A few months ago, the coronavirus was still alien to everyone; now, it is the number one problem that everyone faces. All people are at the house, all activities are minimized, social gatherings are stopped, and all leaders are needed to act on the global crisis that we are experiencing today. What makes this worse is that the world was caught off guard and most countries, even those who have a progressive economy, are experiencing scarcity when it comes to medical equipment such as face masks for all citizens, medical equipment for the hospitals, and even food for the families affected. But what is really COVID-19?
What is COVID-19?
A coronavirus is a common virus that can cause infection in your nose, upper throat, and sinuses. Most of these viruses are not fatal and dangerous.
In the early months of 2020, a new type of coronavirus began emerging in Wuhan, China, and the World Health Organization identified the new disease as SARS-CoV-2. This outbreak spread immediately around the globe, causing panic to different countries, difficulties in different economics, and deaths to many lives all around the globe. All countries were caught off guard and although there were countries that contained the virus in their area, the global economy has, as considered, collapsed.
Just like the coronaviruses, this new type of virus can cause respiratory tract infection from the sinuses to the lungs, and the infection can range from mild to severe and may cause death to the patient.
How Long Will the Virus Last?
For now, it is still too soon to predict when will the pandemic will stop as there are several important factors that need to be considered such as cooperation, intensive research, vaccine, treatment, and the public’s effort to slow down the spread of the virus.
Recently, there are more than 100 vaccine candidates that are currently in different stages of testing and development, and we might need several years to create an effective vaccine.
The following are the symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Chills
- Headache
- Loss of smell and taste
- Diarrhea
If left unattended, the virus can develop into septic shock, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and death. The abovementioned symptoms may not be experienced by someone who has been infected. This is where detection becomes more problematic.
If you notice the following symptoms, get medical help immediately:
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
If the person is infected with the virus, the symptoms can be felt in as few as two days or up until 14, although this varies from one person to another.
Chinese researchers and medical experts have provided the data below. The following are the most common symptoms among individuals who are infected with the virus:
Fever – 99%
Fatigue – 70%
Cough – 60%
Lack of appetite – 40%
Body aches – 35%
Shortness of breath – 31%
Phlegm or mucus – 27%
If you think you have the coronavirus, it is important to stay at home and call the doctor if you have trouble breathing. Difficulty in breathing is already a severe symptom of the corona.
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