COVID-19

Covid-19 (coronavirus) is a well-known disease. There are more than 21 Million cases worldwide and almost 760,000 deaths. The name COVID-19 originated from the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003 (WHO, 2020). While related, the two viruses are different. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 are: 

• Fever or chills
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headache 
• New loss of taste or smell 
• Sore throat 
• Congestion, or runny nose, nausea or vomiting 
•  Diarrhea (Florida Department of Health, 2020). 

The infection most likely developed initially from an animal source and now spreads from person-to-person. Like the usual cold, it is produced by droplets from the nose or mouth, often formed if a person sneezes or coughs. The droplets can land on objects with which other people may come in contact. That's why it is essential to sanitize areas. 

Although there are no vaccines for the virus, there are still many ways to be safe during this pandemic. These are:

• Avoid close connection with people who are ill or have symptoms of COVID-19. 
• Stay home when feeling sick—avoiding rubbing your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw away the tissue.
• Wash hand with soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (Florida Department of Health, 2020).
• Wearing a face mask in public and social distancing is very important. 
• If you believe you have symptoms, be sure to get tested.
• Quarantine is a critical way to avoid COVID-19 as it protects you from spreading or getting the virus. 

COVID-19 is not a joke, and you should always be aware of it.

By Nattlya A.

References

Florida Department of Health. (2020). The State of Florida Issues Updates on COVID-19. Retrieved from: http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2020/03/031020-state-florida-issuesupdatescovid19.pr.html#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20can%20spread,%2C%20nose%20or%20mouth.

WHO. (2020). Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it