What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.
How does it spread?
The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Types of Corona virus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Symptoms
Most common symptoms:
Fever
Dry cough
Tiredness
Less common symptoms:
Aches and pains
Sore throat
Diarrhea
Conjunctivitis
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Loss of speech or movement
Usage of Mask
If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Preventions
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Clean your hands most of times. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching the things.
Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance.
Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Self care
If you feel sick you should take rest, drink plenty of liquid things, and eat nutritious diet. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect immediately touched surfaces.
Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love, care and attention from adults during difficult times.
Online care courses
A huge number of institutions are participating to save lives by providing the online care course facilities. Some of the top are mentioned below. These institutions are paying an important role to teach the people about COVID-19.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts known traditionally for research and education in the physical sciences and engineering, and more.
https://www.classcentral.com/university/mit
The University of Edinburgh
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities and is globally recognized for research, innovation and high-quality teaching.
https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/the-university-of-edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has been enabling doctors to pursue their careers in specialist internal medicine through medical examinations, education and training, since 1681.
Stanford University
Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or simply Stanford, is a private research university in Stanford, California in the northwestern Silicon Valley near Palo Alto. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
https://www.classcentral.com/university/stanford
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard has the largest financial endowment of any academic institution in the world, standing at $30 billion as of September 2012.
