COVID-19 is turning out to be very unpredictable. It is affecting different people in different ways. Most infected people develop mild to moderate symptoms, some severe. On an average, it takes about 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. So what exactly is coronavirus, what are its symptoms and what precautions should you take to save yourself from the effects of this virus. Latest updates | Full Coverage
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV is part of a virus family named for the effect created by spike proteins on their shells. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a total of seven types of Coronaviruses that can infect humans. Coronavirus initially spread to humans from animals but now, reportedly the virus 2019-nCoV can be transmitted between people. Coronavirus was thought to have first originated at a wholesale seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. It was first reported in December. Coronavirus spreads like most of the cold-causing viruses. The virus can spread through the carrier's coughing, sneezing or touching an infected area. While everyone is prone to get infected by this virus, young children, elderly specially with an existing health condition are at the maximum risk.
Where did the coronavirus come from?
The city of Wuhan, China, as officials believe it is the origin city for the coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Precautions you need to take while travelling
Common Symptoms of Coronavirus
Coronavirus symptoms are almost similar to any other upper respiratory infections that include runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever so it becomes a bit difficult to identify the virus. You should immediately get a lab test done to identify if its a regular case of cough and cold or you are infected by a coronavirus. It affects different people in different ways with mild to moderate symptoms in majority.
Symptoms, which can take between two to 14 days to appear, include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Milder cases may resemble the flu or a bad cold, but people may be able to pass on the virus even before they develop symptoms.
Prevention from Coronavirus
There is no vaccination for coronavirus as yet, so, prevention is the only way that can save you from the virus. The World Health Organisation has issued an advisory, informing people about the ways they could save themselves from getting infected by a coronavirus. Since the virus has originated from animals, WHO has asked people to avoid contact with unprotected animals. Meat consumers have been advised to only consume thoroughly cooked meats items to save themselves from Coronavirus. While traveling people should be more careful about the precautions and avoid going to places inflicted by the virus.