COVID-19: Origin, Infection and Symptoms

COVID-19 is a virus from the family of Coronaviruses which has been killing people worldwide. In this time of panic, we are writing this article to spread awareness about the situation and how you can help prevent the spread of this virus.

As you might have heard, the WHO (World Health Organization) has declared the current situation pandemic, which means that it impacts the whole world.

The need of the hour is to keep yourself and your loved ones safe which requires knowledge about this virus. Keep reading this article for detailed information about COVID-19.

Origin

This virus allegedly originated in an animal market of a city of China- Wuhan (Hubei province) which became the epicentre of the virus. However, the origin of this virus remains an enigma. Scientists are trying hard to figure out the source of COVID-19. According to the media reports, the earliest case emerged in November 2019 but it alarmed the government and the citizens of China weeks later when it started spreading like a wildfire. Wuhan, as well as other parts of China, were locked down and a state of fear ran through the world.

How Does It Spread?

There are many myths surrounding the infection and spread of this virus. To put it in a simple language, this virus is similar to the flu virus in terms of infection. It does not spread through the air instead, it spreads via the following ways:

• Between people who are in close contact of about 6 feet.
• Through the droplets of sneeze and coughs of an infected person.
• Through touching of the contaminated surface.
• Touching your face after contact with a contaminated surface.

Symptoms

The symptoms of COVID19 in an infected person include the following-

• Coughing and sneezing
  Cold-like symptoms accompanied by high temperature (fever), sore throat, dry cough etc are observed.
  
• Respiratory problems
  Difficulty in breathing is one of the major symptoms of COVID19 infected person.
  
• Fatigue
  The patient feels tiredness, complains of pain, body aches and even diarrhoea. In some serious cases, the patient may also develop pneumonia.

If you are feeling unwell and observe any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and tell them your detailed travel history which will help them diagnose you properly.

This was our first article on the Corona Awareness series, we will be back with more information soon.

Share this article with friends and family. Stay healthy, stay safe.