What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses which means that they are transmitted between animals and people. Previously known viruses from the same family caused diseases such as MERS and SARS. These two diseases caused a lot of deaths in the past.
Why is it important for us?
The newly emerged coronavirus causes a disease named COVID-19 which has a high spread rate and fatal results all around the world. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. More information can be found on World Health Organization’s website. You can click here to check information on WHO pages.
As it is a life-threatening disease, knowing about coronavirus and covid-19 is essential for anyone who cares about the well-being of self and loved ones.
How does it spread?
As in most other infectious diseases, covid-19 also spreads through the same path as others. The particles from our mouth and nose reach some else’s body and enter the body by means of mouth, nose, or eyes.
How can I protect myself and others?
The common recommendations to prevent infection from spreading can be pointed as:
- regular hand washing
- covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
- avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.