COVID-19 Spreading, Symptoms and Precautions

In a world grappling with the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, staying informed about its spread, recognizing its symptoms early, and taking the right precautions have become paramount. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the transmission patterns of the virus, its key symptoms, and crucial preventive measures everyone should be aware of. Our goal is to arm readers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.

COVID-19 Background

CDC is the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new type of coronavirus that was detected for the first time in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Now it has spread to more than 200 locations worldwide. The new virus has the name “SARS-CoV-2” and the illness caused by it has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

How COVID-19 Spread?

Patients infected at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan were linked to seafood and live animal market, indicating animal-to-person spread. After that, a growing number of patients who did not have a connection to animal markets suggested person-to-person infection. Person-to-person spread was reported outside Hubei and in other countries outside China.

COVID-19 spreads from human to human through the respiratory system and close contact. Some people are at higher risk of getting seriously sick from this illness. This includes:

Older adults, with risk increasing by age.
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Lung disease
- Autoimmune diseases

COVID-19 Symptoms

The following symptoms can show 2-14 days after being infected.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath(severe cases)
Tiredness

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have nasal congestion, runny nose, aches and pains sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually moderate and begin gradually. Some people can become infected and not show any symptoms and they don't feel ill.

How to Lower the Risks of Coronavirus Infection?

Respect the quarantine and self-isolate
Wear masks and gloves and avoid close contact while outside(1+ meter distance)
Wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based solution if you can't wash your hands
Don't touch your face if your hands are not freshly washed
Clean and disinfect your belongings, groceries, clothing that you wear outside, surfaces that you often touch
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a cloth/tissue or use the inside of your elbow