In just 3 months, the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, infecting thousands of people in over 40 countries worldwide. It is a respiratory illness that originated in the province of Wuhan, China, where it is believed that wet markets are the source of the virus. These wet markets have since been shut down. But what exactly is COVID-19? Learn how Coronavirus affects the body and how you can protect yourself from the virus in this quick guide.
What You Need to Know About Coronavirus or COVID-19
COVID-19 or Coronavirus 2019 is “a pneumonia of unknown cause” according to the World Health Organization. It was first reported on December 31, 2019. A month later on January 30, 2020, it was declared by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This is because COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the globe. To date, it has affected almost 200,000 globally, with almost 800 deaths, as per WHO. The Western Pacific Region has the most cases, with almost 92,000 people infected. The European Region is close behind with almost 75,000 affected and 600+ deaths. Read on to find out how Coronavirus affects the body.
How do people get infected with Coronavirus or COVID-19?
COVID-19 or Coronavirus is spread between humans when they are in close contact with each other. For this reason, social distancing is highly recommended by most governments, with community-wide and country-wide lockdowns happening globally. The virus spreads between two people through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone with Coronavirus sneezes or coughs. Coronavirus can also spread if a non-infected person touches an object or surface that contains the virus and then touches his or her face, nose, mouth, or eyes, which is why health officials are encouraging people to practice good hygiene, sanitize and wash hands, and avoid touching one’s face.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus and its complications?
Those who have been infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to severe respiratory illnesses, according to CDC. These include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. When left untreated, this can lead to pneumonia in the lungs, multi-organ failure, and at times, death. Learn how Coronavirus affects the body in the section below.
How does one avoid getting infected with COVID-19?
Health officials globally are encouraging frequent proper handwashing with soap and water and disinfecting with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available. CDC also encourages avoiding close contact with others, especially those who are sick. Social distancing has been ordered in some communities with a high number of COVID-19 cases.
Aside from maintaining proper hygiene and staying away from people, the CDC also recommends staying home especially when sick, covering one’s cough with a tissue and disposing of it properly, and the proper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or held, such as doorknobs, handles, computers, mobile phones, light switches, and more.
Learn How Coronavirus Affects the Body
Coronavirus or COVID-19 affects the body in several ways. Once the body contracts Coronavirus, there is what’s called an incubation period, which according to BBC can last an average of five days. During this period, the virus enters the body and infects the cells found in the throat, airways, and lungs, where it builds factories that produce more of the virus so it can attach more cells. During this incubation period, the first symptoms should appear, including dry cough, fever, and some body pains. Interestingly, Healthline reports that in China, about 80% of Coronavirus cases were mild. Some people who contract the virus are even asymptomatic. For a smaller portion of the population with Coronavirus, it is reported that they experienced gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and diarrhea, as per Healthline.
For people who contract COVID-19, there are different ways on how Coronavirus affects the body. Some people with stronger, more robust immune systems can fight back the cough and fever, especially if aided with lots of fluids, paracetamol, and isolated bed rest so as to not infect others with one’s Coronavirus. However, some people with underlying illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory diseases are more at risk for developing more serious conditions from the Coronavirus.
According to BBC, if the immune system fails to fight the virus, the immune response will be inflammation, which can “cause collateral damage throughout the body,” including pneumonia, the inflammation of the lungs. When one has pneumonia, the lungs’ air sacs are filled with water, preventing it from absorbing oxygen that’s vital for proper blood circulation and delivery of oxygen to various body parts. This is when it gets serious and medical attention is immediately required.
Depending on how strong the immune system is, how Coronavirus affects the body will depend from person to person. When the body can no longer fight the virus and pneumonia is already present, there is a risk for septic shock, an occurrence of dangerous low blood pressure, which causes body organs to fail. Multi-organ failure ultimately causes death among those who contract the Coronavirus and cannot fight the virus. The report found that about 6% of COVID-19 cases result in death.
How You Can Protect Yourself from the Virus
There are five simple ways on how you can protect yourself from the Coronavirus. Many health officials globally are locking down cities to prevent the spread of virus. One of the primary things to do is follow the advice of health professionals and government agencies to stay home and isolate one’s self. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from the virus, with recommendations on how to stay clean and healthy.
- Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, go for 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Properly dispose of any used tissue.
- Self-isolate. Make sure to keep at least a meter’s distance between the next person, especially if that person is ill.
- If you are unwell, stay home and get rest. Isolate yourself to prevent others from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is how bacteria and viruses travel from one’s hands to the inside of the body. Check out the video below to learn more about how easily germs spread.
How You Can Avoid Getting Infected with the Coronavirus
Handwashing is an incredibly simple way to avoid getting infected with the Coronavirus or COVID-19. However, make sure you are washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to ensure that germs, bacteria, and viruses that may be on your hands are effectively eliminated.
1. Cucina Hand Soap 200 Milliliter and 1 Liter Refill Set in Sea Salt and Amalfi Lemon
Keep your hands clean especially when preparing food in the kitchen with the Cucina Hand Soap set with 200 ml and 1 liter refill bottles. This hand soap is formulated to care for busy hands in the kitchen, with cold-pressed olive oil and olive oil derivatives to purify and hydrate hands. It features a biodegradable formula that gently cleanses hands without drying it. Also features sparkling notes of Amalfi lemon with the softness of sea salt. Cucina Hand Soap is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
2. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Daily Bar Soap, Lemon Verbena
Made with 100% pure vegetable base with olive oil, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Daily Bar Soap is a versatile soap that can be used for both hands and body. This soap is milled three times to create a better, richer, and creamier lather. It is made of 98% naturally derived ingredients. Shop at Amazon.
Promising review: “I used this soap this morning. It was great, lots of suds and the lemon verbena scent was delightful. After I felt squeaky clean. The bar of soap is not like soap they have today. It’s a hefty size bar that I’m sure will last a long time.” Linda Cruz
3. Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap with Chamomile and Aloe Vera
With a formula that does not contain fragrances, dyes or other harsh ingredients, Basis bar soap offers a clean, calm, and comfortable feel right after washing your hands. It rinses completely and contains natural calming agents chamomile and aloe vera that soothe and comfort skin. This dermatologist-recommended soap has an ultra pure gentle cleansing formula that is not harmful to the skin. Basis is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This stuff cleans well and builds up a very nice filmy suds to help you scrub well. It doesn’t irritate my skin like many other soaps do. Lasts for a while too.” R. L. Helms
4. Herbion Naturals Hand Wash
With a gentle formula that cleanses without drying the skin, this premium quality hand wash from Herbion Naturals is a great way to keep hands clean especially during this crucial time of Coronavirus or COVID-19 infections. IT features neem and aloe vera extract that helps keep hands soft and moisturized. Great for all skin types. Shop at Amazon.
5. 365 Everyday Value Foaming Hand Soap, Herbal Mint
With no parabens, sodium lauryl, or laureth sulfate, this foaming hand soap from 365 Everyday Value delivers both effectivity and value in one neat package. This hand soap does not contain any artificial fragrance and no animal ingredients or testing. Made of biodegradable ingredients so it’s safe for the environment. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Foams and feels very nice on the skin. Smells great and gets the job done.” Mihail F.
Maintain a Healthy Immune System to Protect Yourself from the Virus
More than keeping clean and healthy outside, it’s also important to maintain good health from within. Here are some vitamin supplements that can help you achieve good health, along with a proper diet and regular exercise.
1. Rainbow Light Just Once Multivitamin, 30 Tabs
This food-based multivitamin from Rainbow Light offers daily nutritional support, together with a range of antioxidants to help fight off free radicals. It contains a special blend of superfoods and essential nutrients to promote long-term health and a boost of energy. Just Once contains vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-1, B-2, B-5, B-12, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and food enzymes. It also contains organic spirulina, chlorella, gingko leaf extract, and stinging nettle. Plant-sourced enzymes aid in easing digestion. Does not contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or additives. Shop at Herbspro.
2. Bayer One-A-Day VitaCraves Adult Immunity Support Multi Gummies
Uniquely formulated with key vitamins and minerals to support immune health, physical energy, heart health, and hair, skin, and nails, Bayer One-a-Day VitaCraves gummies are a great way to enjoy one’s vitamins everyday. It is free of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, eggs and dairy, and fish or shellfish allergens. What it does contain, however, are immune system boosting vitamins such as 208% of vitamin C needs, 80% of vitamin A needs, 100% of vitamin D needs, 133% of vitamin E needs, 100% of vitamin B6 needs, 100% of folic acid needs, and 167% of vitamin B12 needs, so you know you’re getting more than enough to support your health, especially in this crucial time. Shop at Herbspro.
3. Country Life Maxi-C Vitamin C, 90 Caps
Certified vegan and gluten-free, Country Life Maxi-C is vitamin C , an essential nutrient and antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and aids in supporting immunity. It contains a Citrus Bioflavonoid blend made from real fruits so you know it comes from natural sources. This bioavailable vitamin C is also contains elements of rose hips, lemon bioflavonoids, orange bioflavonoids, grapefruit bioflavonoids, and Hesperidin from lemon, orange, and grapefruit peels. Shop at Herbspro.
4. Nature’s Way Alive! Immune Gummies, 90 Chews
These deliciously fun to take fruit flavored pectin gummies are sweetened with tapioca and cane sugar and especially formulated to support healthy immune function. It’s packed with a 150mg Orchard Fruits™ & Garden Veggies™ Powder Blend that’s unique to Nature’s Way. It also contains 5,000 IU Vitamin A, 90 mg Vitamin C, 600 IU Vitamin D3, 30 IU Vitamin E, 7.5 mg Zinc, and 20 mg Sodium. This product is free of eggs, dairy, soy, gluten, and artificial flavoring. Shop at Herbspro.
5. Eclectic Institute Immune Support
Created by a naturopathic physician, the formula in Eclectic Institute Immune Support is highly concentrated and created from the natural processes of juicing and decocting and fresh freeze-drying of ingredients. It does not contain fillers, standardized extracts, or preservatives. Every 410 mg capsule in this bottle contains a freeze-dried concentrate of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) berry, Larix arabinogalactan (Larix laricina), organic St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) flower and leaf, fresh plant succus of organic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf, concentrate of organic Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) flower and leaf. According to WebMD, elderberry’s berries and flowers are potent sources of antioxidants and vitamins that help fight inflammation and targets stress. Shop at Herbspro.
If you want to learn more about how Coronavirus affects the body and how you can protect yourself from the virus, make sure to check out the health stories in the links from our archive below.
How to Avoid Getting the Coronavirus
Best Health Boosters For The Immune System, According to Those Who Use Them
The Wellness Guide: Essentials for Keeping Calm and Healthy
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