Coronavirus is a family of viruses that leads to illness or aggravation of respiratory problems. It can be transmitted between animals and people, a phenomenon called spillover. COVID-19, a particular strain of this family of viruses, has been massively found in humans. Official sources have reported that the virus spread from a group of people with pneumonia who were connected to a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, China. The virus has since then spread between people in China and to other countries all over the world.
Symptoms:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
When not treated, COVID-19 can lead to:
- pneumonia
- acute respiratory syndrome
- kidney failure
- death
Primary care measures:
- regular hand washing
- cover mouth and nose when coughing
- cook meet and eggs thoroughly
- avoid contact with people who show respiratory complications
- avoid contact with live animals
Groups that are more at risk:
- people who have close contact with animals
- people caring for people who have been contaminated
- people who already have respiratory problems
- people who have their immune system already debilitated
In case you identify yourself as having the above symptoms, please do seek medical assistance as early as possible and prevent further contact with other people. Please also check your government’s guidelines and action plan so that you know what you need to do first. Some countries have help lines in place to avoid further contamination by contact. For more information, please visit the WHO’s website.
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