The novel coronavirus, also known as 2019-COVID, has rapidly spread across the globe, causing widespread concern. But what exactly is the coronavirus, and how can you protect yourself? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what we know so far.
What is the Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range in severity from the common cold to severe respiratory illnesses like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). These viruses are classified as zoonoses, meaning they can infect animals and spread from one animal to another. A new strain of coronavirus, which can spread to humans, is currently the cause of a global outbreak.
As of now, cases have been confirmed in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, with investigations underway in Australia and the Philippines. This particular coronavirus, although not a new infection itself, is a new strain that has caused global concern.
What We Know and Don’t Know About This Virus
The first cases of coronavirus were identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly across China and to at least 18 other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. As of February 6th, over 560 people had died from the virus, and the number of confirmed cases reached 31,535, with the majority of cases in China.
While there have been fatalities associated with the virus, it is unclear whether these individuals had underlying medical conditions or if any were previously healthy. The virus is still being studied, and more information is needed about its full impact.
How Do You Know if You Have the Coronavirus?
In severe cases, the coronavirus can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Most patients with the virus developed pneumonia, with common symptoms including:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
The average age of patients in initial studies was 49 years, with many having visited the Wuhan market, which is identified as the source of the outbreak. Some early reports suggest non-respiratory symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and a general feeling of being unwell.
CDC studies suggest that symptoms may appear as soon as 2 days after exposure and can develop as long as 14 days after exposure. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some people recovering in a few days, while others—especially the young, elderly, or immunocompromised—may develop more severe infections.
How Contagious is This Virus?
As of February 6th, there have been twelve confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S., with patients in California, Washington, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Arizona. All of these patients had recently traveled to Wuhan, China, and have been hospitalized.
Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have warned that the number of actual infections is likely much higher than the official reports, as people may be infectious even when they show no symptoms. As many as 44,000 people may have been infected by January 28th.
How to Prevent the Coronavirus
Currently, there is no specific drug to combat the coronavirus, but there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer with alcohol.
- Sneeze and cough into tissues or your elbow.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Steer clear of close contact with sick individuals, especially those showing respiratory symptoms and fever.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Regularly disinfect surfaces in your home and workplace.
The best safeguard against most diseases is a healthy immune system. Ensure you get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and maintain a nutritious diet to keep your body in optimal condition.
"The primary issue is to limit human-to-human transmission, to reduce secondary infections, especially amongst close contact and particularly in healthcare environments." — Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO Head of Emergencies (Jan. 22)
