Facts About The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Understanding The COVID-19 May Help Stop Its Spread

As a mom, there’s nothing more important to me than the health and welfare of my daughter. I get all anxious and teary whenever she’s sick, even if it’s just a slight fever. Besides, everyone knows that it’s scarier when kids get sick because their immune system is not yet “fully equipped” to fight diseases especially the aggressive ones. That’s why when I first heard about this mysterious virus with no cure claiming lives in Wuhan, China, I immediately did some reading and watched the news often so as to keep myself abreast of what’s happening.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Its Origin

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The new, or “novel” coronavirus, now called 2019-nCoV or COVID-19, had not previously detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus has rapidly spread around the world. The Chinese authorities have locked down many cities in China’s Hubei province, and some international flights to China have been suspended, too.

Symptoms of COVID-19 and Possible Complications

The common signs of coronavirus infection include flu-like and respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Prevention of the COVID-19

The Department of Health advises the public to:

• Practice frequent and proper handwashing. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Practice proper cough etiquette.
• Cover mouth and nose using a handkerchief or tissue. Sleeves or crook of the elbow may also be used to cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Move away from people when coughing.
• Avoid spitting in public.
• Throw away used tissues properly.
• Always wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
• Use alcohol / sanitizer.
• Maintain distance at least one meter away from individual/s manifesting with flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Ensure that food is well-cooked.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Wear a surgical mask or N95 mask if you have a cough but make sure that you wear it the right way.

Transmission Modes

1. Direct Transmission refers to infection caused by inhalation of air close to a patient who sneezes and coughs.

2. Contact Transmission occurs when a person touches an object tainted with droplets containing the virus before infecting himself through subsequent contact with the membranes of his mouth, nose, and eyes.

3. Aerosol Transmission refers to the mixing of the virus with droplets in the air to form aerosols, which causes infection after inhalation.

Countries Affected of COVID-19

As of this writing there has been a total of 40,628 cases and a total of 910 deaths. The countries affected are Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Taiwan, United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, France, UAE, Canada, India, Italy, Russia, United Kingdom, Philippines, Cambodia, Finland, Nepal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Belgium.

Incubation Period of COVID-19

The incubation period is the time between infection and the onset of clinical symptoms of disease. Current estimates of the incubation period range from 1 to 12.5 days with median estimates of 5 to 6 days. Based on information from other coronavirus diseases, such as MERS and SARS, the incubation period of COVID-2019 could be up to 14 days.

Ways to Boost Immune System to Avoid COVID-19

According to a public health expert, a strong immune system and avoiding interaction with those infected with the new coronavirus are the best ways to block the illness. You can strengthen your immune system by having a balanced diet, sleeping the right number of hours, getting good physical exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water.

You can also take multivitamins from Unilab like Conzace and Revicon Forte for adults, and Ceelin and Enervon Syrup for kids, which you can buy at Negros Grace Pharmacy.

For more information as well as updates on 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may visit the World Health Organization (WHO)’s website or follow them on Facebook.