Here What We Need to Know About the Coronavirus and How to Protect Ourself

 In Jan 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of Coronaviruses globally.The global outbreak has spread with confirmed cases in 50 countries and territories, including the United States.  As of 29 February, The World Health Organization recorded 85403 Coronavirus cases noted  worldwide and 86 Coronaviruses death reported. A total of 59 coronaviruses cases confirmed in the U.S., and A Washington State man has become the first person in the U.S. to die from this virus, according to Los Angels Times.

What are Coronaviruses?

This new virus belongs to a family of viruses known as Coronaviruses. These viruses infect animal, mostly bats, pigs and small mammal. But they quickly mutate and jump from animals to humans and from one human to another. These viruses give flu-like symptoms; however, these viruses get down into the lungs, can cause pneumonia or bronchitis.

Signs and Symptoms

• People usually experience fever.
• Coughing.
• Difficulty breathing, because it’s a lower respiratory infection.

Researches aren’t sure how the Coronnaviruses first infected people in China but the Viruses that cause SARC and MERS, which found in bats which gave a clue for the cause of Coronaviruses. 

Prevention & Treatment

Currently there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, C.D.C. always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

•  The most important thing you can do is hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds. Wash your hand after you come from the restroom before you eat or each time you come with surface contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.-viruses can quickly enter that way to your body. 
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow C.D.C.’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• C.D.C. does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• For information about handwashing, see C.D.C.’s Handwashing webs

       References: 

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200228-sitrep-39-covid-19.pdf

Sources: Timothy Shehan, University of North Carolina.

WSI.com

dc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

https://www.prevention.com/health/a30677242/can-face-mask-prevent-coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html