The new virus
They are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections, including the common cold.
They can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another. They can reach the human body if certain mutations occur in the virus.
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Common symptoms: coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. Non-respiratory symptoms (feeling nauseous, vomiting having diarrhea) were also reported.
The virus is more violent with the elderly, the very young and with individuals that have a weak immune system. The majority of those infected however recover after a few days.
Coughs or sneezes from an infected person are the most likely to spread the virus. So it's essential to follow basic hygiene rules:
- Wash your hand often during the day.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow or a napkin.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
- Stay inside if you have any of the symptoms and avoid interacting with people that show signs of the infection as well.
At the end of December 2019, concerns regarding a new form of illness related to the new virus arose in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has spread in several other countries due to international travel.
Many of the first persons infected had contact with a seafood and animal market in Wuhan and it became clear that the virus can spread from person to person.
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The first significant flu pandemic started in Siberia and Kazakhstan, traveled to Moscow, and made its way into Finland and then Poland, where it moved into the rest of Europe. By the following year, it had crossed the ocean into North America and Africa. By the end of 1890, 360,000 had died.
Staying home during the pandemic helps prevent health systems from being overloaded.
Overloading hospitals can likely be averted with protective measures like closing schools, canceling mass gatherings, working from home, self-quarantine, self-isolation, avoiding crowds. All these keep the virus from spreading fast.
- Cloth masks, which are reusable and washable, offer no real protection while being potentially harmful in case there is any moisture retention or dirt in them due to their being reused.
- It is a good practice to wear a mask all the time, especially if you have any respiratory illness.
- It is advisable to be careful while removing your mask, as a mere touch of your hands on the front of the mask can contaminate it.
- It is also advisable not to touch your face or nose too much.
- Constantly and frequently wash your hands, all year round, and get a flu shot, as it is flu season. While a flu shot is not a protection against the virus, it is still advisable to get one.