What you need to know about coronavirus || what is COVID-19 and how can I Protect myself?

What you need to know about coronavirus || what is COVID-19 and how can I Protect myself?

The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word Corona , meaning Crown or halo . Under an electron microscope , the looks like it is surrounded by a solor Corona.

Coronavirus are a type of virus. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. These viruses were originally transmitted from animals to people. A coronavirus is a virus that is found in animals and , rarely, can be transmitted from animals to humans and then spread person to person. SARS, for instance , was transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS moved to humans from a type of camel.

Coronavirus disease (COVID - 19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been Previously identified in human. A newly identified type has caused a recent out break of respiratory illness now called  COVID-19 that started in china. The incubation period lasts up to 14 days , the world health organization says. Most infected people People show symptoms within five to six days. But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days. multiple organ failure and  even death. 

How did the outbreak start?

The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a wet market in Wuhan which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds. Such markets pose a heightened risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans because hygiene standards are difficult to maintain if live animals are being kept and butchered on site. Typically, they are also densely packed. 

The animal source of the latest outbreak has not yet been identified, but the original host is thought to be bats. Bats were not sold at the Wuhan market but may have infected live chiekens or other animals sold there. 

Spread of the virus and the slow rollout of testing mean reported case numbers are changing quickly. Meanwhile, out breaks have been surging  in South Korea, Italy , and Iran .

India reported the first confirmed cose of the coronavirus infection on 30 January 2020 in the state of kerala. The affected had a travel history from Wuhan, China. 

How do I Protect myself ?

1. The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing , Preferably with soap and water. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,  ar use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean. 
3. Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow ar a tissue when you cough ar sneeze. throw away the used tissue .
5. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms .
6. Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.
7. Keep distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
8. If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness , check with your doctor about ather ways to protect yourself.
9. Avoid eating row uncooked meat or animal organs.
10. If you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases , avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.