Atlantic Ave Magazine - April 2020 Issue

The Facts About
Coronavirus
COVID-19
By Darien Davies
If you’re watching, listening to or engaging in TV programs, social media
posts, personal conversations, podcasts and radio programs, you certainly
know that everything is all about the Coronavirus. Even though we have
information overload, there’s still a large amount of uncertainty about
what we know, what we do tomorrow, and where do we go from here? So,
let’s get back to the basics.
What is the Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses
(CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging
from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Sound familiar? The newest strain, Coronavirus
disease (COVID-19), was discovered in 2019 and has not
been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic,
meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. While
SARS was transmitted from civet cats to humans, and MERS from
dromedary camels to humans, the source of COVID-19 has yet to
be confirmed.
How is COVID-19 Spread and What are the
Signs and Symptoms?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The
WHO states that the disease can spread from person to person
through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are most
often spread when a person with the virus coughs or exhales. These
droplets then land on objects and surfaces around the person, giving
the opportunity for other people to touch those objects or surfaces
and then touch their eyes, mouth or nose. People can also
catch the virus if they breathe in the exhaled droplets, which is why
it’s so important to practice social distancing.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, reported
illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness
and death. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure,
and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Emergency
warning signs include having trouble breathing, persistent pain or
pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish
lips or face. Please note that this list of symptoms is not inclusive
and it’s best to reach out to your medical provider for any other
symptoms you might have that are severe or concerning.
The Mayo Clinic states that those who have recently traveled from
or live in an area with an ongoing community spread of COVID-19,
or those who have come in close contact with someone who has
COVID-19, are at increased risk for contracting the virus. Serious
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