Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March. As of 28 March 2020, more than 617,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 190 countries and territories, resulting in approximately 28,300 deaths. More than 137,000 people have since recovered.
The virus is mainly spread during close contact and via respiratory droplets discharged when people cough or sneeze. Respiratory droplets may be produced during breathing but the virus is not considered airborne. People may also catch COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then their face. It is most contagious when people are symptomatic, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically around five days but may range from 2 to 14 days. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive therapy. Recommended preventive measures include hand washing, covering one’s mouth when coughing, maintaining distance from other people, and monitoring and self-isolation for people who suspect they are infected.
Map of confirmed cases per capita as of 28 March 2020
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is being well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, many ongoing clinical trials are evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
The only way we can prevent this disease is to self-isolate ourselves and stop meeting each other so that the virus is contained. The graph of the number of patients is increasing exponentially and we have to stop this at any cost.
Today, the governments are forced to lock down the cities to keep everyone at home, so that the virus does not spread. Public gatherings are the most effective way of COVID-19 transmission. The Government is advising everyone to do social distancing and avoid shaking hands so that the virus does not spread.
It has no cure to date, though the only cure is prevention by staying at home and self-isolating ourselves.
It is a challenge for all world powers including the USA, UK, etc. We should all work together to defeat this virus.
A few things to do:
- 🧼 Wash your hands frequently
- 👄 Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
- 💪 Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- 🚷 Avoid crowded place
- 🏠Stay at home if you feel unwell – even with a slight fever and cough
- 🤒 If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call by phone first.
Please be safe.
Stay Home
Stay Safe
Video Courtesy, World Health Organization (WHO)
Courtesy: Wikipedia
World Health Organization (WHO)