What is coronavirus or covid 19?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (designated Covid 19) is the disease caused by the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-cov-2)
Sars-cov-2 is a strand of coronavirus that is highly infectious and causes covid 19. It has an estimated R0 of 2 -2.5; this means that on average, every infected per person will infect 2 – 2.5 people. It has an unknown mortality rate related to limited testing and reporting. International estimates are typically between 1-4%.
With something like Ebola having a mortality rate of 40-50% why all the commotion over something with such a seemingly low mortality rate? With such a high R0 this coronavirus can push the limits of our health care facilities. The critically ill have a much higher chance of survival with proper supplies and quality care.
Pending a vaccination and herd immunity or an antiviral medication, the best we can do is slowing the infection rate enough that hospitals can handle the influx of patients. This is what flattening the curve refers to.
How is it spread?
Experts agree that primary method of transmission is direct human to human transfer via respiratory droplets. Droplets are particles of saliva, epithelium, phlegm, etc that are 5 micrometers or larger. (any smaller and its an airborne particle) It is estimated that droplets can travel about 1 meter through the air. In that time, if a droplet carrying the coronavirus is inhaled, it has potentially infected a new person. If it is not intercepted droplets come to rest on surfaces and can live there.
How can I protect myself and others?
-Droplets only travel about 1 Meter, attempt to stay 6 feet or more away from people.
-A large number of droplets can be stopped by the wear of a mask (even cloth masks)
-If you feel sick, stay at home.
-Frequently wash your hands and disinfect surfaces.
-Try not to touch your face, especially in public.
-Stay at home ☺
Helpful Links:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirushttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlhttps://coronavirus.jhu.edu/https://covid19.healthdata.org/
If I can understand something, so can you.