In 1937, researchers first isolated a coronavirus. This particular coronovirus was responsible for an infectious form of the bronchitis virus that was found in birds, and posed an imminent threat to poultry stocks.
In the 1960's, scientists found evidence that two human coronaviruses were responsible for a large proportion of the common cold: OC43, and 229E. As the name suggests, "coronavirus" is derived from the Latin word "corona", which in English, essentially means crown. This is due to the crown-like projections on the surface of the virus.
The most infectious months for human coronavirus infections is within the months of winter, and early spring- with people becoming ill with a cold due to a coronavirus.
Even if humans catch a strain of the coronavirus, they are still able to catch the same virus again. This is because coronavirus antibodies do not last for a long time. Also, the antibodies for one strain of coronavirus may be ineffective against another one.
This is what the coronavirus is. There are many ways to protect you and your loved ones, as well as warning signs that may occur upon infection. Do take note of the signs and symptoms of the virus below, and here are some safety tips form the World Health Organisation, as well as our Department of Health.
In accordance to the World Health Organization and CDC (Center for Disease Control), Cold- or flu-like symptoms usually set in from 2–4 days after a coronavirus infection and are typically mild. However, symptoms vary from person-to-person, and some forms of the virus can be fatal.
Symptoms include:
Gauging the impact that the coronoavirus has had on national economics and public health has been incredibly difficult. This is mainly because scientists cannot easily cultivate human coronaviruses in the laboratory unlike the rhinovirus, which is another cause of the common cold.
There is no cure, so treatments include self-care and over-the-counter (OTC) medication. People can take several steps, including:
1. Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.
Here is a video, accompanied by a handy infographic by the WHO on what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19:
Image Credited to the WHO
As we all know, the workplace is a hazard in regards to a potential outbreak. The best course of action to take in regards to prevention would be to follow governmental guidelines set in place to prevent and contain such incidents. As we're all in Australia, the Department of Health has released information about the Coronavirus for employers here.
Just remember that a doctor is able to diagnose the virus responsible by taking a sample of a subjects respiratory fluids (i.e. such as mucus from the nose or even blood). If you or a loved one suspect that you may have contracted COVID-19, please take the mandatory precautions, and visit your doctor immediately.
References:
- Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682214004723
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/general-information.html
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256521
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- Australian Government, Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-employers