THE SILENT KILLER
By Roshni Sen
Human Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that usually cause illnesses like the common cold. Almost everyone gets one of these viruses at some point in their lives. Most of the time the illness only lasts for a short time. However, the new coronavirus called COVID-19 was discovered in December 2019 and has now spread throughout the world. As the virus spreads, we are seeing some people with mild illness, some who get very sick, and some who have died. This is a deadly virus that was issued as a world pandemic for the past month. The reason health officials are concerned is that the virus is new, which makes it hard to predict how it will continue to affect people. Researchers and doctors are learning more about it every day, including exactly how it spreads and who is most at risk. Numbers are continuously increasing with no sign of stopping. Currently, there are over +1.3 million cases of Coronavirus worldwide. The highest number of cases is in the USA with almost 400,000 cases and Italy has the record of most deaths due to COVID-19 at +18,000. Canada has had a large increase in cases in the past week making it a total of almost +31,000 COVID-19. Canada still hasn’t reached its peak yet, health advisors say that it will get worse before it gets better and April will be a roller coaster.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and can include:
Fever; temperatures higher than 39 degrees
Cough; dry cough
Shortness of breath; unable to breathe well
Numbness; on one or more limbs
Chest pain; a heavy chest and being unable to move
Who is at risk?
The COVID- 19 does not seem to have such a high effect on children. children do not seem to be at higher risk of getting COVID-19. However, some people are, including:
Older adults
Those with Heart disease
Those with Diabetes
Those with Lung diseases
Those with suppressed immune systems
This doesn’t mean that everyone else with no medical health disorders is not at risk of getting the Coronavirus. Anyone can get it. If they are not affected then they can carry it and spread it. So take all the necessary precautions.
How to protect your family:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but there are a few things you can do to keep your family healthy:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands frequently
Reduce close contact with others by practicing social distancing. This means staying at home as much as possible and avoiding public places where close contact with others is likely.
Clean and disinfect your home, as usual, using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
Avoid touching your face; teach children to do the same.
Do not leave the house unless of emergency or medical reasons
Follow local and state guidance on travel restrictions
Bright Side:
Coronavirus has dramatically impacted the world severely. But it will only get worse until it gets better. Canada is estimating its peak of COVID-19 cases in the month of April. After this peak, things are hoped to get better. However, if social distancing and sanitation are not maintained, the peak will only grow. With everyone's hard efforts and contribution, we will be able to contain this virus and resume our normal lives eventually