Workers Coronavirus
(Photo : Reuters)

The United States recorded its first coronavirus death Saturday. It was followed by a second death on Sunday evening. The number of infections worldwide is growing rapidly. 

COVID-19 causes illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It is contagious, but it is not as deadly with a 2 percent mortality rate in China. However, it does pose a serious threat to the country's population and economy. 

In the US alone, there have been 71 confirmed and presumptive positive cases. Here's all you need to know to keep yourself safe and healthy:

Symptoms

Coronavirus affects the respiratory tract and makes people sick with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness. 

Symptoms may appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and include runny nose, headache, fever, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath that last a couple of days. Individuals who have a weakened immune system could develop more serious respiratory tract illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis. 

How Does It Spread

The virus could be passed through transmission, which happens when someone comes in contact with an infected person's secretions such as droplets in a cough. 

Exposure can be caused by cough, sneeze, or handshakes. Coronavirus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. Caregivers can also be exposed by handling a patient's waste.

The CDC says the virus can be transmitted before symptoms show.

Treatment

There is no vaccine or cure for Coronavirus. The World Health Organization said there are 20 potential vaccines currently in the works and their scientists are steadily working on developing them.

The antiviral drug remdesivir shows promising signs in treating the new coronavirus. Remdesivir is an experimental drug that was made to treat the Ebola virus, though studies have shown it ineffective for that.

HIV antiretroviral drugs have also seen some success in helping treat the global threat. Doctors across the globe, especially in Thailand and China, have tried combining HIV antiretroviral drugs and flu drugs. Studies of the results haven't been widely reported.

It is advised to consult experts if symptoms worse than standard cold is seen. A room humidifier or a hot shower can also relieve sore throat or cough.

People infected with coronavirus should also receive care to help relieve symptoms. In worse cases, treatment plans include support vital organ functions.

Incubation Period

People who were potentially exposed to COVID 19 are quarantined for 14 days from the last date of exposure. 

Prevention

As vaccines are yet to be available, the World Health Organization released key measures to keep yourself safe from contracting the virus.

  1. Do not panic. Avoid sharing unverified information on social media platforms. Rely on channels such as the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.  
  2. Cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. 
  3. Maintain at least 1-meter distance between yourself and someone with a cough or cold. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
  4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
  5. Stay updated on the latest developments about coronavirus. 
  6. Avoid unnecessary travel to infected areas. 

Do Masks Prevent Illness?

There is no conclusive evidence that face masks prevent coronavirus infection. It is important to minimize your exposure to high infection risk situations that relying on a mask.