Coronavirus (Covid- 19) Essay

what is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory disease in humans.

A new strain of coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Where do coronaviruses come from?

Coronaviruses are often found in bats. Viruses live in but do not infect animals. Sometimes these viruses then spread to different animal species. Viruses can change (mutate) when transmitted to other species. Eventually, the virus may jump from animal species to infect humans. In the case of SARS-CoV-19, it is believed that the first infected people contracted the virus at a food market where meat, fish and live animals were sold.

How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

The virus is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets (created by coughing and sneezing) and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

How does the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spread from person to person?

The coronavirus is likely to spread:

The virus spreads in respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person near you coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes. If you inhale these droplets, you can become infected.

You can also catch the coronavirus through close contact (touching, shaking hands) with an infected person and then touching their face.

How can I avoid the risk of infection?

Here are four precautions you and your family can take to avoid infection:

Call 911 and get medical help right away if you have these warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Persistent chest pain or pressure.
• New confusion.
• Inability to wake up from sleep.
• Bluish lips or face.

This list does not cover all possible symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned you may have the coronavirus or have any severe symptoms.

If I test positive for coronavirus, how long should I self-isolate?

According to current CDC recommendations, you should self-isolate until you meet both of the following criteria:

It has been five days since your symptoms first appeared and your symptoms are improving.

You have not had a fever for 24 hours and you have not taken fever reducing medication during that time.

When at home, isolate yourself in a separate room of your home if possible to limit interaction with other family members. If you cannot remain 100% isolated in a separate room, stay 6 feet from others and wear a cloth mask, wash your/family members' hands frequently, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and common areas frequently.

You do not need to be tested again after a period of self-isolation. But each case is unique, so follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for testing.

If you have a weakened immune system or have had a severe case of COVID-19, the CDC criteria do not apply to you. You may need to stay at home for up to 20 days after your symptoms first appear. Talk to your healthcare provider about your situation.

Is it possible to have a negative test for the coronavirus and still get infected with it?

Yes, it is possible. There are several reasons for "false negative" test results - meaning you actually have COVID-19, even though the test result says you don't.

What treatment do people get if they have COVID-19?

Treatment for COVID-19 varies depending on the severity of your symptoms. Unless you are in the hospital or need supplemental oxygen, no specific antiviral or immunotherapy is recommended.

Depending on the severity of your COVID symptoms, you may need:

Supplemental oxygen (given through a tube inserted into your nostrils).

Some people may benefit from an infusion of monoclonal antibodies.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in some patients with COVID-19.

Mechanical ventilation (oxygen through a tube inserted into the trachea). You are given medication to keep you comfortable and drowsy while you receive oxygen through the ventilator.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). You continue your treatment while the machine pumps your blood out of your body. It takes over the function of your body's lungs and heart.

Can vaccinated people still get COVID-19?

Yes, it is possible to get COVID-19 even if you have been vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective. In fact, breakthrough cases (where someone tests positive more than two weeks after being fully vaccinated) are expected, especially as the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates.

Vaccines significantly reduce – but do not eliminate – your risk of infection. The risk of severe illness or death from a breakthrough infection is very low.

Should I wear a face mask?

Your healthcare provider can answer any questions you may have about when you should wear a face mask to help slow the transmission of COVID-19. In general, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask in the following situations:

If you are in an area with a high community level of COVID-19, wear a face covering in public.

The changes we've all made to stay safe and healthy can be challenging. But please be vigilant. We know it's not easy, but it's important. COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. While most people have only mild symptoms, others develop serious lung, brain and heart complications. There may be other long-term effects that we don't yet.