We are not even halfway through 2020, and so many things happened that we think everyone deserves a break. And right now that is actually what is going on. Entire cities and countries have literally stopped, under total lockdown, in an effort to beat the notorious Coronavirus. So how did we get to this point in the 21st century? Let’s start from the beginning.
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In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, the virus started spreading all over the city, but the world knew little about it. Only when the entire city was put in quarantine, and hundreds of people began dying from the new virus, people started realizing that this is not just any virus or the flu. But at that point, it was already late because the virus began spreading all over the world.
What are the Symptoms?
The main symptoms of the new Coronavirus, also known as the COVID-19 disease, are very similar to flu symptoms, which is why many cannot tell which problem they have. So far, the most common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Short breath
- Coughing
Those are all the symptoms that correspond to seasonal flu, but flu also comes with a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The main difference is that we have a vaccine for flu, doctors know so much about it, how to treat it, how to prevent it, unlike COVID-19.
How to Protect Yourself?
So far, self-isolation might be the best prevention. Many people are already working from home, if possible, or they are trying to avoid contact with other people. The danger is not the same in all places, but since no one can predict when and where the new outbreak will happen, we all need to take care. The incubation period lasts around 14 days, which means that you can be infected for that long without even showing any symptoms, and spread the virus around without knowing.
- Wash your hands regularly, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use only hand sanitizers that have at least 60% of alcohol.
- Do not touch your mouth, eyes, nose, or face in general before washing your hands.
- Wearing a face mask is recommended when you are going out.
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it right after using it.
- If you notice any symptoms, call your doctor first. Do not go to the hospital because you can spread the virus to people whose health is already fragile.
What Is the Current Situation?
Luckily, the situation in China is improving, but the hotspot is now in Europe, countries like Italy and Spain are going through their darkest times, while the numbers of infected people keep growing rapidly. The World Health Organization has officially announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic disease. Also, first vaccine trials on humans just started, but months can pass until we get a vaccine that is safe and suitable for everyone.
Why You Should Not Panic?
Right now, since scientists still do not know a lot about COVID-19, the situation is suitable for developing myths and conspiracy theories. The internet is full of weird theories, but you should rely only on official information that can be found on WHO and CDC websites, and stick to their guidelines. Everything else can be misleading and cause unnecessary panic. Do not stress, do not travel, do not shop everything from the shelf, stay at home, and do something for yourself and your family. You do not get a chance to save the world in your pajamas every day.
