CORONAVIRUS
THE FEAR OF THE DECADE
Here are some answers to all your questions on the disease outbreak spreading across the world.
The new coronavirus, also known as, Covid-19, is spreading faster than a wildfire. To date, more than 308,000 people worldwide are known to be infected and over 13,000 deaths have been recorded - including 1306 people in Malaysia who were diagnosed with the deadly virus.
While the outbreak started in Wuhan, China, the bulk of fatalities are now outside the country and the virus is spreading internationally.
What is a coronavirus?
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Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. There are seven categories of viruses under this family and most viruses just cause cold-like symptoms when infected humans. Two other coronaviruses, however – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – are much more severe, having killed more than 1,500 people and 2, 300 between them since 2002 respectively.
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The newest type, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous and the most contagious. Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, making developing a vaccine a more complicated task for vaccine researchers. Until now, the world is struggling and doubling their effort to study the virus and create potential cures for the outbreak.
How is coronavirus spread?
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Like cold and flu bugs, the virus is spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on surfaces like LRT seats, hypermarket racks and door knobs and are picked up on the hands of others and spread further. People catch the virus when they touch their infected hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.
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Older people, and those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory problems, are prone to be affected by the Covid-19. It is thus crucial to keep your hands clean at all times by washing them frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water or using a hand sanitizing gel.
What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus?
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The Covid-19 virus affects different people in different ways. Among the common symptoms are high fever (36.5 to 39.0 celcius), dry cough, sore throat and tiredness. In some cases, victims also experience diarrhea, nausea, joint pain and shortness of breath. Once diagnosed, victims with mild symptoms should be self-isolated or home-quarantined for at least a fortnight to avoid contact with other persons. As contact-tracing (a compulsory intervention to identify persons who may have come into contact with positive Covid-19 patients) requires time and effort involving large groups, the spread of this virus can be effectively minimized by practising social-distancing and good personal hygiene.
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Adapted from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/coronavirus-symptoms-how-quickly-covid-19-signs-self-isolate/
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