All of us have heard the news about the Coronavirus that has originated in Wuhan, China. The quarantines of entire cities, cruise ships and extra checks at international airports seem to flood our news. But, how is it worse than a typical cold? And why is everyone so concerned? Below are some Q&As that might help.
Q: What is a coronavirus?
A: Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that are found in both humans and animals. They can range from mild to severe – with symptoms ranging from a common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Q: What is the newest coronavirus?
A: This newest strain has not been previously identified in humans prior to the outbreak in Huan in December of 2019. It’s title is 2019-n-CoV.
Q: How dangerous is the newest strain of coronavirus?
A: That depends on the individual. In some cases, mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever will be seen. In more severe cases, this virus can lead to pneumonia. Rarely, the disease can be fatal. Those that have pre-existing medical conditions and the elderly (65+) are more vulnerable to develop more severe symptoms.
Q: How can I protect myself from coronavirus?
A: By doing the same things to protect yourself from a cold or the flu: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, maintain distance between other people, especially if they seem to be ill, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and talk to a healthcare provider if you feel ill.
Q: How is the coronavirus transmitted?
A: It is a respiratory virus, which means that it is spread through contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets generated through coughing and/or sneezing.
In conclusion, this virus is very similar to your standard cold or flu, however, it is a new strain to infect humans as of 2019. The same preventative measures taken during cold and flu season should be taken
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