16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
1. What is coronavirus? – 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
One of the 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
We are putting more focus on the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) which is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
2. How is the virus spread?
COVID-19 is a zoonotic, meaning it’s transmitted between animals and people. The virus is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale.
The virus can also survive for several hours on surfaces such as tables and door handles.
The virus can be transmitted when people who are infected show flu-like symptoms (i.e. people who are infected but who do not show symptoms cannot transmit the virus).
3. What are the symptoms of the virus? – 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as:
– Fever
– Cough
– Difficulty breathing
– Muscle pain
– Tiredness
– However, more serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock that can lead to death.
4. How long does it take from the time a person is infected when symptoms develop?
The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days.
5. Are some people at higher risk of the virus?
Generally, elderly people and those with underlying health conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer) are considered to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.
Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild. A large study from China suggested that just over 2% of cases were under 18 years of age. Of these, fewer than 3% developed severe or critical diseases.
There is no published evidence yet on the severity of illness among pregnant women after the COVID-19 infection.
6. How is a person tested for coronavirus? – 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
There are special tests available at few/specific centers that can be used to diagnose COVID-19.
These tests look for the presence of genetic materials of coronavirus in the collected specimen.
Examples of specimens that are used include; blood serum, sputum in person coughing, and or throat swab.
7. What should I do to protect myself from the virus?
The mainstay prevention modality from COVID-19 is hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or cleaning hands with alcohol-based solutions, gels, or tissues is recommended in all settings.
Additional measures include;
– Avoid crowded places
– Avoid handshaking/unnecessary body contact
– Caution on traveling to countries where cases have been reported
8. Do you have a vaccine that protects one from coronavirus?
There are currently no vaccines against human coronaviruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19.
This is why it is very important to prevent infection and to contain further spread of the virus.
9. What should I do if I come into contact with a person with coronavirus? – 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
If you happen to come in contact with such a person, make sure to self-quarantine (self-isolation) for at least 14 days as you monitor to see if you develop any of the earlier listed signs/symptoms of coronavirus.
10. Can I get coronavirus from someone’s sweat?
The virus is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets after one has sneezed, coughed, or exhaled. However, avoiding unnecessary body contact is advised to further reduce the risk of getting the virus.
11. How long does the infection last in someone’s body?
The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days.
However, the duration from being infected to when one’s symptoms resolve is not known.
In addition, it is not known that the resolution of symptoms means the virus is totally out of one’s body.
12. Is there a cure for the virus? If so, what is the cure?
There is no cure for COVID-19. However, confirmed cases are given supportive treatment
13. Does Rocket Health have a preventive package for coronavirus? – 16 Key Points to Note About Coronavirus
Yes, rocket Health has a variety of protective products including hand sanitizers, antiseptic wipes, and an N95 mask.
Order for any of these from the Rocket Health E-shop here. Call 0800100700(toll-free) or WhatsApp 0790512074 to order any of these items.
14. Does coronavirus have similar symptoms as influenza?
In its early stages of infection, a person with COVID-19 will have flu-like symptoms which may include feeling feverish, general body pains, cough, tiredness, and more.
15. Can I take the influenza vaccine to protect myself against coronavirus?
No, influenza and COVID-19 have different causes as such the influenza vaccine will not protect you from coronavirus (COVID-19).
16. Is it safe to receive a package from any country where coronavirus is reported?
If the package is not an animal or human, then YES it is safe as the virus being zoonotic can only be spread between animals and humans.