CORONAVIRUs
FAQs, Facts, Myths, How To Help, and more.
Sources- ©Official UNO Website
©Official WHO Website
©Give2Asia Non-Profit
FAQs
What is Coronavirus?
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). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
What are its Symptoms?
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Possible ways for prevention.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
How fast is the virus spreading?
A large number of new cases are being reported on a daily basis (in the 24 hours period between February 1 and February 2, for example, over 2,590 new cases were confirmed in China), but this is not surprising, as more and more controls are being put in place to detect and confirm infections.
The total number of cases is expected to be much greater in the coming weeks.
​
Where does the virus come from?
The first cases of novel coronavirus occurred in a group of people with pneumonia, linked to a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, where many fish, reptiles, bats and other live and dead animals were traded. The disease then spread from those who were sick, to family members and healthcare workers.
Coronaviruses circulate in a range of animals and can sometimes make the jump from animals to humans, via process known as a “spillover”, which can occur due to a mutation in the virus, or increased contact between animals and humans.
It is not yet known how novel coronavirus was first transmitted to humans: in the case of MERS, it is known that people caught the virus via direct or indirect contact with infected camels, and SARS originated in civet cats.
Does the new coronavirus spread through aerosols?
Issues relating to aerosol often come up when people want to know how to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. When people sneeze or cough, they may spray big droplets but the droplets do not stay suspended in the air for long. They fall. Health care procedures like intubation can spray small droplets into the air. Bigger droplets fall quickly. Smaller ones fall less quickly.
We know about environmental contamination for MERS-CoV and finding RNA in air filtration systems (but not the live virus). However, for the new coronavirus, we still need to see the data and understand how transmission has been assessed.
​
Myths V/s Facts
#1
MYTH: A vaccine to cure 2019 novel coronavirus is available.
​
FACT: There is no vaccine for the new coronavirus right now. Scientists have already begun working on a vaccine, but developing a vaccine that is safe and effective in human beings will take many months.
​
#2
MYTH: You can protect yourself from 2019 novel coronavirus by swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, salt water, ethanol or other substances.
​
FACT: None of these recommendations protect you from getting sick from the coronavirus, and some of these practices may be dangerous. The best ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus (and other viruses) include:
Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, using soap and hot water.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, sneezing or coughing.
In addition, avoid spreading your own germs by coughing into the crook of your elbow.
​
#3
MYTH: The new coronavirus was deliberately created or released by people.
​
FACT: Viruses can change over time. Occasionally, a disease outbreak happens when a virus that is common in an animal such as a pig, bat or bird undergoes changes and passes to humans. This is likely how the new coronavirus came to be.
​
​
#4
MYTH: People are dying from 2019 novel coronavirus in many countries.
​
FACT: As of Feb. 11, 2020, 1,017 people in China have died from illness caused by the new coronavirus, as well as one person in the Philippines. Medical authorities will confirm any fatalities in other areas.
​
#5
MYTH: Ordering or buying products shipped from China will make a person sick.
​
FACT: Researchers are studying the new coronavirus to learn more about how it infects people. As of this writing, scientists note that most viruses like this one do not stay alive for very long on surfaces, so it is not likely you would get sick from a package that was in transit for days or weeks. 2019 novel coronavirus is most likely transmitted by droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough, but more information is emerging daily.
​
#6
MYTH: A face mask will protect you from 2019 novel coronavirus infection.
​
FACT: Certain models of professional, tight-fitting respirators (such as the N95) can protect health care workers as they care for infected patients. But for the general public, the benefit of wearing lightweight disposable surgical masks is not clear. Experts say they may provide some protection from large drops, sprays or splashes, but because they don’t fit tightly, they may allow tiny infected droplets to get into the nose, mouth or eyes. Also, people with the virus on their hands who touch their face under a mask might become infected. People with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others.
HOW TO HELP?
Awareness PRogram
Fighting life-threatening diseases like coronavirus comes with spreading awareness about its facts and combatting the myths which circumvent the truth.
Join Bachpan in its quest to combat the disease and spread awareness about coronavirus in your community.
To book an awareness program in your school, college, society, or community, contact us
Follow us on instagram to know more and seek answers relevant to the virus outbreak.
​
HElP Raise FUNDS
Bachpan helps proceed its funds raised to Give2Asia, which is
an international nonprofit that serves as a strategic partner and ally working on the ground in more than 25 locations across the Asia Pacific,
has received US $5 million in donations and pledges to support health workers and patients on the front lines of the coronavirus epidemic.
​
Donations have supported supplies to address immediate needs, including diagnostic equipment, protective gear, and food/lodging for thousands of medical workers who have traveled into the hardest-hit communities.
​
Give2Asia also supports mid- to long-term recovery, including epidemic prevention, education efforts, and mental health support and rehabilitation for frontline workers.
​
Individuals can get involved by donating online or creating a Facebook fundraiser to benefit the COVID-19 coronavirus response and recovery. Give2Asia is a 501(c)3, so US donors are eligible for tax benefits.
​
For corporate grants, employee matching programs, and major gifts, request a consultation with Give2Asia’s international grantmaking team.
​
Give to the coronavirus fund to support the area of greatest need.
​