SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is an acronym for severe acute respiratory sickness. SARS was first detected in various countries in 2003, and the outbreak ended in 2004. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus that is identical to the one that caused the SARS pandemic in 2003.
SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the 2019 coronavirus, which is linked to the original coronavirus that caused SARS and can also cause severe acute respiratory syndrome. Although little is known about these viruses, SARS-CoV-2 spreads quicker and farther than SARS-CoV-1 did in 2003. This is most likely due to how quickly the virus can be passed from person to person, even among asymptomatic carriers.
Is there a variety of coronavirus variants?
Yes, there are different coronavirus variants. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19, like other viruses, can alter (mutate). B.1.1.7, a new form, was discovered in the United Kingdom in December 2020, and since then, variants have been discovered in various parts of the world, including B.1.351, which was initially discovered in South Africa, and others. Coronavirus mutations may make it easier for the virus to move from person to person and produce more severe sickness. More infections may cause more people to get seriously ill, as well as provide more opportunities for the virus to evolve further mutations. Learn more about the different types of coronaviruses.
WHAT IS THE METHOD BY WHICH THE VIRUS SPREADS?
COVID-19 is spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person or respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s also possible to contract the virus by touching a virus-infected surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, but this isn’t regarded to be the most common method the virus spreads.
WHAT COUNTRIES HAS COVID-19 EXPANDED TO?
As of March 6, 2020, there have been approximately 95,000 confirmed cases of the viral infection, with 3,381 of those cases resulting in death. While China has the majority of COVID-19 infections, the virus has spread to 88 other nations.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS CONDITION?
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, just like other respiratory infections.
A person infected with COVID-19 may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhoea, among other symptoms. Symptoms might appear anywhere from two to fourteen days after being exposed to the virus3. It’s conceivable for someone who is infected but hasn’t shown any symptoms to spread the virus. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, on the other hand, appear to be more susceptible to severe respiratory symptoms and problems.
HOW DO YOU DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?
The easiest way to avoid contracting the virus is to avoid being exposed to it. You can do so by taking a few precautionary measures, just as you would if you were attempting to avoid catching a cold.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water on a regular basis. Use alcohol-based sanitizers if soap and water aren’t readily available.
- Stay away from sick people.
- If your hands haven’t been washed, don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow. Make careful to get rid of the tissue as soon as possible.
- Stay at home if you’re not feeling well.
- A medical mask is not required if you do not have any respiratory symptoms such as cough. If you have symptoms like coughing or sneezing, or if you suspect a COVID-19 infection, wear the mask. Those caring for someone who has COVID-19 should use a mask.