What is Coronavirus? Precautions for Corona Virus & How to Protect From Corona Virus

What Is Coronavirus?

Corona viruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A newly identified type has caused a recent outbreak of respiratory illness now called COVID-19.

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 can be passed from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes. COVID-19 has been detected in people all over the world, and is considered a pandemic.

The spread of this new corona virus is being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization and health organizations like Johns Hopkins across the globe.

How did this new corona virus spread to humans?

COVID-19 appeared in Wuhan, a city in China, in December 2019. Although health officials are still tracing the exact source of this new coronavirus, early hypotheses thought it may be linked to a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Some people who visited the market developed viral pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. A study that came out on Jan. 25, 2020, notes that the individual with the first reported case became ill on Dec. 1, 2019, and had no link to the seafood market. Investigations are ongoing as to how this virus originated and spread. 

What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

It appears that symptoms are showing up in people within 14 days of exposure to the virus.

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath

In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure or death.

If you have a fever or any kind of respiratory difficulty such as coughing or shortness of breath, call your doctor or a health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room.

How is COVID-19 treated?

As of now, there is not a specific treatment for the virus. People who become sick from COVID-19 should be treated with supportive measures: those that relieve symptoms. For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics.

How to Protect From Corona Virus?

• Stay home as much as possible and reduce visitors.
• Practice social distancing:
  
  > Stay at least six feet away from others in public places.
  > Call friends and family or visit by video.
  
  
• Ask your employer if it’s possible to work from home.
• Avoid people who appear sick.
• Go grocery shopping and run errands during off-peak times.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially:
  
  > After being in public places and touching door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons, etc.
  > After using the bathroom.
  > Before preparing food.
  
  
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
• If you cough or sneeze, do so in the bend of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately.
• Wear a mask if you are caring for someone who has respiratory symptoms.
• Clean counters, door knobs, phones and tablets frequently, using disinfectant cleaners or wipes.
  
  
  

If you feel sick, follow these guidelines:

• Stay home if you feel sick unless you are experiencing a medical emergency such as severe shortness of breath or a very high fever.
• Call your doctor or urgent care facility and explain your symptoms over the phone.
• If you leave your home to get medical care, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms.