised to stay a few meters away during the 14 days period to avoid infecting anyone in case you’re sick.
There’s no need to seek medical attention during the self-isolation period. However, if your symptoms worsen within these days, then ask for advice from a medical professional. Also, if you feel fine but you recently visited an affected area or country such as China or Italy, then you must go for screening to be sure that you are healthy before interacting with other people.
Is there a possibility of containment?
It has been a few months since this pandemic arose, and it is said that the virus’ effects were first spotted in a seafood and live animal market in China. Since then, the Coronavirus has infected and taken the lives of thousands of people around the globe. Some experts say that Coronavirus cases will start decreasing when most people develop stronger immunity that can fight this virus.
According to scientists, it is highly unlikely that Coronavirus will be contained in a few locations at the moment. These experts also add that since the virus has started reaching many countries, containing it might be harder as they can never be sure when an infected person travels to another country and takes the virus with them.
At the time of writing this blog, more than 95% of Coronavirus cases are reported in mainland China. However, the Coronavirus has also affected other countries majorly, such as Italy, Taiwan, Singapore, Iran, Korea, and Japan. About a week ago, the CDC announced that there had been a case of this virus in Northern California from someone who’d not visited any affected areas. So, this virus is very hard to control, which even makes it trickier to find the best Coronavirus treatment.
The most efficient way to slow down the spread of this virus is through containment measures such as travel restrictions and quarantines. For instance, the recent case where a huge percentage of people in the Diamond Princess cruise ship showed some Coronavirus symptoms, they were forced to stay in quarantine on the ship until they received medical assistance and were checked. Being allowed to exit the ship straight away would have led to risking other individuals being infected, thus increasing the number of cases.
Coronavirus is a deadly pandemic that has shaken the globe, and proper treatment hasn’t been found yet. If you are seeking more information, then we’d recommend reading information provided by the NHS, which overviews everything on the virus. If you are showing symptoms, then please seek attention from your GP or call 111.
