COVID-19: The TRUTH about the coronavirus
The Coronavirus has been everywhere for the past couple of months. This morning South Africa had its first confirmed case. There are so much fear and misinformation out there which is scaring everyone. I want to shine a light on this area, dispel some myths and fear that not knowing will cause.
Let us start with what it is.
The Coronaviruses were first discovered in the 1960s. They can be found in both animals and strains that infect humans. From time to time some virus strains evolve into strains that can infect humans. This is exactly what happened with the SARS virus in the early 2000s.These viruses have been known about for decades. The current disease that is doing the rounds in the news often called CORVID-19.
This is just the coronavirus strain that is causing respiratory disease that started in 2019. CORVID-19
As I am sure you are aware this it all started in Wuhan province in mainland China last year. Since then new cases are being confirmed in new locations every time you put on the news.
Before I go further let us talk about what kind of disease is it.
The coronavirus is a respiratory infection. It attacks the lungs. They account for a significant percentage of the cause of the common cold. The disease is spread by respiratory droplet. So whenever you are infected and sneeze and cough, the droplets that you spray out are what infects other people.These Coronavirus strains continually circulate in the human population and are associated with seasonal colds. They cause respiratory infections in adults and children.
Many of the first people who were infected were linked to buying food from a live animal market in Wuhan suggesting that virus may have started as an animal virus and transmitted itself to humans.
What are the symptoms?
Fever and symptoms of a respiratory illness such as coughing and shortness of breath. It should only be suspected that the respiratory illness someone presents with is CORVID-19 if they either came into contact with someone from or traveled to China or you have traveled there recently. In the last 14 days to be exact.A Test can be done to confirm if the type of viral infection is CORVID-19.
You should only be concerned if you tick all the boxes of these criteria. If you are worried, go see your GP.
What should I do?
If you are worried that you might have the symptoms of a respiratory illness that could be CORVID-19. Go and see you local Doctor and have them determine what you have.
Remember that the coronavirus is a common cause of the cold. If you are concerned. Have yourself checked out
How concerned should I be?
As concerned as you normally would be if a cold or flu was making the round at work or in your community.
What can I do to protect myself?
It is simple. WASH YOUR HANDS. Wash them with soap and water for at least a minute after shaking anyone’s hand or anyone who you suspect to be ill.Any kind of illness.If you aren’t sure, wash your hands anyway. Wash your hands before you eat or prepare any food.Avoid touching your face and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.Do you see how this is going?
Just wash your hands.
Another thing you need to do is clean anything you come in constant contact with. Like your computer mouse and keyboard. Also your phone. Not because of the Coronavirus outbreak, because it is filthy and probably hasn’t been clean since you got it.
Last two things.Avoid being in confined spaces with people with poor ventilation. Open a window and do not trust the Aircon to protect you.IF you are sick, see a doctor and stay at home. Don’t go to work and infect other people. Think of the other people.
That all you need to know about the Coronavirus as it currently sits.
IF you have questions send me an email here.
Check out my website. There is a lot of great stuff on how to solve your pain problem– Jason Roets PhysiotherapistJason Roets Physiotherapy +27 72 782 8877 [email protected] www.jasonroetsphysiotherapy.co.za
