Covid-19

What Is COVID-19 – by Healthwise

Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds.

In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS and COVID-19.

The best preventive measures include getting vaccinated, wearing a mask during times of high transmission, staying 6 feet apart, washing hands often and avoiding sick people.

Facts & Figures

“For fear of dying we forget to live.”
– Eric Roth

Origins of (Corona-)Viruses

Coronviruses were first discovered in the 1930s when an acute respiratory infection of domesticated chickens was shown to be caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In the 1940s, two more animal coronaviruses, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), were isolated.

Human coronaviruses were discovered in the 1960s. The earliest ones studied were from human patients with the common cold, which were later named human coronavirus 229E and human coronavirus OC43. Other human coronaviruses have since been identified, including SARS-CoV in 2003, HCoV NL63 in 2004, HKU1 in 2005, MERS-CoV in 2012 and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Most of these have involved serious respiratory tract infections.

The social history of viruses describes the influence of viruses and viral infections on human history. Symptoms in other species vary: in chickens, they cause an upper respiratory tract disease, while in cows and pigs they cause diarrhea. There are yet to be vaccines or antiviral drugs to prevent or treat human coronavirus infections.

“The world now has no choice but to count on science.”
– Jacques Fellay

And If You Get It?

COVID-19: What Happens If You Get Coronavirus?

How To Respond?

Novak Djokovic breaks silence over Covid vaccine refusal – BBC News

In the ever-twisting saga of the coronavirus, it seems like every day is a new chapter in a very long, very confusing textbook. But fear not! We’re here to provide a whimsical walkthrough for the pandemic playbook.

A tongue-in-cheek guide to staying safe and sane in these ‘unprecedented times’. Remember, laughter might not be the best medicine, but it sure does make the medicine go down easier. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep that humor up – it’s the one thing the virus can’t take away from you! For more serious guidance, check out the CDC or WHO websites. They’ve got the facts, we’ve just got the funnies.

Firstly, let’s talk vaccines. They’re like the software updates for your body, except they don’t require you to restart and you can’t put them off until tomorrow. Getting vaccinated is like joining an exclusive club where the entry fee is a tiny poke and the membership benefits include a significantly lower chance of becoming a hospital’s guest of honor.
Now, masks. Think of them as your personal air filter, turning the world into a no-smog zone. They come in all shapes and sizes, and if you wear them right, you’ll score points in the game of ‘Not Catching COVID’. Remember, over the nose and under the chin – it’s not a chin guard, a neck warmer, or a headband.
Handwashing is the next level in this game. It’s like that 20-second solo dance party in the bathroom. Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice, and voilà, you’re not only a year older but also a germ-fighting superhero.
Social distancing? More like a personal space enhancer. Imagine everyone is in their own little bubble. It’s not rude, it’s just a way to keep the cooties at bay. Plus, you finally have a legitimate reason to avoid that awkward hug from your neighbor.
And lastly, if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home. Think of it as an impromptu vacation where the dress code is pajamas, and the activities include binge-watching and becoming a professional couch potato.