10 Facts About the novel Coronavirus You Should Know

The novel Coronavirus disease has put the whole world on a lock down. Every new day, the world wakes up to breaking news, and it's never good news at the moment, hopefully the luck changes soon.

Now, isn't it puzzling how something so tiny that you'd need an electron microscope to see it, could be so powerful as to cause people to hide in their homes and be worried so much about the next breaking news or what might happen next?

That's how badass the novel coronavirus is.

Perhaps you are wondering what really is it about this novel coronavirus?

Here are 10 facts about the novel Coronavirus you and everyone should know.

Fact 1. 

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 for short, is the scary and notorious disease caused by the novel Coronavirus. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease which infects and inflames the respiratory tract, from the throat down into the lungs, leading to acute symptoms that include dry cough, fever, and breathing difficulty.

Fact 2. 

The Coronavirus which causes COVID-19 is officially known as SARS-COV-2. It is a new strain of Coronavirus, which themselves are a group of viruses that have crown-like spikes on their surface, and are know to infect animals. However, these virus can occasionally be spread from animals to humans where they can cause illness. This is the case with COVID-19. Viruses and other disease-causing-organisms that can infect both animals and humans are said to be zoonotic, and they cause zoonotic diseases.

Now, other notable strains of Coronavirus which have infected humans include the deadly SARS and MERS viruses.

Fact 3.

For people who are healthy and have a strong immune system, symptoms of the COVID-19 may not be quite severe... however, the case is different for older adults, and people who have serious medical conditions. These people may develop severe complications that may be fatal.

Fact 4.

Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation after being observed, retested for the virus, and found to be negative may no longer be at risk of infecting other people.

Fact 5.

So far, men are more susceptible to the coronavirus disease than women. The woman hormone estrogen is believed to make the immune system of women stronger than those of men.

Fact 6.

Disinfectants that contain either 62 to 71 percent ethanol, 0.5 percent hydrogen peroxide or 0.1 percent sodium hypochlorite (Hypo) can effectively inactivate and kill the coronavirus within 60 seconds.

Disinfectants kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses by denaturing their protein outer layers. Denaturing is like cutting off your thumbs so that you won't be able to operate your smartphone anymore. That's horrible isn't it?

Fact 7.

Face masks are only effective at protecting and preventing already ill people from spreading the Coronavirus through droplets when they sneeze or cough, this is according to the American Center for Disease Control.

If you are not a health worker giving care to sick and infected people or you are giving care to a sick person and coming in close contact with them, you may or may not wear face mask. 

Fact 8.

The incubation period of the virus is between 2 to 14 days after exposure. 

During this time infected persons may not show symptoms but are capable of transmitting the virus to others they come in touch with. 

Maintain social distancing and up your respiratory hygiene game. 

In other words:

• Avoid coughing or sneezing openly, use a tissue to cover your mouth or nose. 
• Cough into your bent elbow when and if tissue is not available.
• Encourage others to observe the same.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water. 
• Avoid social gatherings at this time.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.

Fact 9.

Coronavirus can remain alive and capable of infection when exposed to air for up to 3 hours. And on surfaces made of copper, it can live for up to 4 hours. 

On paper and cardboard, it can stay alive for up to 1 day… 

The virus can survive on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 3 days. 

These are according to a research published on the New England Journal.

This is why it is very important to disinfect and wipe high-touch places with alcohol based hand sanitizers to avoid picking up the virus and infecting yourself unknowingly.

Fact 10.

Knowing the symptoms of the disease can help you act quickly and mobilize help if you suspect you have been exposed and developing symptoms…

The pronounced symptoms of the virus include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath. 

If you develop these symptoms especially if you have recently traveled to a high-risk country, or have been in close contact with an infected person, or you live in a city with an ongoing spread of Covid-19. You should seek medical attention and contact the Nigerian Center for Disease Control.

Bonus fact.

 The virus doesn't know if you are rich or poor, Black or White, young or old, it doesn't care, it infects everyone.

Wrapping up.

The Coronavirus disease is a huge public health problem, especially for us here in Nigeria where the health system is simply non-existent. 

This is why you should help yourself and help everyone by learning about the Coronavirus disease as much as you can, so that you can protect yourself and help stop the spread of the disease.