COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease that affects mainly the respiratory system. It was first identified in China Wuhan in 2019 and has since then spread out globally, reaching over 150 countries, with more than 872,777 individuals being positive worldwide as of 1st April 2020.
The death toll so far stands at 43,270, while 184,514 persons have recovered from the disease. United States has the most COVID-19 cases now with 188.592 infected persons, followed by Italy with 105,792, and Spain with 102,136 persons.
The symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, sputum production, among others. The effect starts with flu-like symptoms.
Below are some of the things you need to know about COVID-19.
How Is COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person. Coming into close contact (within 6 feet) with an infected person exposes you to the virus. The other way this deadly virus can be spread from person-to-person is through coming into contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.
You can further contract the virus by touching various surfaces that are contaminated. If you touch an object or even a surface that has been touched by an infected person, then you can also get infected if you touch your nose or mouth before washing your hands thoroughly.
What Effects Have Countries Experienced Through The COVID-19 Pandemic
1. Slow economic growth
Globally, economic growth has been tested. This is because the productivity of countries worldwide has gone down. In some of the most affected countries, industries have been closed down, shops, stores, and even schools.
Countries are also not able to export or import goods and services as the movement of persons and goods has been limited in the effort of containing the pandemic.
2. Loss of life
People have died across the globe from contracting COVID-19, most of whom are the elderly or persons who had other underlying medical conditions. Individuals with low immunity, especially the elderly, find themselves at high risk.
3. Increased poverty levels
With most countries now on lockdown or under a curfew, people are not able to work. This has situation has caused a financial crisis as most people do not have enough money to get the food and supplies they need to last them through the lockdowns and curfews.
Homeless persons are the most affected group as they have nowhere to go and no means of protecting themselves from COVID-19.
4. Emotional and psychological issues
Everyone is in one way or another experiencing some stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who are in the frontlines battling the virus (doctors, nurses, and the first responders) are likely to develop chronic stress and other mental health issues as a result of the pressure relating to the responsibilities of the essential role they are playing during this pandemic.
People are also worried about what happens when they contact the virus since no vaccine has been developed yet, and this is emotionally draining. Being in quarantine is not easy as we are social beings.
Control Measures For COVID-19
1. Personal hygiene practice
Frequent hand-washing and sanitizing helps you to prevent contracting the virus. However, ensure that you avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Ensure that you wash your hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
2. Quarantine & social distancing
Staying at home is one of the perfect ways to avoid contracting the disease. When you stay at home, the likelihood of getting the virus is minimal since there are low chances of coming into contact with people with this virus.
If you have to go out, observe social distancing. This is keeping a one-meter distance from the next person. Minimizing the number of social gatherings also helps to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
3. Use of masks
Wearing a mask does not mean that you cannot get infected. This is because COVID-19 can also get transmitted through aerosols (which can go through the masks) and eyes.
Masks are, however, good and necessary as they capture droplets and thus protect you from the primary mode of COVID-19 transmission.
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of droplets to other people.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is a severe disease. Please stay at home, observe social distancing, sanitize, and frequently wash your hands with soap and running water, and you will be fine.
If you already have the virus, it’s not a death sentence. Self-isolate to avoid spreading it to the people you love and seek medical assistance immediately. Many people have recovered, and you too will.Â
