COVID-19: Some facts that all of us should know
What are coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a vast family of viruses, known to cause disease in humans. The disease evolves from a common cold in most dangerous forms like MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
Nowadays we are facing a new virus from coronaviruses family called SARS-CoV-2, that causes the disease COVID-19.
This is the structure of the virus
How COVID-19 was born and developed?
There have been a lot of theories about the COVID-19.
Some says that SARS-CoV-2 was made in a lab, a manipulated virus, to cause a pandemic with hidden purposes.
Later the genetic sequence of the virus was identified. The genetic evidence suggests that the virus has a natural animal origin. It is suggested that it has a zoonotic source; an animal that was able to transmit the virus from the bats to humans.
The first human cases were report in China, in December 2019 and spread rapidly throughout the world causing a pandemic.
How the virus is transmitted from a person to another?
The virus can be transmitted from an infected person with or without symptoms.
It can be transmitted through:
-saliva;
-respiratory secretions;
-close contact.
This happens when an infected person sneezes, speaks, sings or coughs.
How to avoid getting infected?
We know that the virus can be spread when people are in close proximity with each other and frequent the same environments for a long time. You should maintain at least 1 meter distance with another person. Avoid crowded places.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes after touching objects or superficies. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available use a hand sanitizer that contains more than 60% alcohol.
Wear a mask during your stay in public settings. Cover your mouth and nose correctly.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks).
Does COVID-19 have an impact on mental health?
We are facing an unknown pandemic which has changed the way we live, our habits. For a period of time we were in lockdown. We were not able to do our daily activities, meet our friends or family, go to the office etc. Some people lost their jobs. This had a great impact not only economically, but also mentally.
Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated, lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.
Alcohol and drugs abuse has increased and also the number of suicidal behaviors.
The most affected categories from this situation are:
-people who has one or more than one illness;
-children and teens;
-people who have existing mental problems;
-people who use narcotics;
-people who experience loneliness for the first time;
-people who lost their job.
How to cope with stress?
There are a lot of things that we can do to be positive and to avoid stress.
-do physical activities;
-eat healthy;
-keep in touch with others via internet;
-seek medical advice if it is needed;
-get plenty of sleep;
-avoid using alcohol or narcotics.
What you should not do during this period?
You should not use antibiotics, cortisones or other medicines unless your doctor has advice to do so.
You should not go outside if we you not feeling well, if you have fever or if you have the disease.
You should not touch your face if you have not washed your hands before.
You should not sneeze or cough openly.
You should not attend large gathering.
You should not touch your mask with your hands.
You should not drink too much alcohol.
*Most important – You should not PANIC.
What you should have with you all the time?
-Your mask;
-Your hand sanitizer.