Everything You Need To Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Image source: Texas.gov
Most of you probably have already heard of the term coronavirus - a virus outbreak that affects many regions in the world and tremendously impacts the global economy. However, we have no clue when or how it will come to an end. The situation as of now is only escalating to a larger scale and has reached where we are - North America.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease, aka COVID-19, is a person-to-person respiratory disease with its first case found in Wuhan, China on December 1st, 2019. In January 2020, the city of Wuhan, which has an estimated population of 11 million, has been quarantined in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Cases In the U.S.
Nevertheless, these actions didn’t contain the COVID-19 from prevailing at a global level. On January 21st, the first COVID-19 case was detected in the U.S. Since then, more outbreaks have been found in 13 US States. As of March 4th, 2020, CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) confirmed a total of 80 people inflicted. Among the 80 afflicted, 9 of them died.
How To Protect Ourselves?
The global fatality rate is currently at 3.4%. So in order to protect us against the virus, here are a few steps we can take to minimize our risks,recommended by CDC and WHO:
1. Avoid unnecessary travel to countries or regions that have been found to have COVID-19 outbreaks
2. Wear a face mask when you are going to densely-populated places like airports, hospitals, train stations, etc.
3. Wash your hands with soaps and sanitizers constantly, and sneeze in your elbows.
4. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose with unclean hands. The germs on your hands can easily transfer into your body through these areas.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
In short, it feels like a respiratory illness. If you suspect yourself or anyone who is a carrier of COVID-19, please contact the local healthcare providers and let them know your conditions/symptoms. They will give out instructions on what you should do - this way it reduces the spread of potential virus infections in your community.
The Bottom Line:
In the meantime, I hope everyone is safe and sound. For those who are affected by the disease in any way, please have faith and stay positive.
Get more COVID-19 information from
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Advice
COVID-19 Live Situation Map from WHO
