What we know about COVID-19?
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the name of the disease, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
When and where did it come from?
At the end of December 2019, China officials disclosed before WHO that they are facing a novel virus which causes pneumonia in the masses of Uhan.
It is believed that the virus crossed over from bats to humans at some point in early November 2019.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 have been described as nonspecific. Most often the symptoms include:
Other symptoms have also been recorded including fatigue and body pains. More serius cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock, which could cause death. People with pre-existing chronic conditions appear to be more prone to serious illness.
If you experience any of the above symptoms and have difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period (the time from infection of the organism to the onset of the first symptoms) is currently observed between 2-12 days. Some people may transmit the virus without any symptoms.
How the virus spreads?
Although animals are the source of infection, the virus is transmitted from person to person. There is currently not enough epidemiological information to confirm how easily and persistently the virus is transmitted between humans. The virus appears to be transmitted mainly by air droplets when people sneeze, cough or exhale.
How is the disease treated and is there prevention?
There is currently no specific drug that can cure patients infected with coronavirus. They are being cared for and treatment is applied to handle some of the symptoms. There are already some vaccines for coronavirus, more specifically for the COVID-19 strain. However it will take some time until the population is vaccinated. That is why it is very important to prevent infection or to keep the infection from spreading.