It must be the first time in the memory of anyone alive, even the most elderly, when such a situation has arisen where we in India are locked down in our own houses for over three weeks (of course, for the better) as are many other countries of the world. It can all be attributed to the disease caused by the outbreak of the novel Corona Virus that has come to be known by the name of COVID-19; a name that has been inscribed in the minds of even the most ignorant.
A BRIEF RUNDOWN
On December 31,2019, China reported to WHO about several cases affected by the an unknown virus and reported its first death on January 11, 2020. On 30th January 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and rightfully so, because since then the rates of affected COVID-19 cases have seen a significant rise spreading across 210 countries. China imposed a complete lockdown on January 23 which has been subsequently followed by other countries. India discovered its first case on January 30, a month after it was found in China, and recorded its first death on March 11, 2020. The Indian government imposed a 21 day lockdown from 25March 2020, which is likely to be extended, as the number of cases continues to rise in the country. As of April 12, 2020, there are about 1,836,338 numbers of infected cases with reported deaths of about 113,255.
CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION
Causes: The coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 which is named Sars-CoV-2, can enter the body when one breathe it in as they come in contact with an infected person or touch a contaminated surface and then their face. The virus first infects the cell lining of the throat, airways and lungs where they multiply to infect new cells. The incubation period, that is the time between infection and first symptoms appearing, varies widely, but is five days on average.
Symptoms: The early symptoms are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
However, if the problems doesn’t subside and one continues to have trouble breathing, a persistent pain or pressure in the chest or bluish lips or face, then one must immediately seek medical advice. Studies have shown that the death rate of COVID-19 seems to be higher amongst people over 60 years of age and those below 10. This is because the immune system which the virus attacks is weaker amongst that age group. Although the risk of severity of the illness may be different from person to person, anyone can be the victim or/and the cause of COVID-19
Prevention
- The most imperative step to avoid COVID-19 is washing of the hands using soap and water. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer also helps to deactivate the virus from a contaminated surface.
- Covering of the mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Used tissue must be disposed off immediately.
- Avoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms.
- Seeking medical advice if there is persistence of difficulty in breathing.
WHY SOCIAL DISTANCING?
Social distance means maintaining a physical distance with anyone outside of one’s home which includes staying about two meters apart from others(if at all one needs to walk out of their homes)and avoiding mass gathering. Now why is it important? Because it really is the only way to contain the virus, at least until a vaccination is found. In these trying terms it is of utmost importance to abide by the directions issued by government authorities who have been exemplary in their attempts at containing this disease. The disease spreads by coming in contact with an infected person, or even touching a contaminated surface. Moreover, the virus can sustain for hours or days on a surface. This is why social distancing is the only way to bring down the growth curve of this disease that has spread like wildfire across the various countries of the world. It is our moral responsibility to help in containing the spread of the virus by keeping to our homes, when so many health and medical professionals and government workers are straddling the lines of health and death every single day. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE.
