It pays to be informed about global events. This knowledge is especially useful in the present time wherein a pandemic is occurring worldwide. This so-called pandemic is caused by a virus now known as COVID-19 (or Coronavirus disease 19). The severity of the above-mentioned pandemic makes it imperative for everyone to be armed with factual information about it.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable illness whose main cause is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- Cov-2). Since its identification, the disease had spread globally at a rapid pace, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic incident worldwide.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19?
The following list below enumerates some of the signs and symptoms which may be present in an individual who is affected with this disease.
Fever. One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is fever. Take note that this symptom, along with the other signs of the disease, may manifest themselves in a span of 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.
Cough. A hacking cough may also be a potential symptom of COVID-19. This, in itself, is not a definitive sign. However, it is better to be on the safe side and avoid getting a cough if it can be done so.
Shortness of Breath. Since the virus attacks mainly the respiratory system, a potential sign of having COVID-19 might be persistent shortness of breath. Thus, it is of utmost importance that a person who might be infected with the virus be carefully monitored
When Should Medical Help be Sought?
Although some people do recover from this virus, it could lead to fatalities for other individuals. Medical help, therefore, should be sought when:
a.) A person belongs to a high-risk group (e.g. individuals who are 65 years of age or older). This group also includes those who are living in nursing homes or care facilities. Aside from that, people who have long-term lung or heart disease or those who have immune system problems also fit this group.
b.) A person develops a severe inability to breathe properly, develops a bluish face or lips, loses the sense of smell/taste, and/or becomes disoriented with his or her surroundings.
What Parts of the World Are Most Affected by COVID-19?
COVID-19 is currently classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). In other terms, it has spread to most parts of the world. The data below shows which specific parts have been most affected by this disease.
China. Since this place is where the virus was first discovered, it is not surprising that it had the initial highest number of recorded cases and fatalities for the virus. As of the present time, China has the following data: 86,601 total confirmed cases, 103 new cases, 3276 total number of fatalities, and 9 new fatalities.
Italy. This country ranks the second in terms of how much the virus has spread. With regards to past and current fatalities, it ranks as the first. As of the present time, Italy has the following data: 59,139 total confirmed cases, 5560 new cases, 5,476 fatalities, and 649 new fatalities.
United States of America. In the recent news, the US has unfortunately caught up in terms of those who were infected by the virus as well as those who have perished because of it. As of the present time, the US has the following data: 31,573 total confirmed cases, 16,354 new cases, 402 fatalities, and 201 new fatalities.
How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?
The pandemic that is happening at the current time only proves that COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. Instead, people must concentrate their efforts in preventing the further spreading of this deadly disease. The following are the suggested ways to do so:
Practice good personal hygiene. This includes washing hands often and disinfecting areas or objects that are often used.
Practice what is termed as “social distancing.” In laymen’s terms, this means maintaining a distance of about 1 meter (or 6 feet) from another person. If there is a need to go out, avoid going to overly crowded places.
Seek immediate medical attention once you are confirmed to have the virus and are experiencing the signs and symptoms formerly mentioned.
The current pandemic is a challenge for all. It challenges people to become more vigilant than ever. It is a wake-up call for people to realize that life is fragile and that more than anything else, health matters above all.