COVID-19 History and present situation.

 

HISTORY

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new stain of corona virus. The meaning of the COVID-19 is, “CO” stand for corona, “VI” for virus, “D” for disease and “19’ for the year that this disease was discovered. World health organization (WHO) was identified a cluster of pneumonia in Wuhan city that is economic hub of central china on 31 December 2019. There are over 11 million people in Wuhan city. The cause of the severe acute respiratory syndrome that became known as COVID‐19 was a novel coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2. 

Scientist suggested that SARS-COV-2 started in animals like bats and transmitted to people at the market in Wuhan City. This is not the first coronavirus infected to human. Six others have been identified so far. These were spread from bats, rodents, 

SPREAD AND INFECTION

Outbreaks of these viruses occur due to animal to human transmission. It’s spread among human by close contact with infected. These figures are influenced by the restrictions on travel and lockdown measures recommended by WHO in liaison with governments to control the spread of infection. They are not, therefore, solely an indicator of the natural pathogenicity of the viruses.

It can survive in aerosols for hours and on surfaces including stainless steel, plastic and cardboard for days. Washing with soap or detergent can destroy the virus. The incubation period is about 5–14 days. Most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness. other common symptoms are aches and pains, headache, conjunctivitis, loss of taste or smell, sore throat and a rash on skin.

Probable risk factors for severe disease and death include increasing age, being of minority ethnic background, immunosuppression, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, obesity, smoking and cancer

PREVENTION

To prevent the spread of COVID-19

1. Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing

2. Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

3. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

4. Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.

5. Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze

6. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

7. Stay home if you feel unwell.

Treatments

Management of the complications of COVID‐19 relies on supportive care and oxygen supplementation via non‐invasive or mechanical ventilation. Patients who are critically ill may require vasopressor support and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections

If you feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor.

 

COVID‐19 presents an enormous global challenge that has required levels of intervention on a scale that is unprecedented. In one sense, it is a new threat: SARS‐CoV‐2 emerged as a novel virus to which humans had no immunity, it spreads exceptionally quickly, carries a high mortality and can overwhelm the capacity of health services to treat the most seriously ill. But it is not incomparable: similarities with other coronaviruses and recent epidemics mean that infection control measures are well‐rehearsed and existing technologies can be deployed to speed the development of new vaccines and treatments.