Recently, a previously unknown virus, the coronavirus has been reported to be causing severe lung disease in China. It has also been detected in France, Canada, Japan South Korea, United States, Nepal, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.
As at the time of publishing this article, at least 362 people have died and more than 17,000 have been infected in China while there’s been more than 180 cases in 25 countries and territories spanning North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
While health officials around the world haven’t declared an international emergency yet, they are on high alert. As such, we believe it’s important to provide you with all the necessary information you need to stay safe.
What is the coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a virus that infects your respiratory tract. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous but some, like the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are pretty serious and can be fatal if not properly managed.
How is it contracted/spread?
· Contact with infected animals
· Coughing and sneezing
· Contact with infected people or things they’ve touched (phones, doorknobs, etc.)
· Runny nose
· Sore throat
· For people with a weakened immune system, the virus can cause more serious respiratory illness like pneumonia or bronchitis.
There is no vaccine for coronavirus. To help prevent or treat an infection, do the same things you do to the common cold and other viral infections:
· Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
· Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid close contact with people who are infected.
· Get plenty of rest.
· Drink fluids.
· Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever.
Please share this with your friends and family members, you never know who you could be helping. To make things easier, here’s an infographic you can download and share across your social media platforms for everyone’s benefit.