What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019

Symptons of Covid-19

According to CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) people with COVID-19 may have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. It may appear in the human bodies 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with COVID-19 may have symptoms like Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
But this list does not include all possible symptoms as CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) will continue to update this list (Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), 2020)

How to prevent Coronavirus?

There’s currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). So one should know how it spreads:
◘ The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
◘ The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
◘ Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
◘ Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
◘ These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
◘ Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) advised washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after visiting any public place or after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing. CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) referred that if soap and water are not readily available, one can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. They also advised to avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside the home. If possible they maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members (Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), 2020).

How to protect yourself?

World health organization “WHO” advised to wash and clean hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash with soap and water because soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs kills viruses that may be on one’s hand. They advised us to apply coin-sized sanitizer in hands as there is no need to use a large amount of the product. Hand sanitizers recommended to protect against COVID-19 are alcohol based and therefore can be flammable. So it is advised not to use it before handling fire or cooking. Sanitizers should be kept out of children's reach always. Staying physically active by doing exercise and eating healthy are highly recommended. Quit tobacco as soon as possible because it directly affects the lungs and the people who have problems in heart and lungs are at high risk of getting affected by the virus. Maintaining at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance with others is preferable because when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. Avoid going to public places because there might be some people who have COVID-19. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth because hands usually touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to eyes, nose or mouth and from there the virus can easily enter into the body to infect. Following good respiratory hygiene is recommended which means covering the mouth, nose with bent elbow or tissue when to cough or sneeze. Then the tissue should be disposed of immediately and washing hands is must. Staying home or self-isolated is must even in minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever until recovery. Have someone who brings supplies and if you need to leave our house wear musk to avoid infecting others. If one is having fever, difficulty with breathing then they need to seek medical attention but calling by telephone first is preferable. People should always have the latest information from trusted sources.