Coronavirus now called SARS-CoV-2 is the name given to a large family of harmful viruses firstly discovered in animals which was later transmitted to humans. The disease attacks the respiratory system resulting in frequent dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, pneumonia or even death. The disease got its name, ‘Coronavirus’ from its appearance when viewed under a microscope. Corona means crown. The crown are yellow spikes which surrounds the cell giving. To date, the disease is spread from animal to person and person to person.
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Image compliments CDC.gov
Life of the virus: Depending on the temperature, lives on surfaces for 2 hours to 9 days
The first report of the virus was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan City in central China. To date, more than 100,000 persons have been diagnosed worldwide.
Coronavirus vs Flu
Both the Flu and Covid 19 coronavirus have similar symptoms such as fever, coughing and shortness of breath. However, both diseases are caused by different viruses. For more information on the flu or common cold click to read our list of 14 tips to get rid of the Flu. If you’re dianosed or think you may have the coronavirus; it best to contact your local healthcare.
How is the disease spread?
The Covid-19 virus is spread from infected people and animals to people who are not infected with the virus. Infected persons who touch objects or surfaces in public areas may put you at risk for the virus. The coronavirus is mainly transmitted through body fluids such as coughs, sneezing and close contact with infected individuals. Most significantly, the disease is spread by touching surfaces or objects that an infected person has dealt with. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommends frequently, “Washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or cleaning hands with alcohol-based solutions, gels or tissues is recommended in all settings.”
Symptoms of the Coronavirus
The symptoms may vary based on the person gender and immune system. According to CDC “The symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.” Some persons may experience light symptoms while others may get the full impact of the covid-19 virus. These symptoms include:
- Dry cough,
- Fever,
- Tiredness
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain
While the symptoms varies based on gender, health, age etc; The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control states, “it may get as severe as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to death.”
Treatment for the Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2 virus
There is no cure or vaccine available for coronavirus. However, doctors may treat clients for flu like symptoms and respiratory failure. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends frequent sanitization and disinfecting your surroundings. Germs, bacteria and coronaviruses can easily survive and spread in unclean and dirty surroundings. Once the virus gets onto your hands; it may easily get into your mouth, eyes or nose.
Prevention against the Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2
Image complimentary of the World Health Organization
Ensure to properly cook all meat and eggs likewise avoiding close contact with persons who show signs of flu like symptoms. The use of surgical mask and frequent sanitization are some of the best practices to prevent the spread of the covid-19 virus and similar viruses. Infected persons should wear the mask to avoid releasing fluids which may infect others. Some tips to help protect yourself from the coronavirus are:
- Disinfect your surroundings daily
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wash your hands frequently with soap or hand santizer
- Limit travel to infected countries
- USE facemask
- Avoid touching eyes and mouth
EPA recommended products for sanitizing and disinfecting your surroundings from the covid-19 and other viruses.
Not all disinfecting and sanitation products are good for personal usage. Some of these products are harmful and produce side effects, harmful to the environment or not certified. Therefore we suggest purchasing your disinfectants and sanitation products recommend by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Only a selected few are supported by and recommended for usage by the EPA and these products include:
- Clorox Disinfectant bathroom cleaner
- Lysol Heavy Duty Cleaner and Disinfectant
- Lonza Disinfectant Wipes
- PURELL Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
- Peroxide Multi surface cleaner and disinfectant
Click the link to download the complete list of the EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus and SARS from their official website.
Countries infected with Covid-19 coronavirus
As of May 11th 2020, there are currently over 212 countries affected with over 4,210,318 affected worldwide and 284,448+ death and counting. For more updated information visit The World Meter Coronavirus Live update and statistics on the virus.
The countries below are most impacted with the death toll as follows:
- USA: 80,789
- Spain: 26,744
- United Kingdom: 31,855
- China : 4,633
- Italy: 30,560
- Brazil: 11,207
- Iran: 6,685
Conclusion on the Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
The disease is transmitted through fluids entering either eyes, mouth or nose. Therefore is it recommended to sanitize and disinfect your hands regularly. SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus has already impacted 121 countries and territories with no known vaccine or treatment to cure it. While there are treatments for its flu like symptoms; there is none available for coronavirus. Thus it is recommended to sanitize and disinfect your environment frequently while avoiding travel to countries already impacted by the virus and staying away from persons with flu like symptoms. It is recommended to keep a hand sanitizer with you daily for regular sanitation when out in public.