Currently, the term COVID-19 is all around us. While most people have their own assumptions about what this pandemic disease actually is. And how it is formed, we are here to put some light on facts about the same, as it is important to focus on giving out authentic information only. In order to stop or reduce false information from spreading to prevent panic. To start with, let’s take a look at what the coronavirus or COVID-19 actually is.

A look at Covid-19 epidemic

Most of us are aware of the SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, an outbreak that happened in 2002. Firstly, detected in the parts of Southern China, this pandemic went on and spread to 26 other countries affecting 8,000 people and causing 774 deaths. Very similar to the SARS, the coronavirus or COVID-19 is a group of viruses that affects the respiratory system of humans. Known to affect both animals and humans, this virus is said to be spread initially from animals to humans.

Initially, the cause of the outbreak was unknown and it was found by the Chinese health authorities. Also, they conveyed that humans have never been affected by this virus before. The Chinese Government then shared the genetic sequence with other countries, making it possible for everyone around the world to develop their own diagnostic kits. Soon, with an increasing number of cases in all parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic disease.

Symptoms of this pandemic disease

The major symptoms of this pandemic disease include dry cough, fever, breathing problems and sometimes, the common cold. In some cases, more serious respiratory illnesses can occur like bronchitis or pneumonia. While most of these symptoms are mild, it can be more dangerous and troublesome for the elderly or people with existing health problems, depending on one’s immunity power.

It is advised to stay quarantined and consult a doctor at the earliest if any of these signs become visible. Along with that, wash your hands after regular intervals of time, drink warm water, take enough rest and wear a mask or cover your nose and mouth every time you cough or sneeze. Use a sanitizer whenever required. The only thing that can help us to get out of this epidemic is social distancing.

The origin of COVID-19

While this disease is known to jump from animals to humans. And then spread amongst other people through human contact. Like touch (virus spreading from handshakes) and/or coughing, sneezing or talking without a mask or covering (virus spreading through droplets) and other ways. The first case of coronavirus was detected in China. It is said to have infected a small group of stallholders in the Wuhan Seafood market. Where various wild animals are illegally traded and then spread to others in the province.

During the initial stages of analysis, the virus seemed similar to the viruses found in snakes. Later, detailed information on how the COVID-19 has a genetic sequence which is 96% similar to the coronavirus found in bats. It was released by a team of virologists in Wuhan. As of now, studies also show that this new virus in pangolins is 99% identical to the human virus. However, the exact cause of COVID-19 is still unknown. As some people may have been infected with the same before the seafood market cases without been linked with it. This means that there might be no relation to the virus with the Wuhan Seafood market.

The date it took place on:

As more and more people started getting infected by this pandemic disease. On 1st January, the Wuhan Seafood market was shut down for cleaning and inspection. By then, many people were already infected because of the virus. On 21st January, The western office of the World Health Organization (WHO) informed that. The disease was also being transmitted between humans. This was declared after the positive diagnosis of the health officials and medical staff. Which came in contact with the infected people. Since then. The virus has spread to major European countries and over a span of time, all over the world.

For more updates check How Covid-19 Turn Into Coronavirus To Corona-Stress?.