As we all knew for the past few years the mankind had been fighting against the lethal disease Corona Virus. The COVID-19 has been taken down many lives, affect the economies of many countries, and separated our loved ones from us. If we count the loss that has been done by the coronavirus which is uncountable, more than 196,910,000 people are infected and over 4,850,000 people have died.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus(COVID-19) is a communicable disease which is causeed by SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spread from an infected person to a healthy one by tiny droplets (containing coronavirus) in the air or any surface from the infected person is comes in contact with the healthy person through the eye, hands, nose, mouth, etc. Coronavirus belongs to the family of viruses that causes respiratory tract diseases in humans. They are called “corona” because of the virus that crown-like projections on its surface. The first new strain of coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
How did we get infected by COVID-19?
As we knew COVID-19 spread from person to person. The virus is inactive in the outside environment, but as it enters into our body it gets active. The coronavirus travels in respiratory droplets into the air when an infected person sneezes, it can also settle down on the different surfaces. A healthy person is affected by inhaling or by touching the surface where these droplets were settled. As the virus enters the healthy person’s nasal tract it travels to the throat and starts attacking the cells and dividing and moves into lung tissue. From there, the virus can spread to other vital organs. After then that person spreads the virus to others.
Variants of COVID-19
A virus has the ability to change which causes new variants or strains. A variant usually doesn’t affect the mechanism of the virus but it can cause mild changes in its ways. As scientists around the world are tracking down for permanent cure for coronavirus they discover the different variants of coronavirus. There are some fatal variants of COVID-19 is discovered, which are Delta and Omicron.
- Delta variant is first surfaced in the United States, first discovered in India in 2020 swept rapidly the country and reaches Great Britain. In mid-December, it led to an overwhelming increase in hospitalizations in some states. According to the leading Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled Delta is “a variant of concern”. It is twice time more contagious as other variants of COVID-19. But mostly it is only fatal for those who are not fully vaccinated. Its high fatal cases were traced down in the areas of low vaccination rates.
- Omicron variant had been detected on December 20, 2021. Omicron has been detected many countries and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing. Many scientists and health organizations are still researching on omicron and its pattern of infection. Its course of spreading is same as the delta variant, but it is also affecting the people who are fully vaccinated. As it is affecting the vaccinated people but not to the extent of death. Early it is suggested that it was less dangerous than the delta variant, but after the present situation, scientists said that more information is required for this variant.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
You may have coronavirus if you have these symptoms or a combination of symptoms:
Most common symptoms:
- loss of taste or smell
Less common symptoms:
- sore throat
- aches and pains
- red or irritated eyes
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
- chest pain
It takes 5–6 days on an average from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
The viral test tells you if you are infected with COVID-19. Two types of viral tests can tell you that if you are infected or not.
- Rapid test– The sample is taken from the nose or the mouth for the test. It is called rapid because it can be performed in one minute and can include antigen and some NAATs. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be performed at home and one can easily find out whether he/she is infected or not. It a very effective in reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.
- Laboratory test– It is a long procedure and can only be performed by specialists. Laboratory tests can more than one day to complete and include RT-PCR and other types of NAATs.
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Get vaccinated – vaccination our shield against the COVID-19. One should get vaccinated as fast as can he/she can.
- Maintain a safe distance (minimum one meter) even if the others are infected or not because they may contain the virus.
- Wear a mask especially in a crowded or indoors and where physical distancing is not possible
- Clean your hands often Use an alcohol-based hand rub or wash hands with soap
- Try to avoid touching your face if you are outdoor
- Cover your nose when you cough or sneeze and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue.
- Stay at home as the maximum you can, try to avoid going out the door.
- Use online glossary, shopping apps for daily essentials.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you are infected .
- Avoid public gatherings like parties, marriages, etc.
We have to win this war against COVID-19 for this we have to stay safe. We know it is challenging but we have to stay vigilant. COVID-19 shouldn’t be taken lightly. We have to do this for ourselves and our loved ones. Our government is working day and night to protect us we have to support them only then we can overcome this hard time.