By now, most people should have heard of the new corona virus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China. This new corona virus, now called COVID-19, has been spreading at a rapid rate and has now claimed over 1,000 lives as of this writing. It's a serious epidemic and has been compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu as well as the MERs and SARs outbreaks. It's now spread to over 20 countries and has infected over 15,000 people.
The corona virus is an extremely dangerous and advanced version of the common cold. The virus attacks a person's respiratory system, such as your windpipe and lungs. It can cause bronchitis and even pneumonia. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the corona virus can lead to death in some cases.
If you've got the corona virus, you're most likely to feel like you've got a very painful cold or flu. Early symptoms include dry coughs and/or a fever. Headaches, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue are common symptoms. In some cases, even diarrhea can occur. Most people feel shortness of breath within 5 days. This is a serious disease and can be fatal!
There is hope. People will be able to fight off the corona virus with proper rest and care. It's most deadly to people with weak immune systems, heart disease, or any other underlying health problems such as diabetes. Although the virus has been commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 40, people in their early twenties have been infected as well.
To treat the corona virus, follow the same basic steps as you would treat a cold.
- Stay home and get lots of rest
- Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Take over-the-counter medicines to relieve sore-throats and fevers
Use good hygiene practices. Be safe, stay at home, and heal up if you think you're sick. Definitely see a doctor if your illness last longer than usual.
Here are the major prevention tips:
- Wash your hands! Practice good hygiene and wash your hands with soap. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if water and soap are not available.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, computers, and door knobs. Any disinfectant wipe or spray with 70% ethanol will do.
- Avoid touching your eyes, face, or nose with unwashed hands.
Stay healthy out there!
Some good reads to learn more:
- https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/24/798661901/wuhan-coronavirus-101-what-we-do-and-dont-know-about-a-newly-identified-disease
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus#1
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html
- https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/coronavirus-death-toll-infections-outbreak-evacuations-cruise-ship-latest-updates-2020-02-13/
- https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/how-prevent-coronavirus-precaution/
- https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-01-29/china-coronavirus-china-likely-originated-in-bats