Coronavirus: What to Know and When to Worry

The past few weeks, it seems like the only thing the media has talked about is the Coronavirus. The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in the Wuhan region of China in 2019. A report of a “pneumonia of unknown cause” reached the World Health Organization headquarters on December 31, 2019. 

What is the Coronavirus?

This virus known as COVID-19, is a zoonotic illness, meaning that it originated in animals, and was transmitted to humans. Other coronaviruses have been epidemics before, but were not referred to as “The Coronavirus.” The SARS pandemic of 2002 was a coronavirus, because patients exhibited similar symptoms to COVID-19 patients, and the virus was spread from cats. Symptoms of a coronavirus include the following: respiratory issues, fever, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. “Corona” is the Spanish world for crown, and characterizes these viruses because the microorganisms have small peaks on them, making them look like crowns under a microscope.

Why are we worried?

The COVID-19 epidemic started in China and spread rapidly via international travelers. In the United States, there are now over 100 verified cases of the virus. The deaths worldwide have already exceeded the casualties that SARS caused in a two year period. If the World Health Organization raises the United States’s status from “outbreak” to “pandemic,” we may have to live our lives in quarantine until cases of the virus begin to disappear. Children would be out of school, offices would be empty, and no cars would be on the road. In China only one member of a household may leave at a time in order to work, go to the store, etc.. This has the potential to become our reality. 

How can you protect yourself?

To protect yourself from COVID-19, follow the same precautions you would to avoid the common cold or flu. Unlike the flu, there is no vaccine that can protect you from the virus, but it is being developed as rapidly as possible. Based on photos that are posted online or on the news, many believe that wearing a protective face mask can prevent infection. The face masks are actually not protective, but can help those with the virus prevent themselves from spreading it to others through coughing.  Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and wash your hands often to stay safe from COVID-19. 

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