Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in both animals/humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
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| Figure: Microscopy view of covid-19 |
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and mild cases were recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
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| Major symptoms of Covid-19 |
- fever
- dry cough
- tiredness
- Less common symptoms:
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
- Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- chest pain or pressure
- loss of speech or movement
How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from one person to others who have the virus. The disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth/respiratory droplets, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are relatively heavy, do not travel far and quickly sink to the ground. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus. This is why it is important to stay at least 1 meter/2 feet) away from others people. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs , handrails Mobile phone. People can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is why it is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand rub.
WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways that COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
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| Social distancing |
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
Hand washing - If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance.
- Follow the directions of your local health authority.
- Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows heal thcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others.
Treatment and Cure:
To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19. Treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. World Health Organization
Self care
Medical treatments:
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
- Lopinavir and ritonavir
- Ivermectin
- Corticosteroids(Decamethasone)
- Tocilizumab
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