Each day we find ourselves silently pondering the current state of the epidemic we have on our hands, the coronavirus (COVID2019). It is well known that the media can often shine light on the wrong facts and figures so it’s difficult to know where we all stand and how concerned we should be.
On March 2nd 2020, it was confirmed the virus’ outbreak is growing by the minute within the United Kingdom and the European Union. Boris Johnson, the UK’s prime minister, has chaired an emergency cobra meeting, he was joined by the chief medical officer and chief scientific advisor. This meeting was called for two reasons; to create some form of plan to combat the virus which has evidently become out of control. The other is to discuss the government's response to the outbreak. Matt Hannock (health secretary) has publicly stated it is absolutely inevitable for this virus to become an epidemic within the United Kingdom.
A global death toll count has now surpassed 3,000, with more than 80,000 cases known worldwide. A vast majority of countries have imposed stricter travel restrictions in a last attempt at limiting the spread of the virus. It’s a fact that imposing stricket travel rules are not enough and haven’t been enough to stop the mass infection we are currently watching take hold of the world.
Not many of us know the ins and outs of this everlasting virus so here at All Time Generic we aim to create a better understanding and hopefully some clarity.
What is the coronavirus? The coronavirus (CoV) is apart of a larger family of viruses, that as a collective cause different types of illness e.g. the common cold, to more life threatening illnesses like MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory syndrome and SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The strain which has currently got the world on the tips of its toes is completely new. Evidence has shown the virus circulates among various animals, after it has infected an animal some of the virus are able to then pass onto humans. The MERS-CoV has been found to originate from camels and SARS has originated from civet cats.
It’s identified as COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) and it has never been identified in humans before now. Like everything in the world it has its own genetic code, this particular one being RNA which main function is to transport information, this ‘information’ becomes conjugated which enables the virus to mutate at a rapid rate. This is why it’s becoming more and more concerning, how are drugs and treatments meant to be trialed when it’s characteristics are forever changing?
Who is most at danger ? COVID-19 isn’t prone to one person over the other, anyone and everyone can become infected, but saying this it is more damaging for particular people. Those who have pre-existing conditions e.g. heart disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, hypertension and respiratory diseases and the elderly are at high risk of it becoming fatal if infected. This is because it has similar symptoms of a common cold, so having a weak immune system would make it hard to fight off. There is little data to work with to actually be able to clarify how fatal it is, yes it has caused deaths 3,000 to be exact but it has proven to be less fatal than the SARS coronavirus. This being said no cure has been found, there are no medications to fight against an infection.
The symptoms This now bring us on to how and if you can protect yourself but before this is discussed. I do believe being aware of the symptoms is important for two reasons, the first being so you know when you should self-contaminate so others don’t become infected and secondly so you know what to look out for. What we currently know is the symptoms of infection are much like the flu e.g.
● Fever.
● Cough.
● Difficulty breathing.
● Pain in the muscles.
● Tiredness.
Peaceful Protection All forms of protection are extremely important but it cannot be stressed enough how vital it is to wash your hands. Your hands are used every single day, more or less every second. Think about how many door handles, surfaces, phones other even hands you touch every single day. Imagine how many germs are spread and passed along. After thinking about this, do you think you wash your hands enough? It seems like such a simplistic and natural action but it’s the most meaningful way of not spreading germs.
Your hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds. Firstly; wet your hands with hot water and clean water, apply soap (The CDC suggests finding a formula that has a high alcohol content (at least 60%) to kill germs.). Lather your hands, including the backs, between your fingers and under your nails. Rinse and repeat if you feel necessary. If you sing the song ‘Happy Birthday’ whilst going through the process it will amount to the correct amount of time for germs to be reduced.
Secondly, cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to dispose of it immediately in the bin after use, then wash your hands. Sneezing and coughing can happen at any random time, without being under the weather, so if you don’t have one to hand then cough or sneeze in between your elbow and forearm. Both techniques will create minimal spreading and act as a type of barrier between yourself and others.
It is still unknown how the Covid-19 is being passed on for person to person but as it has similar characteristics as other viruses’, its being assumed it spreads the same way e.g. sneezing and droplets. When someone has a virus, when they cough or sneeze, tiny droplets are released of saliva and/or mucus. These more or less invisible droplets are released into the proximity and can/will be picked up by others by either directly inhaling or physical contact (HANDS! THIS WILL CAUSE INFECTION). The majority of hospitals go by the same guideline in regards to the flu, they state that if you are within a six foot radius of an infected person for six minutes or longer and they sneeze or cough you and anyone else around are then exposed.
With this being said if/when you come down with flu like symptoms wearing a surgical face mask will stop you from exposing others to your symptoms, it's still hard to define what is the flu and what is the virus therefore keeping your symptoms; however serious they may be, contained is recommended. The masks work by covering your chin, nose and mouth this creates a barrier, and acts as a source of protection.
Face masks offer some protection as they block liquid droplets. However, they do not block smaller aerosol particles that can pass through the material of the mask. The masks also leave the eyes exposed and there is evidence that some viruses can infect a person through the eyes.
It should be noted that the mask isn’t the strongest source of protection, it will prevent anyone with symptoms from exposing their illness to other members of the public but it cannot stop you from becoming infected as it leaves the eyes exposed, there are various viruses that have been proven to cause infection though the eye. As it is unknown how the Covid-19 is spreading so rapidly, it is being treated the same as all other viruses’.
When to get help? You should seek help when/if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. When you have seeked medical hellp you must disclose your travel history with them, this will help in the long run. If you have travelled to any of the affected areas, you must stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, to reduce the chances of spreading. Do not leave your home until a doctor has told you otherwise. Do not travel into the hospital or doctors surgery, make contact via telephone, you will be putting so many lives at risk if you do this. Call and wait for the doctor's advice.
What to donext?
The world is in standstill, the outcome is unknown. We must prepare ourselves however we possibly can. Wash your hands, wear a mask if you have symptoms so as not to affect anyone else. Stay aware and protected.
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