With rising chit chat and panic amid the birth of the new coronavirus, the BLA Blog thought it would be a good idea to answer a few common questions and debunk some myths about the coronavirus.
The Coronavirus – what is it?
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from common colds to diseases more severe including Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS). These viruses are originally transmitted between animals and people, MERS for example came from a type of camel.
A new strain of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, sprung up in Wuhan, China in early January and like its cousins SARS and MERS, it also originates from animals.
COVID-19 – What are we dealing with?
Little is known about the virus till date. Experts are uncertain of exactly how dangerous the new virus is and they won’t be until new data comes in.
A key unknown is how contagious the coronavirus is. A crucial difference is that unlike flu, there is no vaccine for the new coronavirus, which means it is more difficult for vulnerable members of the population – elderly people or those with existing respiratory or immune problems – to protect themselves. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Human-to-human transmission has also been confirmed by Chinese medal research facilities.
Symptoms?
According to the WHO, signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure and even death.
Current estimates of the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. Most infected people show symptoms within five to six days. For our non-biology students, this means symptoms of the virus might not show up until two weeks after the virus successfully enters the body.
Should I be panicking right now instead of reading this?
Absolutely not. In fact you should read more of our posts while you’re already here. The COVID-19 virus is deadly, granted, but its deadly-ness has been extremely exaggerated by worldwide media, and Aunties and Uncles on WhatsApp groups in general.
As of 1st March there have been 2,870 deaths among over 79,000 cases in mainland China, mostly in the central province of Hubei. More than 41,000 people affected in China have already recovered. Those who died were mainly the elderly with weak immune systems or people with existing respiratory problems. Meaning it has a mortality rate of 2% i.e. there’s a 98% chance you’ll recover. In comparison, its cousin SARS has a mortality rate of 10% and MERS at about 30%.
So… What should I do?
Remain calm, and follow a few simple practices religiously to prevent yourself and others from getting infected.
- Wash your hands as much as possible, including before meals and before handling raw food (especially meat)
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in a waste basket immediately after use.
- If you have recently travelled to an affected area, such as China, Iran or South Korea, isolate yourself in your home and avoid outside contact for at least two weeks.
- Avoid going to crowded places. No brainer.
- Seek help immediately if you think you exhibit the symptoms listed above.
- For the love of God Almighty, do not believe everything you read on social media and WhatsApp. (Recently a fake rumor led to many families killing their pets in fear of the virus spreading in their households)
Masks such as the N-95 or other types definitely do reduce the spread and infection of the virus as they block liquid droplets. However, they’re rendered useless against aerosol particles, that can pass through the material of the mask, and even smaller particles that can pass through the pores of your body. Use of masks when going out or commuting is advised.
It is also advised not to rush to a hospital just because you have a headache. Existing medical facilities in Pakistan cannot bare the burden of your overthinking nature. Stay tuned for more updates about the virus from your preferred news outlet.
Until new updates arrive, enjoy this meme:
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