With the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Lagos, Nigeria on February 28, it is important to have the right information about what coronavirus is and what it is not, in order to debunk spreading myths and misconceptions.
As of February 28, Coronavirus has now infected 83,706 people in 56 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance – the “Diamond Princess” cruise ship.
The virus has also killed more than 2,859 people worldwide following an outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
The novel coronavirus, was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province, China. Chinese health authorities are still trying to determine the origin of the virus, which they say likely came from a seafood market in Wuhan where wildlife was also traded illegally.
On February 7, Chinese researchers said the virus could have spread from an infected animal species to humans through illegally-trafficked pangolins, which are prized in Asia for food and medicine. Scientists have pointed out that bats or snakes may be the source of the virus.
What is Coronavirus?
According to the WHO, Coronaviruses 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).
The novel coronavirus (nCoV), now referred to as COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people.
However, infected patients can also be asymptomatic, meaning they do not display any symptoms despite having the virus in their systems.
Symptoms Of Coronavirus
Some common symptoms that have been specifically linked to the 2019 coronavirus include:
- feeling short of breath and difficulties breathing
- having a cough that gets more severe over time
- a low-grade fever that gradually increases in temperature
- In more severe cases,pneumonia, multiple organ failure, which may lead to death.
However, full list of symptoms are still being investigated.
Scientists say the incubation period of COVID-19 is between one and 14 days. Most infected people show symptoms within five to six days. However, some infected patients can be also asymptomatic, meaning they do not display any symptoms despite having the virus in their systems.
Doctors are learning new things about this virus every day. And it is known that COVID-19 may not initially cause any symptoms. A patient may carry the virus for 2 days or up to 2 weeks before symptoms become evident.
How To Prevent Spread Of Coronavirus
The best way to prevent the spread of this virus is to avoid or limit contact with people who are showing symptoms of the virus and people who have traveled to China or any other affected countries.
Personal good hygiene is the next best thing you can do to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time with warm water and soap.
- Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth when your hands are dirty.
- Don’t go out if you’re feeling sick or have any cold or flu symptoms.
- Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow whenever you sneeze or cough. Throw away any tissues you use to blow your nose or sneeze right away.
- Keep any objects you touch a lot clean. Use disinfectants on objects like phones, computers, utensils, dishware, and door handles.
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
- Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication.
- Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
Misconceptions and myths about Coronavirus
Here are some myths and misconceptions surrounding the spread of coronavirus;
1. Did Coronavirus start with the consumption of bat soup, just like Ebola virus? No. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe than SARS-CoV. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is only a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
2. Should people be wearing a face mask in public places right now? Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend people that are healthy to wear a face mask to protect themselves. However, you should wear a mask if you start presenting symptoms of the virus or any other respiratory illness to prevent it from spreading.
3. Is receiving packages from China is safe? According to the WHO, packages coming from China don’t pose a threat because the coronavirus does not survive long on objects like letters or packages. It is safe to receive packages or mails from China because the virus does not survive for extended periods on objects.
4. Does one get infected through animals? Currently, there’s also no evidence to suggest pets like dogs or cats can be infected with the new virus, but it’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. It is ‘unlikely’ for now.
5. Are only older people susceptible to the Coronavirus? Though they may be MORE vulnerable, Coronavirus is not limited to any age group.
6. Do antibiotics help protect against the Coronavirus? No, but if you contract Coronavirus, you may receive antibiotics in the hospital.
7. Will vaccines against pneumonia protect against the Coronavirus? No, but they are highly recommended.
8. Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus? No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the virus, frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Then dry your hands thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
9. Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus? According to WHO, Ultraviolet (UV) lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
10. Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no medical evidence from the current outbreak to prove that eating garlic has protected people from coronavirus.
See videos of medical experts as they address myths and misconceptions and teach on how to properly use a face mask.
The proper way to wear a face mask #coronavirusnigeria
— Lidocaine 🔆 (@trending_medic) February 28, 2020
– Locate the metal strip at the top of the mask&pin it on your nose bridge
– Cover your nose and mouth properly
– Do not touch the front of the mask
– Wash hands after use
– Do not reuse masks
pic.twitter.com/oXDwJTdxoU
The first case of Coronavirus in Nigeria (Lagos) has been recorded. Please watch this Video and Retweet for others also. The virus can be very much avoided.
— IZY 💎 (@izybaby01) February 28, 2020
#CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/rs5XBulYVo#coronavirusnigeria
