What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common
cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory
syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a
disease outbreak in China.Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted
between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was
transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to
humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet
infected humans. 

Symptoms
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of
breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause
pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even
death. People who are older or have existing medical conditions, such as heart
disease, may be at higher risk of serious illness. This is similar to what is seen with
other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.

Coronavirus outbreak: The countries affected

Has spread to 84 more countries apart from China alarming public health authorities
across the world. A total of 96,764 (including 80,409 in Mainland China, 105 in Hong
Kong, and ten in Macau) confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection including
3,311 deaths (including 3,014 in China, 107 in Italy, 107 in Iran, 41 in South Korea, 12
in Japan, 11 in the US, four in France, two each in Australia and Spain, and one each
in the Philippines, Switzerland, San Marino, Thailand, and Taiwan) have been
reported across the world as of 04 March 2020.

How easily does the virus spread?

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly
contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
Another factor is whether the spread is sustained.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the
community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community
spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some
who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Prevention & Treatment
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a
reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the
spread of respiratory diseases, including:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

3. Stay home when you are sick.

4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular
household cleaning spray or wipe.

6. Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

7. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect
themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

8. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help

prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial
for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close
settings (at home or in a health care facility).

9. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially
after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose,
coughing, or sneezing.

10. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are
visibly dirty.

What to Do If You Are Sick With Coronavirus Disease 2019

(COVID-19)
Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of
respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close
contact2 with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently
traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about
your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your
state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for
COVID-19.
Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?
There is no specific treatment for this disease so the approach used to treat patients
with coronavirus-related infections is to treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever,
difficulty breathing). Supportive care (e.g. supportive therapy and monitoring –
oxygen therapy, fluid management and antivirals) can be highly
effective for those infected.

CORONAVIRUS
RESEARCH
SUBMITTED TO: JOHN LORENZO P. ABAD.

SUBMITTED BY: JOYCE ANN M. ESTARES.