Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Origin
The current scientific consensus is that the virus is most likely of zoonotic origin, from bats or another closely-related mammal.
How does it spread?
The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols.
Symptoms
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Tiredness
Loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms:
Sore throat
Headache
Aches and pains
Diarrhoea
A rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
Red or irritated eyes.
Serious symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
Chest pain
Steps for prevention
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Vaccination: Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.
- Social Distancing: Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick.
- Mask: Always wear a properly fitted mask whenever you go outside of your home.
- Open Spaces: Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
- Washing Hands: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Good habits: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Quarantine: If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.
Treatment
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
People with moderate to severe symptoms should immediately speak to their state health authorities or consult to the family doctor.
One should always check and follow advisories issued and updated from state authority from time to time.
The “New Normal”
A year after COVID-19 pandemic has emerged, we have suddenly been forced to adapt to the ‘new normal’: work-from-home setting, parents home-schooling their children in a new blended learning setting, lockdown and quarantine, and the mandatory wearing of face mask and face shields in public.
Pandemic of 21st century/No of countries affected
228 Countries and Territories around the world have reported the COVID-19 cases.
Largest Vaccination Drive /WHO approved vaccines/Vaccine players
India rolled out the world’s largest vaccination drive on January 16 to vaccinate around 300 million priority groups against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
What Next!
Down the line 2 years from COVID started, the world is taking a sigh of relief as COVID-19 cases has fallen globally. All the restrictions are being lifted now by all the countries and economic activities are coming near to pre-covid stage. Please take your vaccination at your nearest vaccination centre today, if you have not vaccinated yet. Stay updated and always follow state guidelines.
Neozen Healthcare wishes you all very healthy and happy life!
