What is the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a RNA virus which causes respiratory diseases. It is believed to have been transmitted to humans from an animal origin and is therefore classed as a Zoonotic Disease. The earliest known case of the virus was traced to Wuhan, in China at the end of December 2019.

What is an RNA? – RNA (short for Ribonucleic acid) is a polymeric single strained molecule which is effectively genetic material. The RNA of the Coronavirus is encased in a shell.

An RNA Virus typically infects living organisms in order to reproduce itself and spread its genetic material. COVID-19 is also referred to as a “Coronavirus” a term used for a group of viruses which include:

• The Common Cold
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS)
• Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS).

Many types of Coronavirus typically cause only mild illnesses such with symptoms found in the common cold. They tend to infect only your upper airways including sinuses, nose, throat and mouth.

Unlike the average Coronavirus, COVID-19 has the potential to infect the lower airways and chest, which includes vital organs such as your lungs. This can result in problems such as Pneumonia in vulnerable individuals “High Risk Group”. If left untreated the consequences could be fatal

It is worth noting that the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 only suffer the milder symptoms as described further above.

How Dangerous is the Novel Coronavirus?

People who are in the high risk group can get severely ill if they become infected. The spread of the virus & the speed of it’s transmission combined with the fact that most people suffer mild symptoms has put vulnerable people in greater danger.

Dismissing the dangers of the Coronavirus have resulted in a deepening pandemic crisis in many countries. The resulting uncertainty has created by long periods of isolation for many people and has also led to panic buying in some instances.

Travel restrictions and mandatory lock-downs have been implemented in a last ditch effort to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus. Airlines are struggling to cope with the low demand and the tourism is at an all time low

The COVID-19 Global Pandemic has led to increased volatility in financial markets. This has left many peoples livelihoods at risk and forced many people as well as businesses to borrow credit from banks to spend on basic necessities and service debts.

How do you know if you have been infected with the COVID-19 Coronavirus?

The only way you can certain whether are infected is by clinically testing your bodily fluids to detect the COVID-19 Coronavirus,

What should you do if you suspect you have been infected with COVID-19?

What is the likelihood of becoming severely ill if infected from the COVID-19 Coronavirus?

Around 95% of active cases are patients who have mild conditions. This group could typically recover at home or many not even realise they have been infected. They could prevent further infections by self isolating themselves & contacting local healthcare services to ask whether or not they should be tested.

Around 05% of active cases, are severe / life threatening which if left untreated could result in fatality. The unprecedented speed at which the virus spread has left many healthcare providers around the world inundated with severely ill patients. The overwhelming number of severe cases occurring at the same time and the risk of ongoing infections is a source of constant struggle for all healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers, volunteers & medical researchers are working around the clock to combat the virus and find a cure. Until then everyone has a responsibility to avoid becoming infected.

While the majority of people who become infected typically survive, the novel coronavirus has substantially changed the world we live in. Entire industries have ceased operations for the time being. National Debt as governments are forced to borrow while productivity has forcibly declined due to quarantines. Peoples spending patterns are adapting from luxury items such are cars & holidays towards essentials which include fresh produce and medicines.

Some Effective Strategies to Avoid becoming infected by a Highly Infectious Virus:

When you live in an area with plenty of active COVID-19 cases It is good practice to not leave home unless absolutely necessary. This is because unless everyone you meet has been tested for COVID-19 there is no sure way of knowing if they are infected. This is because the symptoms you can observe will vary from person to person. It is important to maintain a physical distance of at least 03 Feet (02 Metres) when talking to anyone, if possible. This is especially important when talking to people who are showing symptoms of the disease.

The virus is spread mainly via tiny water droplets either coughed or exhaled from your mouth. These droplets that can travel approximately 01 metre before gravity makes it fall onto a surface. The time that the virus is able to survive on a surface (e.g. table / hand / glove / tap / door handle) is currently unknown.

The best practice to prevent self infection after touching a surface is as simple as thoroughly washing your hands with soap & water before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Some simple strategies to avoid being infected when living in an area with a lot of active Coronavirus cases:

• staying at home (Leaving only to get essential supplies such as food, water & medicine, if they cannot be delivered)
• avoiding all unnecessary travel & working from home when possible.
• reporting any worrying signs of infection to a health service provider over the phone rather than in person.
• Limiting the amount of visitors who come into your home.
• Washing your hands thoroughly with soap & water prior to touching you face (especially your mouth, nose or eyes), including when you receiving an item that someone hands to you.
• Cleaning surfaces which you regularly come into contact with e.g. Door handles Table tops.

COVID-19 Myths you should be careful not to spread

• Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort is a good indicator that you are not infected with COVID-19 or a respiratory disease
  NOT TRUE
  • Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds does not mean you are free from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung disease.
  • The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test.  You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.

• COVID-19 virus can only be transmitted in areas with certain climates / weather conditions
  NOT TRUE
  • From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL CLIMATES, including areas with hot and humid weather, mild or cold climates.

• Thermal scanners can detect all people infected with the new Coronavirus Disease
  NOT TRUE
  • Yes thermal scanners are effective, BUT ONLY in detecting people who have developed a fever (one of the symptoms). Normal human body temperature will remain around 36.5°C to 37°C
  • So the best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test, during the period when you have symptoms.

• Vaccines which work against pneumonia will protect you against the new coronavirus
  NOT TRUE
  • Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, DO NOT provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. 

• The new coronavirus affect only older people
  NOT TRUE
  • While elderly people are considered a high risk group, younger individuals are also susceptible to the effects of the virus.
  • The Corona Virus is still very new, how it transmits from person to person and why certain people become seriously ill, while others develop mild symptoms is not yet fully understood.

• Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus
  NOT TRUE
  • Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they are only effective against bacteria

More Myths and essential COVID-19 Facts can be found in the World Health Organisation’s Coronavirus myth busters page. It is important to avoid spreading misinformation and facts which are unverified by clinical health professional during this Global Pandemic

Maldives Covid19 Updates