The World Health Organization first alerted us about this specific virus on December 31, 2019, after noticing several pneumonia cases linked to a novel coronavirus. Upon further investigation, it became evident that this was a new virus, and the full impact on the global population was still a mystery, especially considering the associated severe respiratory complications observed in many patients, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [1].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that this disease spreads from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplets. However, the exact mechanisms of transmission, including the role of asymptomatic carriers, remain a subject of ongoing research [4].
After a month of intense research, which is still ongoing, the World Health Organization provided standard recommendations aimed at helping the general public reduce exposure and prevent transmission. These guidelines have evolved as more data has become available regarding the virus's spread and its impact on various populations, including those with underlying health conditions [2].
Here are some key recommendations to keep you safe:
1. Hand Wash
Always keep your hands clean. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and soap is highly encouraged whenever possible, especially after being in public spaces or after coughing and sneezing to reduce the risk of viral transmission [5].
2. Cover Your Mouth
If you find yourself coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or at least your elbow. Remember to dispose of the tissue properly to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
3. Protect Yourself
Avoid close contact with sick individuals, particularly those showing symptoms of cold or cough. This is crucial as many patients with COVID-19 have presented with symptoms similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, complicating early detection [3].
4. Seek Medical Attention
If you're experiencing symptoms like fever, breathing difficulties, or cough, it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Be sure to explain your symptoms in detail and provide your travel history, as this can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding your care.
5. Take Precautions
If you're in an area experiencing a rise in Novel Coronavirus cases, exercise caution when visiting live markets. Try to avoid close contact with live animals, as zoonotic transmission remains a concern, particularly in the early stages of outbreak identification.
6. Food Safety
Avoid consuming raw or improperly cooked animal products. Adhering to good food safety practices, such as handling dairy, raw meat, and uncooked animal organs with care, helps prevent cross-contamination and reduces the risk of foodborne transmission of pathogens.
For personalized advice and to stay updated on health matters, consider our online doctor consultation service. You can easily talk to a doctor online or check in with our AI doctor for quick guidance on your health concerns.
References:
- Shabana Bibi, Ayesha Sarfraz, Ghazala Mustafa, Zeeshan Ahmad, Muhammad A Zeb, Yuan-Bing Wang, Tahir Khan, Muhammad S Khan, Mohammad A Kamal, Hong Yu. Impact of Traditional Plants and their Secondary Metabolites in the Discovery of COVID-19 Treatment.. PubMed. 2021.
- Mohammad Vojdanparast, Azra Izanloo, Zahra Alizadeh Sani. Managing Myocardial Infarction in the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Case Report.. PubMed. 2022.
- Sheng-Chieh Lin, Hsiao-Chin Wang, Wen-Chuan Lin, Yung-Ting Kuo, Yi-Hsiang Hsu, Yin-Tai Tsai, Shou-Cheng Lu, Yuan-Hung Wang, Shih-Yen Chen. Viral Pneumonia during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2019-2021 Evoking Needs for SARS-CoV-2 and Additional Vaccinations.. PubMed. 2023.
- Mehdi Sarailoo, Somaieh Matin, Mehdi Vosoughi, Abdollah Dargahi, Helia Gholizadeh, Marzie Rajabi Damavandi, Abbas Abbasi-Ghahramanloo, Aziz Kamran. Investigating the relationship between occupation and SARS-CoV2.. PubMed. 2021.
- Özgür Günal, Eda Türe, Meryem Bayburtlu, Uğur Arslan, Mehmet Derya Demirağ, Mehmet Hakan Taşkın, Sırrı Kılıç. [Evaluation of Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 in Terms of Risk Factors].. PubMed. 2020.