The coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China in the early 2020 has now gripped the whole world due to its rapid spread. From its origins in a food market of Wuhan to countries as far flung as the US and the Philippines, the deadly coronavirus has affected thousands of people worldwide, with a rising death toll crossing over 16, 585. On 11 March, the coronavirus outbreak was declared as a global pandemic by WHO (World Health Organization), and the crises seems to have only gotten worse over time.
Despite the global panic in the news about this virus (officially named SARS-CoV-2), you are unlikely to contract it unless you have been in contact with someone who has confirmed to have the virus. Unfortunately, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic of coronavirus as it continues to make the news. And since there is a lot misinformation and rumors circulating about COVID-19, it is important to know what is true and what is not. But before that, let’s look at what it exactly is.
What Is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, which was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It is an infectious disease that most likely transmits by droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough; however more information is emerging daily.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Some common symptoms which have been linked to COVID-19 include:
- Having a cough that gets severe over time
- Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
- A low-grade fever that gradually increases
Note: – The symptoms may appear2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you think that you’ve been exposed to coronavirus & develop these symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Other Possible Complications Caused By COVID-19
One of the most serious complications liked to a SARS-CoV-2 infection is a type of pneumonia, known as 2019 novel Coronavirus-Infected Pneumonia (NCIP). Some other complications that researchers have seen in people that have developed COVID-19 are:
- Irregular Heart Rate (Arrhythmia)
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Cardiovascular Shock
- Heart Attack
- Severe Muscle Pain (Myalgia)
- Excessive Fatigue
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
COVID-19, flu, and cold can cause similar symptoms; however, there are several differences between them. The table below outlines the symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, & a cold.
Death rate:
According to studies, coronavirus is deadlier than other viruses. In the United States, 1 out of 1000 people dies after getting sick due to seasonal flu, while an estimated 300, 000 to 650, 000 people get killed worldwide every year due to flu. In comparison, COVID-19 is estimated to kill 10 out of 1000 infected people, which is 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu.
However, researchers and healthcare professionals need more data to thoroughly assess the coronavirus death rate, including complete figures on how many cases there have been so far with high, mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. According to recent reports, the coronavirus outbreak could be just as bad, if not worse in other countries, in terms of the overall number of deaths & severe cases in China. Therefore, strict measures need to be enforced to prevent further spread of coronavirus.
Who Is Most At Risk For Catching COVID-19?
Individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including people over 65 years of age and those who have serious medical conditions. If you’re generally in good health, the risk for catching COVID-19 is low.
There are also certain conditions that place people at high risk for coronavirus infection or complications arising due to COVID-19. This includes people suffering from neurological conditions like MS. Although MS itself doesn’t increase the risk of contracting coronavirus, there are a few factors associated with MS that may increase a person’s risk of infection or complications. Some of these factors include:
- Taking certain disease-modifying therapies
- Chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, etc.
- Highly restricted mobility, causing the person to spend most of the day seated or in bed
Sometimes, infections like COVID-19 may temporarily worsen a person’s MS symptoms. For instance, you may suffer from fatigue or experience difficulty in thinking. Besides that, issues with mobility and vision may also arise. However, these symptoms usually settle down after the infection clears up.
How Can You Prevent Catching COVID-19?
As there is currently no vaccination to prevent COVID-19, it is best to avoid being exposed to the virus. You can do so by following simple measures, such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap & water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing or coughing, & then discard the tissue
- Clean and disinfect the frequently touched objects as well as surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipes
- Stay home if you are sick, and avoid contact with those who are sick
What to Do If You Are Sick: 7 Steps to Take
If you are sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or suspect that you’re infected with the novel coronavirus, follow the below mentioned steps for managing your health at home & preventing the illness from spreading to others.
Stay Home:
People that are mildly ill with coronavirus disease are advised to isolate themselves at home. They must avoid public areas, work, school; and using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing as well. The only time they should be stepping out of the house is when they need to get medical care.
Separate Yourself from Others Even At Your Home:
Stay in one room during the isolation period, and if available, use a separate bathroom. Limit contact with everyone in your house, including your pets.
Call Before You Visit Your Doctor:
If you think that you have or may have contracted coronavirus, call your healthcare provider before visiting them. This way, they will be able to take the necessary steps to keep other people from getting exposed to the virus.
Wear a Facemask:
If you’re sick, you must wear a facemask whenever you are around other people. In case you care for someone who is sick and is unable to wear a facemask (as it causes trouble breathing), you must wear one whenever you are around them.
Cover Your Coughs & Sneezes:
Here’s how to do it.
- Cover – Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
- Dispose – Once used, throw the tissue in the trash can.
- Wash Hands – Wash your hands immediately with soap & water for 20 seconds or more. If soap and water is not available, you can use a hand sanitizer which contains at least 60% alcohol.
Do Not Share Personal Household Items:
If you are sick, don’t share utensils, dishes, cups, glasses, towels, bedding, etc. with other members of your family. After you use any of the household items, they must be thoroughly washed with soap & water.
Call 911 In Case Of Emergency:
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately & notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19. Before the emergency medical services reach your place, put on a facemask, if possible. With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising at an alarming rate, it is easy to get drawn into speculation and hype, especially in today’s world of 24/7 rolling news and social media updates. It is important that you try to avoid being caught up in the media storm & scrolling through excessive speculative reports. You must only reply on trusted health-first websites, such as the NHS for clear instructions as well as facts on coronavirus and how to handle it.
