Humanity is going through a delicate period in public health. This is due to the so-called coronavirus, an infectious disease that has recently spread across various parts of the world.
There's a lot of information circulating in the media, on websites, and on social media. And there are times when so much information can cause some confusion.
That's why we've relied on official sources to briefly and simply show you everything you need to know about the coronavirus , from what it is to how it affects you, how it's transmitted, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
Frequently asked questions about coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
More than a single virus, it is a broad family of viruses that, when grouped together, are known as coronaviruses. The diseases they can cause range from respiratory infections, such as the common cold, to more serious ones such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Is 'coronavirus' the same as 'COVID-19'?
COVID-19 is the name given to the infectious disease caused by the recently discovered coronavirus. Both originated in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, China. The most recently discovered coronavirus is the one that causes the disease known as COVID-19.
What would SARS be then?
SARS is certainly a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus (we've already mentioned that coronaviruses are actually a family of viruses). However, the genomes of the viruses that cause both COVID-19 and SARS may be similar, but not identical. SARS is more lethal, but much less infectious than COVID-19. In fact, there have been no records of SARS outbreaks worldwide since 2003.
Why do they say COVID-19 is a pandemic?
A pandemic is an infectious disease in humans that spreads across a wide geographical area. Because the coronavirus known as COVID-19 has spread to various parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic.
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
You can contract the virus through contact with someone infected with the virus. When you cough or exhale, you release small amounts of fluid from your nose and/or mouth, known as "droplets."
These droplets can be inhaled by someone, causing them to become infected. They can also land on objects and surfaces, so there is a risk if other people touch these objects and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Therefore, the WHO recommends maintaining a distance of more than one meter (3 feet) from a sick person.
Can it be transmitted through the air?
Because it's a newly discovered disease, little is known about it. Studies conducted so far indicate that the virus that causes COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets, rather than through the air.
On surfaces, coronaviruses can survive from a few hours to several days, depending on the ambient conditions, temperature, or humidity.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, and a dry cough. In some cases, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea may also occur. These symptoms are usually mild and appear gradually.
It is known that some people can become infected but not develop any symptoms or feel unwell. According to WHO figures, approximately one in six people who contract COVID-19 will develop severe illness and/or difficulty breathing.
Who does it affect?
Although it is a virus that is still being studied, research has found that older people and those with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes are more likely to develop a more severe illness.
Are older adults at particular risk?
In the case of COVID-19, there are certain risk groups. These are: people 60 years of age or older, pregnant women, children under five years of age, people with obesity and/or overweight, and people with immunosuppressive, chronic, heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood, or metabolic diseases.
Does coronavirus affect animals?
There is evidence that coronaviruses are common in bats and other animals. Although people are rarely infected this way, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in public markets where these species may be found.
Certainly, there is one documented case of an infected dog in Hong Kong. However, the WHO has reiterated that COVID-19 is spread more through droplets between people than through contact with pets such as dogs or cats.
How to prevent it?
- - Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This can kill any viruses that may be on your hands.
- - Maintain a distance of at least one meter (the equivalent of 3 feet) from anyone who coughs or sneezes. This way, you can stay away from droplets that could carry the virus.
- - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent transmission of the virus if your hands have touched any potentially infected surface.
- - When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or your bent elbow. This will protect others from spreading droplets.
- - Stay home if you don't feel well. If you have a cough or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor.
- - Stay informed on official sites about developments related to the disease.
- - Clean potentially infected surfaces. A common disinfectant can be used to kill the virus.
- - When cooking, handle raw meat, milk, or animal organs carefully to avoid contamination of uncooked foods.
- - Do not receive visitors or visit relatives.
- - Do not share drinks or food from the same container; everything must be for personal use.
- If you order products for delivery, you should disinfect them before entering your home, as mentioned above.
- If you walk pets, you should clean their paws before entering the home by spraying them with alcohol or disinfectant. Feces should also be picked up from the floor.
- Understanding that there are isolation measures that depend on oneself, in addition to being public health policies, is a virus that we all keep at bay.
Are there treatments for coronavirus?
So far, in the specific case of COVID-19, this is not yet the case. However, those infected require medical attention to relieve symptoms. According to the WHO, most patients recover with supportive measures.
Although potential vaccines are still being researched, the most effective way to protect yourself and others will continue to be those mentioned in the previous answer. Antibiotics are also not recommended, as they would not be effective against viruses.
Should I wear a mask or not?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently does not recommend that people who are not sick wear masks to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. In fact, they advise people to only wear a mask if directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Of course, people with COVID-19 or some symptoms of the disease would need to wear one to protect others. The same applies to healthcare workers and caregivers of infected patients.
Should I or shouldn't I shake people's hands?
The WHO recommends avoiding it, as respiratory viruses can be transmitted by shaking hands and touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, it recommends greeting with a hand gesture, a nod, or a bow.
What should I do if I suspect I or someone else has COVID-19?
It's important to first understand the so-called "incubation period," that is, the time between infection with the virus and the onset of symptoms. It's known that, in the case of COVID-19, this period ranges from 1 to 14 days.
The most important thing of all is, if you have any suspicions, to consult a healthcare professional, who will perform diagnostic tests for this disease and determine what to do next.
How to prevent COVID-19?
To prevent the spread of any disease, we can all do something. The first step is always information.
Therefore, always be sure to consult official sources , as they contain verified and supported information. Also, avoid sharing information that hasn't been verified by an authorized site.
The coronavirus has tested humanity and its ability to protect itself. Therefore, it's our responsibility to follow the instructions provided by health authorities . With information and proper care, we will all thrive.
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