Covid-19

 

COVID-19 is the illness that presents on being infected by a deadly coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This SARS-related virus was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. This virus is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. It is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person.

More than a year after Covid-19 touched off the worst pandemic in more than a century, scientists have yet to determine its origins. The closest related viruses to SARS-CoV-2 were found in bats some 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the disease erupted in late 2019. Initially, cases were tied to a fresh food market and possibly the wildlife sold there. An investigation in early 2021 has highlighted the possibility that they acted as a vector, transferring the virus from bats to humans. More politically charged theories allege the virus accidentally escaped from a nearby research laboratory, or entered China from another country via imported frozen food. Amid all the posturing, governments and scientists agree that deciphering the creation story is key to reducing the risk of future pandemics.Where, when and how a pathogen begins spreading in humans can be difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint. Although SARS-CoV-2 is genetically similar to coronaviruses collected from a type of bat, it may have followed a convoluted path to Wuhan, a city of 11 million people. Scientists are tracing the earliest known cases but the trail back largely goes cold in early December 2019. Where a new disease starts spreading isn’t necessarily where it spilled over from the animal kingdom to the first human. HIV, for instance, is thought to have originated in chimpanzees in southeastern Cameroon, but didn’t begin spreading readily in people until the 1920s, when it reached the city of Kinshasa hundreds of miles away. Scientists reported that finding in 2014, some three decades after the AIDS pandemic was recognized.The World Health Organization was asked in May 2020 to help identify the animal source of the virus and how it spread to humans. It convened a team of 17 international scientists, including one based in the U.S., and this year they conducted a four-week joint mission with 17 researchers from China. Their findings were released in a joint report in late March. Other groups are also investigating, including an expert panel convened by the medical journal The Lancet called the Covid-19 Commission.

Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period. Common signs and symptoms can include: 1. Fever 2. Cough 3. Tiredness Early symptoms of COVID-19may include a loss of taste or smell. Other symptoms can include: 1. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 2. Muscle aches 3. Chills 4. Sore throat 5. Runny nose

• Delta (B.1.617.2). This variant is now the most common COVID-19 variant in the U.S. It’s nearly twice as contagious as earlier variants and might cause more severe illness. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people. But fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections accompanied by symptoms can also spread the illness to others. This variant also might reduce the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody treatments and the antibodies generated by a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Alpha. (B.1.1.7). This COVID-19 variant appears to spread more easily, with about a 50% increase in transmission compared to previous circulating variants. This variant also might have an increased risk of hospitalization and death.
• Gamma (P.1). This variant reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody medications and the antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Beta (B.1.351). This variant appears to spread more easily, with about a 50% increase in transmission compared to previous circulating variants. It also reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody medications and the antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccine.

STAY HOME IF YOU START TO FEEL ILL

Unless you are going out to seek medical attention, stay at home if you are feeling sick especially if you have symptoms of fever or cough

WEAR A MASK WHEN IN PUBLIC

• Wear a mask with two or more layers to help stop the spread of COVID-19
• Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Masks should be worn by people two years and older

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE (PHYSICAL DISTANCING)

• Try to keep your distance from other people (at least 6 feet or 2 arms lengths)
• This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick and experiencing severe disease.

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If your hands are visibly dirty, then make sure to use soap and running water since sanitizing products will not remove the dirt.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT

Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.

Everyone can pitch in by practicing routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES

Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

GET VACCINATED

Get the Flu Shot: People with seasonal influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms as COVID-19 (fever and cough). If more people are protected against influenza, this will reduce confusion and the burden on our healthcare system.

As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, if you are part of an eligible priority group, get vaccinated! COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. And, if you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, and others around you. The COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from getting sick with COVID-19 and may also keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated may also protect the people around you, especially those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccines work with your immune system so that your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

Finally stay home , be safe , be healthy and get vaccinated