5 things you need to know about Coronavirus

When the Coronavirus began, scientists, government officials and healthcare professionals scrambled for a concise and consolidated explanation. As time went on, rigorous global research helped us understand the virus better. Here’s what we know.

The virus is airborne

In the beginning of the pandemic, health and safety regulators emphasized hand washing, social distancing, regular sanitization and gloves as the main defense against the virus. COVID-19 was believed to transmit primarily through physical contact and close proximity.

What many don’t know is that the virus is airborne. The risk of transmission is lower outdoors, but people are still at risk.

Face masks save lives

Initially, many governments and health authorities did not advocate wearing masks, but as the virus quickly spread, more understood the importance of personal protective equipment.

However, the initial debate and confusion on this topic contributed to the mistrust and lack of understanding from the general public.

Bottom line: It is just common sense that in busier commercial spaces, one should always wear a mask to protect themselves and others from the virus. 

It doesn’t just target the lungs

While the Coronavirus has become synonymous with “extra strong pneumonia”, what scientists have observed is that the virus does not target the lungs exclusively.

About one third of infected individuals report suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms. The virus can also damage heart cells causing cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmia. Many patients have even suffered from kidney failure.

Asymptomatic transmitters are the real threat

It’s easy enough to identify and avoid someone who is coughing profusely, but the real danger is in those who don’t show any symptoms. Known as asymptomatic ‘super spreaders’, these people, not realizing they have COVID-19, will go about normal daily activities, infecting large numbers of people. A person’s behaviors, daily routine and profession also contribute to the superspreading.

During the initial stage of the pandemic, accurate and reliable information was hard to come by and resulted in tragic losses that can never be forgotten and must be learned from. Luckily what we know about Coronavirus has grown in the past few months. Ultimately, these discoveries will save lives.