What You Need to Know about COVID-19: the Virus, it’s Symptoms and Protection

A deserted Piazza Navona on April 1 in Rome, during the third week after the Italian government mandated a nationwide lockdown via AD. Photo: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images

Why are people worried?

There are several reasons why people are worried about this novel coronavirus as the situation rapidly evolves. On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. The fact that this is the first known coronavirus pandemic our civilization has encountered is a cause for concern. However, guidelines and procedures we have established over the past century to deal with the four influenza pandemics that we have overcome have given us a framework for how to respond to the virus.

Since COVID-19 is a new virus, we have no natural immunity to it and for now, there is no cure. Given that it is also a highly infectious strain, it has been able to spread rapidly throughout our global community infecting almost all countries around the world. As COVID-19’s rate of transmission is extremely high, it seemed to outpace our ability to contain it and draw up regulations around how to alter our daily lives to halt the spread effectively. Most countries have taken strict measures and issued stay at home orders to try and flatten the curve. For some, the disruption to daily life has been huge. Many world economies have taken a hit and some people are struggling with personal finances and poverty due to unemployment, which adds to fears about the future.

Scientists and doctors also suggest that the virus manifests itself differently in each person. Some people may be entirely asymptomatic, meaning they feel and seem perfectly healthy; however, they may test positive for the virus and could spread it to other people. With most of the world running short on testing equipment this adds to the concerns of dealing with such an invisible threat. Similarly, our lack of preparedness in personal protective equipment supplies has added to the panic that people have felt about their safety.

The mortality rate of COVID-19 is still in flux and varies greatly from country to country, especially as data is being recorded differently around the world. However, we know our vulnerable populations are most at risk and the virus has had a devastating effect on elderly care homes across Europe. Conflicting reports about whether children are mostly asymptomatic carriers have clashed with examples of very sick and tragic cases in some countries. Symptoms also seem to vary widely so it can be difficult to self diagnose whether you have the highly infectious virus and may be a threat to the health of others. The incubation period for COVID-19 can also last a couple of weeks before an infected person even realizes they are sick, meaning they are capable of spreading the illness before they know they have it.

For live, up to date information about COVID-19, please use the filling link to keep yourself informed as the pandemic progresses: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

Since currently there's no cure for Coronavirus infection, how to protect yourself from it?

What can you do to protect yourself?

Researchers around the world still looking for a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus infection. The US government suggests the best preventative measures include:

• Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly
• Social distancing - remain 6ft/2metres away from others
• Avoid leaving your home unless it is necessary
• Protect vulnerable people by isolating those with compromised immune systems or older people
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissues
• Wear face masks to protect yourself and others when you leave your home
• Keep busy at home, socialize with others online, and do daily light exercise
• Consider taking multivitamins to support your health

At the time of writing, the WHO had not recommended any countries to impose restrictions on travel or trade, but they did encourage countries to continue strengthening their preparedness for health emergencies. If you have to travel to countries that have confirmed coronavirus cases or going to public spaces during this time, you should bring additional protection for yourself and your family. The city of Wuhan has shut off its public transport system as of Thursday 23rd January 10 am Beijing time to contain the spread of infection during the busy Chinese New Year period.

The WHO is giving out standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Besides, try to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Covid-19 has caused concern in China and beyond by those worried about the potential for this to be a repeat of the SARS period of 2002-3. China and the world’s health bodies have learned a great deal about public health interventions from H1N1, Ebola, and other outbreaks in recent years. Information sharing, intergovernmental cooperation, and monitoring have all improved massively. There is little risk to the general public.