What is Corona Virus?
The world today is grappling to contain the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak began in Wuhan, China and the causative virus was named as 2019- nCov or the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. The virus belongs to the family of coronaviruses, known for the crown-like spikes on their surface. The coronaviruses were initially found in animals but began evolving to affect humans.
Some Key Facts
With so much information everywhere, here are some key facts about the disease that you must know before understanding how to prevent it:
- Currently, there is no vaccine to treat the coronavirus. However, research is underway in many countries across the world.
- You can avoid getting infected by avoiding exposure to it.
- You might catch the disease if you come in close contact with an infected person(within a 6 feet distance).
- The incubation period of the virus is believed to be as less as two days in some cases, and to up to 14 days in others, based on one’s immunity.
- Some common coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
- People with underlying conditions are at more risk than others.
- Older adults above the age of 60 years and young kids are at a higher risk.
- Currently, symptomatic relief is being provided for those testing positive for COVID-19.
Tips to Stay Healthy to Avoid Susceptibility
As mentioned earlier, the best way to avoid getting affected by the COVID-19 is to prevent exposure. Apart from this, you can do your bit by healthy living. Here’s a list of things you can do in your day-to-day life to reduce your risk of getting affected:
Wash Your Hands!
Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap for 20-seconds if you have to head out of home for some errands. If you cannot wash your hands with soap, use a sanitiser that has a minimum of 60% alcohol.
Practise Social Distancing
Stay home as much as possible and avoid venturing out into public places. Social distancing is the only way to prevent a community-wide spread of the coronavirus.
Self-Isolate
If you have symptoms of flu, avoid going out into the public and use a mask if you really have to.
Disinfect!
Disinfect surfaces and things like your bag, laptop, mobile phone and any other item that may have come in contact with other people when in public, in college or at work
Eat Healthy Food
You can load up on foods that help boost immunity and add them to your daily meals.
Visit Your Doctor
Visit your healthcare provider if you or anyone in your family feel too sick. The WHO has declared the coronavirus a pandemic, and it is a serious matter. We must all do our bit to stay healthy, and avoid the spread of the COVID-19. Today, India is in stage 2 of the pandemic situation, and if proper care is not taken by each one of us, it will take just two weeks for us to reach a very worrisome stage 3.
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