The media has been awash with news of the novel corona virus in the past few months and now intensified this past week with the discovery of confirmed cases in Nigeria. It has been declared a global pandemic. So we've all heard a lot about the Covid-19 virus. But I just want to put out here a summary of the information, seperating facts from myths. And ultimately, to help us stay safe by protecting ourselves.
*False info about Corona virus Covid-19*
MYTH 1: It was made in the laboratory. (Whether as a biological/political weapon.)
False. It is due to natural evolution. With many coronaviruses already in existence in host animals serving as reserviors, covid-19 was not chemically engineered. Bats, civets, pangolins and camels are known to carry human corona viruses. SARS and MERS are it's cousins. Studies suggests that this particular covid-19 came from bats.
MYTH 2: COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates. FALSE
Most Nigerians seem not prepared for covid-19 because of this erroneous belief that it cannot survive in our hot weather..
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.
MYTH 3: Blacks/Africans are immuned to Covid-19 or it is milder in them. FALSE
ALL races of people can be infected and sick from coronavirus as we can now see. As at the time of writing this, our continent now has about 700 confirmed cases across 35 countries.
MYTH 4 : It majorly affects old people. Children don't can't get it. FALSE.
When you say old people do you mean 80+?. Because it affects people of all ages from babies to people over 60. But the symptoms/sickness is SEVERE in older people 80+, people with compromised (poor) immunity, people with underlying debilitating health conditions.
*Right Info about Coronavirus Covid-19*
1. How is the virus transmitted?
Covid-19 spreads mostly from person to person through close contact or from droplets that are scattered when a person with the virus sneezes or coughs because it is airborne. Also can be picked up from surfaces/objects touched by an infected person.
2. What are the typical symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are usually mild and develop slowly. Infected persons shows signs within 2-14days. The main symptoms are: fever, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue
Other less common symptoms may include: bodyaches, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose
Not to be confused with common cold thats less likely to produce a fever and shortness of breath. Some people are asymptomatic (do not show symptoms of the sickness even though infected)
3. How to protect your self.
The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently washing your hands with soap and water or cleaning your hands with hand sanitizers if you are moving about with nowhere to wash.
By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Wearing facemasks is averagely effective alone but more effective when combined with washing of hands. It's better reserved for health/care workers taking care of someone already infected and by the patient. You may carry some to wear in case you're seated very near people especially in confined spaces like buses. It cuts the the risk of transmission by half. * Learn to wear correctly
Social distancing/avoid crowded places.
Maintain 1.8m away from others. Minimise people contact. Greet with a wave, nod, avoid shaking of hands. If you have to, use elbows. Avoid gatherings of more than 50, avoid open markets. if you can, do not go to functions.
4. Protect others.
If you are feeling unwell, or having symptoms of dry cough, fever, sneezes fatigue, stay indoors. Self isolate and call your hospital/health providers.
5. Cure?
No known cure or vaccine yet. Scientists are working tirelessly on many leads but no confirmed drugs yet. Antibiotics cannot help because Covid-19 is a viral infection. Regard any other drugs you may have heard is curing it as false information.
About 80 percent of people recover from the symptoms of COVID-19 without needing any special medical treatment.
However, people who are infected are symptomatically managed in isolation.
Take precautions. Stay safe.
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