By: Rajvee Patel
Recent concerns about the spread of COVID-19, has caught global attention. People are flocking to local stores to buy supplies like hand sanitizer, face masks, and water bottles. Online shops are also running low on stock due to large purchases. As the virus continues to grow everyday, it is important to understand what it is and what steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of catching it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1], common human coronavirus symptoms are similar to that of a common cold. However, this should not be confused with COVID-19, which is just one out of the various coronaviruses- a group of respiratory illnesses. The virus, just like the flu, can be transmitted from person to person and it can also be passed by coughing or simple close contact.
Also according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2] Scientists believe that the virus was first transmitted to people from animals and seafood that were sold at a live-market in a Chinese city. These markets were known to be quite unsanitary and have shut down since the outbreak.
Common symptoms of this deadly disease include having a fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People can also experience pain in the chest, fatigue, chills, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, headaches, or a sore throat.
Since this virus is fairly new, treatments have not been confirmed. However, some antibiotics are being tested to treat this virus. Scientists are still doing research, but as of now (April 5th, 2020), no official treatments or vaccines have been found.
The number of people affected by the coronavirus is changing everyday. According to a live-update map created by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at John Hopkins University [3], there are a total of 2,394,291 confirmed cases of the virus internationally (as of April 19, 5:03PM). The alarming rate at which the virus is spreading calls for individual action.
Washing your hands with soap, covering up when you sneeze or cough, and maintaining social distance can help reduce risks. Since many cities have implemented a shelter in place, it is important to stay at home to keep not only yourself, but other people safe as well. Buying only what you really need is essential so everyone can get their fair share. Additionally, avoid direct contact with your face and consuming raw or uncooked animal products. If you start to feel symptoms, immediately seek medical care as it can greatly contribute to decreasing the chances of catching this unforgiving virus.
Unfortunately, the consequences of this outbreak go beyond just the hospital bed. The virus has created a rising fear and racist view of the Chinese. People are scared to travel to China, flights to and from the country are rerouted and cancelled, and worst of all, hashtags like “#ChineseDon’tComeToJapan” have been trending on social media platforms. In places like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Vietnam, shopping centers have posted signs saying that Chinese people are not welcome. The xenophobic mindset of people across the globe is growing, and it is definitely not acceptable.
Resources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/general-information.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
[3] https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html