What is a Corona-virus (COVID-19)

What is a coronavirus?

A coronavirus is a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In very few cases, they can be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. The new coronavirus was designated by the WHO as COVID-19.

Symptoms of a coronavirus

Viruses can make people sick, usually with mild to moderate disease of the upper respiratory tract, similar to a common cold. Symptoms of the coronavirus include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, possibly a headache, and perhaps fever, which can last for a couple of days.

For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there is a chance that the virus may cause lower and much more severe respiratory tract disease, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Viruses can be spread by human contact with animals. Scientists believe that MERS started on camels, according to the WHO. With SARS, scientists suspected that civet cats were to blame.

How is the new coronavirus spread?

When it comes to person-to-person transmission of the virus, it often occurs when someone comes in contact with an infected person's secretions, such as cough drops.

Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze, or handshake can cause exposure. The virus can also be spread by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Caretakers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient's waste.

Who is affected?

MERS, SARS, and the new coronavirus appears to cause more serious illness in older people, although uncertainty remains about the latest outbreak, the average age is people 40 and older.

 Coronavirus treatment

There is no specific treatment, but research is ongoing. Most of the time, the symptoms will go away on their own and experts advise seeking early care. If symptoms seem worse than a standard cold, consult your doctor.

Doctors can alleviate symptoms by prescribing pain or fever medications. The CDC says that a room humidifier or a hot shower can help with a sore throat or cough.

Drink plenty of fluids, rest and sleep as much as possible.

use masks and social distancing.