Blog

Coronavirus COVID-19 Facts and a self-care guide

It is a stressful time as fears are mounting over what is being referred to as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Although the term coronavirus (COVID-19) refers to a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to much more severe diseases, this recent outbreak is especially unique.

This strain is believed to have emerged in December in a Wuhan market. It has been found that this particular virus can affect both humans and animals. Once emerging, the virus spread rapidly as people travelled for the New Year holiday in January.

Coronavirus infection world map Source: www.strangesounds.org

Current Facts about the Coronavirus COVID-19

The virus has sickened more than 20,000 people globally, including 11 people in the United States
A 90-year-old person diagnosed with the virus.
The youngest is a newborn baby diagnosed just hours after being born
80% of reported deaths have been of patients 60 years of age and older.
Effects include runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever.
Most coronaviruses are not dangerous.
Currently no vaccine for this virus
It is unknown how long the virus survives outside the body on a surface
Based on the information so far, the new coronavirus is spread from coughing or sneezing

Dealing with the effects of such a possible pandemic, it is important to follow some basic rules and concepts to help you avoid contracting this virus. Follow the below steps… the more you follow, the better success you will have at not getting ill.

Protect yourself and others from the coronavirus

Take time to wash your hands and arms vigorously with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds each time).
Avoid touching nose, eyes or mouth with unclean hands… Being human, we touch our face 200 times a day.
If you do go out… avoid close contact in public… avoid crowded places during “illness season.”
Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then most importantly, throw the tissue paper away and clean your hands so that it does not touch other objects that can later infect you or someone else.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces…people may find you a bit compulsive during this time, but they will be happy that you took the precautions when they don’t come down ill themselves.
On top of basic illness prevention, the best (and only real) defence against disease is a strong immune system. Naturally, your body is better able to fight off illnesses when your immune system is working at its best.

Some tips to follow to be sure your immune system is working at its best is to get plenty of sleep at night… this is the time that your immune system repairs your body itself from all the daily intake.
Get enough micronutrients in your diet

Even if you follow the above steps perfectly, you may become ill. Although there are no treatments available for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses COVID-19. Most people with this illness will recover naturally in time. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms:

Take pain and fever medications (Like aspirin)
If symptoms are severe enough, seek medical assistance at your local clinic or health care provider
Use a room humidifier, (or take a long, hot shower) to ease a sore throat and cough
Drink plenty of liquids
Stay home… It is not always possible but staying at home while you are sick is the best medicine for you and everyone else.