Corona Virus (Covid-19)

Current PandemicsThe novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is the most recent virus to become a global pandemic and has effected many countries around the world. The WHO declared Covid-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. As of April 5, 2020, 1 million cases have been confirmed worldwide.

What is the Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses in humans. Viruses that come from this family cause illnesses like SARS to the common cold. Viruses from this family can also cause illnesses in animals.

What is Covid-19
Covid-19 is the newest strain of coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. This strain of coronavirus causes a mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, however if an elderly individual or vulnerable individuals (those with underlying medical problems - cardiovascular disease, asthma, etc.) is at high risk and this strain may lead to death. The incubation period, which is the amount of time it takes for a person to exhibit symptoms after catching the virus, is estimated to range between 1-14 days.

This new virus/disease was unknown until an outbreak occurred in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Covid-19 began in a poultry and seafood market in Wuhan and had a zoonotic (animal) source, but human to human transmission occurred. Although the actual source of the coronavirus causing Covid-19 has not been confirmed, it is believed to have originated from bats.

As of April 3, 2020, 181 countries have reported cases of Covid-19, this means that the virus will continue to be transmitted until serious actions are taken.

Covid-19 Transmission
Covid-19 is transmitted from human to human and individuals catch the virus from people who already have it. The disease can spread form person to person through droplets from the nose or mouth; this is spread when the infected person coughs, exhales, or sneezes. Once these droplets have reached surfaces, other people can catch the disease by touching these surfaces and then immediately touching their faces. Covid-19 can also be transmitted if the person infected coughs, sneezes, or exhales within 1 meter of an uninfected person; this is because the uninfected individual can inhale the droplets. At the moment, it is unknown how long the virus survives on surfaces, this is why proper hygiene is very important during this pandemic as it reduces the spread of coronavirus. Since the virus is transmitted through droplets, it is not believed to be airborne because the droplets are too heavy to be suspended in the air.

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