What is Coronavirus(COVID-19)?
SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus which is the cause of the current pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19).
How did it start?
The virus is believed to have spread from bats to animals, sold in the market place which in turn was consumed by humans. The first case of human infection from the virus was reported in December 2019.
How does it spread?
COVID-19 spreads by following ways:
- person-person contact OR
- When an infected person sneezes or coughs into the air and the same is inhaled by another healthy person OR
- Contact with the surface which is already infected such as door knobs, handles, railings, etc and later the person touches his nose/eyes/mouth using the same hand.
How to protect oneself from the COVID-19 infection?
- Absolutely no contact with any person in general, outside of family. Maintain social distance of at least 6 feet, if one has to venture out to but any essentialcommodities.
- Wear protective mask while going out to ensure virus is not inhaled through air.
- To frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least a count of 30. Make sure one doesn’t touch their hands, nose and eyes without washing.
Staying home is the best method now since this prevents one from spreading the infection, or even contacting the virus from others. Government officials and doctors are requesting each citizen to abide by these rules and control the spread. This helps to flatten the curve (bringing the rate of infection to low ornil).
Does this infection affect only older people?
What’s seen till now is that COVID-19 has infected many, of which majority of deaths have been in elderly aged between 65–74 years. This infection is seen to affect people aged 20–45 years as well.
Is there any treatment for this corona virus infection?
Currently many countries including India are conducting research to develop a vaccine, which may take a few years to be available for everyone. At present the infection is symptomatically handled, in addition to supportive care for the elderly.
You may Also read : symptoms of COVID-19
