<h5>What is coronavirus?</h5><p>Coronaviruses (CoV) are a type of virus found in humans and animals. These viruses usually cause mild colds but can also cause severe diseases in some cases. It is believed that all seven different coronaviruses found in humans have been transmitted from animals. In the past, coronaviruses have been responsible for causing: (i) severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS); and (ii) Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Almost a third of common colds across the world are caused by coronaviruses.</p><h5>What is COVID-19?</h5><p>In December 2019, a new form of coronavirus was discovered. This was called the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This coronavirus is responsible for causing a disease known as COVID-19. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) inside the surface of the virus (the blue sphere in the picture above) keeps changing. RNA allows it to mutate and infect new species. It is believed that COVID-19 was transferred from bats to humans. However, there is no conclusive proof that mutations played a role in the transmission of the disease to humans. This disease was first identified in Wuhan, a city in China after multiple people complained of having severe pneumonia.</p><h5>What are the symptoms of COVID-19?</h5><p>The general symptoms of COVID-19 include (i) fever; (ii) cough; (iii) shortness of breath; (iv) head or body ache; (v) loss of taste or smell; (vi) sore throat; and (vii) diarrhoea. There may be other symptoms depending upon the age and medical history of a person. Due to the nature of COVID-19, different people may get different symptoms. Symptoms usually show up in people within two to fourteen days of exposure to the virus.</p><h5>How does COVID-19 spread and how to protect yourself from it?</h5><figure><p><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/the-basics-of-covid19%2FHealthcare_workers_wearing_PPE_03.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=22361d67-a8a0-44ef-878d-c0610695f76e" alt="How does COVID-19 spread and how to protect yourself from it?"></p><figcaption>Doctors wearing special suits called PPE kits to protect themselves from COVID-19. Photo by Javed Anees / CC0 1.0;</figcaption></figure><p>COVID-19 spreads through droplets that are released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, etc. These droplets can remain in the air of an indoor room if there is poor ventilation. Larger particles fall on surfaces and may infect people. This is why doctors who treat COVID-19 patients wear personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and humans are advised to wear face masks and maintain physical distance from people. Soap and hand sanitiser (with alcohol) disrupt the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which is why they are recommended to keep yourself safe from COVID-19.</p><h5>How do I know if I have COVID-19 and can it be treated?</h5><p>The only way to know if you have COVID-19 is to get tested. If you know anyone who has the above symptoms, ask them to isolate in a room and get tested. The earlier the disease is detected, the earlier treatment can begin. Treatment includes taking oral medication and having healthy and nutritious food. In some severe cases, hospitalisation may be required.</p>

In March 2020, a disease called COVID-19 spread throughout the world and changed our lives forever. Let’s find out more about it!

The Basics of COVID-19

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The Basics of COVID-19

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