COVID-19— Why do we take precautions?
COVID-19 has created so much devastation internationally and at home. We have been facing great difficulty and many lives have been lost. Coronaviruses have caused infections in the past as well and are the largest group of the Nidovirales order, which also includes other viruses.
We will discuss some important features of this virus:
Coronaviruses are RNA viruses and can cause infections in several mammals— humans, dogs, cats, livestock (cows, pigs, chickens), and birds.
Coronaviruses (for reasons not known) are able to cross species barriers and spread to humans. Spread is usually human-to-human from symptomatic individuals. Transmission can occur through Respiratory droplets via coughing and sneezing, as well as from aerosols in closed spaces. Transmission from surfaces cannot be ruled out.
The intensity of the condition can vary from an asymptomatic disease, and a very mild illness, to even severe respiratory failure, sepsis, and multi-organ dysfunction.
Coronaviruses were involved in the SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus) and MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) outbreaks.
Precautions to take:
The COVID-19 Virus has been identified as highly contagious, and it is for this reason that social distancing and wearing a mask helps protect yourself and others from this condition that has spread globally over a very short period of time. It is important to wash your hands and maintain hygiene, distance yourself from people, and stay informed about this evolving situation.
This scenario is unprecedented. Stay in touch with your healthcare providers about symptoms you may be having and about changes and newer guidelines.
Visit the website to get public health information from CDC: https://www.coronavirus.gov .
