All About Need to Know About Coronavirus and Covid 19

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus made headlines all over the world. There was hardly any part or area of the world that was not affected by the famed virus. With all these, there are still things people barely know about the coronavirus like the difference between coronavirus and COVID-19, symptoms, how to get a COVID-19 test, etc. Below are all you need to know about Coronavirus and COVID-19.

What Is Coronavirus And Covid-19?

The coronavirus, officially named SARS-COV-2 has its origins traced to a food village in Wuhan, China,in December 2019. It is a highly contagious disease that has led to widespread infection on a global scale and death of millions as a result of the infection. When you are infected with the SARS-COV-2, you get the disease called COVID-19. COVID-19 stands for Corona Virus disease 2019.

Symptoms Of Covid-19

There are still new things being discovered about COVID-19 by doctors. There are cases where people have been affected, and they did not show any outward symptoms for different periods. Some people get infected, and symptoms manifest almost immediately, whereas others can stay for weeks without experiencing any symptoms at all. On that note, there are common symptoms that are experienced by most people. Some symptoms are not as common as they come, and others how when the case has become severe.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include

• Fever with a gradual increase in temperature

• Tiredness

• Shortness of breath

• Cough that gets worse with time

Some less common symptoms of COVID-19 are

• Headaches

• Sore throat

• Chills

• Tremors associated with chills

• Loss of taste and smell

• Muscle pain

The symptoms below are more severe in some people, and they include

• Confusion

• Drowsiness

• Trouble breathing

• Pain or pressure in the chest

• Blue lips or face

COVID-19 And The Flu

There has been speculation as to whether or not COVID-19 is more deadly and has killed more people than the seasonal flu. There are not enough records to prove this fact, because are infected people with the SARS-COV-2 and didn’t get tested or receive any treatment. However, reports show that COVID-19 caused more death in people in 2020 than flu.

The symptoms of flu, which are similar to COVID-19 symptoms include

• Headache

• Bodyache

• Chills

• Cough

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Fever

Causes Of Coronavirus

The coronavirus first develops in animals before they are transmitted to humans. This means they are zoonotic. There has to be close contact between humans and animals before transmission can take place. Although the COVID-19 virus has not been linked to any specific animal, researchers believe that it may have been passed from bats to other animals and then to humans.

In humans, the virus is transmitted through droplets from the mouth and nose. The virus is slightly airborne and can survive on surfaces for long periods. When you touch these surfaces and touch your face, you can get infected.

Who Is At Risk?

Everyone is at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus; however, some people are at an increased risk. People such as those below are at an increased risk of getting infected

• People who live with someone infected

• People who care for those who are infected

• People whose intimate partners are infected

• People who are obese

• People who have health complications like heart conditions, kidney problems, asthma, weak immune systems, sickle cell or diabetes

The situation with pregnant women is complicated. It is not verified that they are at greater risk; however, they are more likely to get sick due to respiratory sickness than others.

COVID-19 Diagnosis

Like most viral diseases, COVID-19 can be diagnosed using blood, saliva or tissue sample. Some tests are conducted by taking a swab from your nostrils. If you do not know where to get tested, know that there are state health departments where you can get a COVID-19 swab test. You can also reach out to us today at PCR Test London. There are also approved COVID-19 home testing kits that you can use to check and see if you are infected. If you think you may be infected, stay home and speak to your doctor, you will be advised on what to do.

Treatment

There are currently no treatments available for COVID-19; neither is there a cure for the infection. There are, however, therapies that help to manage symptoms. They include :

• Steroids to reduce swelling of lungs

• Blood plasma transfusion

• Retroviral or antiviral drugs

• Breathing support to ease the difficulty in breathing

Complications Of COVID-19

Some complications can arise from COVID-19; however, the most severe of them is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Infected Pneumonia (NCIP). NCIP was found to be responsible for the death of about 4.3 percent of people infected with the SARS-COV-2 in Wuhan, China. Other complications that are linked to COVID-19 include:

• Heart failure

• Irregular heart rate

• Cardiovascular shock

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

• Severe muscle pain

• Fatigue

Preventing Coronavirus

It is possible to protect yourself from being infected by the SARS-COV-2. You can prevent yourself from being infected by taking the following measures

1. Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth.

2. Maintain at least 2 meters distance from everyone when you go out

3. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, coughing and talking

4. Wear a mask to protect your mouth and nose

5. Stay home and quarantine if you feel sick.

When you or your loved ones notice any of the signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19, do not go out to get tested. There is the chance you will get others infected if you already have the virus. Instead, stay home, quarantine yourself or those infected and call the doctor for instructions. This will help you prevent the possible spread of the virus. You can also get a private COVID-19 test when you call us at PCR Test London.