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Coronavirus

  • March 02, 2020
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Coronavirus: How quickly does it spread, and is there an antidote yet?

The Novel Coronavirus has spread like wildfire since it was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.  The virus is now renamed SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2). The coronavirus disease 2019, is abbreviated as COVID-19.

The first source of this virus has been traced to live animal markets. The novel coronavirus is now highly contagious in humans and has spread faster than SARS. One sick person is estimated to infect 2 to 3 others (‘R naught’ value) in comparison with around 1 for a seasonal flu. Reports show that COVID-19 killed 2.3 percent of infected patients, and is 23 times more fatal than the seasonal flu. It spreads between:

  • People who are in close contact (within 6 feet distance).
  • Via respiratory droplets of coughs or sneezes from an infected person that enter into lungs.

People with possible exposure to disease are quarantined to avoid spread. The period of quarantine is 14 days from exposure, the incubation period of COVID-19.

Infected patients are isolated in a hospital or home until they are free from fever and symptoms and test negative on two consecutive specimens for the virus at least 24 hours apart.

A patient released from isolation or quarantine does not spread the virus.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Emphasis is on symptom relief or supportive care for vital organ functions. To prevent COVID-19, avoid close contact with sick people, wash hands for at least 20 seconds with disinfectants, and properly dispose of tissue contaminated with cough or sneeze.

Clear facts about the disease help minimize hurt due to stigma and discrimination against any race or ethnicity.

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Source:

  1. ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
  2. ‘Here’s what coronavirus does to the body.’ Science. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/02/here-is-what-coronavirus-does-to-the-body/.
  3. How does the new coronavirus spread? These new studies offer clues. Vox. https://www.vox.com/2020/2/20/21143785/coronavirus-covid-19-spread-transmission-how.
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