Fast Facts on the Corona Virus
The Corona Virus is causing havoc again. With the outbreak of the latest corona viral disease, countries world-wide are on alert, but what is this virus all about?
What is the Corona Virus?
The Corona Virus(CoV) is not a new virus but a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
The “Cornona Virus” that’s getting the world’s attention at the moment is actually a new strain not previously identified in humans and is called a novel carona virus (nCoV) or corona virus disease 2019 ( CoVID-19).
Where does the Corona Virus come from?
Corona viruses are zoonotic which means they transfer between animals and humans.
Initial spread is from animal to animal, followed by animal to human and then also human to human.
The CoVID-19 originated from animal to human spread from a live animal market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
How does the corona virus spread?
The corona virus is thought to spread via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People who are in close contact with another person will more readily spread or contract the virus as droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Common signs of infection include:
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe and illness resulting in death.
- Respiratory symptoms,
- Fever,
- Cough,
- Shortness of breath,
- Breathing difficulties,
- Pain in muscles,
- Tiredness
The CoVID-19 has the potential to cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death in some patients.
Persons at greater risk of serious ilness:
Anyone with a weakened immune system, elderly people and those with underlying conditions, hypertension, heart disorders, lung disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, respiratory disease etc.
The disease is not specific to any ethnic group.
Incubation period:
The incubation period is the time between exposure and onset of symptoms and is currently estimated at between 2-14 days.
Are there any vaccines against CoVID-19?
The seasonal Influenza vaccine does not provide protection against CoVID-19. There is no vaccine currently available for CoVID-19.
How to prevent getting CoVID-19:
Regular hand washing with soap and water. If not available use hand sanitizer.
Avoid contact with anyone presenting with any of the symptoms especially coughing and sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Dispose of used tissues, masks etc. in an appropriate way i.e. Container that can be sealed.
Avoid handshake, hugs and kisses.
Treatment for corona virus:
There are currently no medications specifically for treatment of corona virus. Most people with mild corona virus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications.
More serious cases e.g. when illness progress to pneumonia will require medical care or hospitalization.
For accurate information and updates visit these websites:
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)