3 Paws Saloon Attic

The Coronavirus Disease is a scary thing, with 77,794 total cases at the time of my writing, 2359 deaths in 29 countries, words like Pandemic, outbreak, and death abound. Being cautious is only prudent.

Although serious, we do not need to be as afraid as the media would like us to be. I went to the World Health Organization (WHO) for some answers.

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.

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. "

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."

WHO SHOULD WEAR A MASK?

It's no secret that many pharmacies have hiked the prices of masks sky high, what was costing a few dollars at the onset of the spreading of the Coronavirus is now costing the consumer hundreds of dollars, cashing in on fear, especially in areas that have had reported cases.  According to the WHO;

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask

How widespread is it?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation   (live link, updates daily.) Includes a list of countries affected, number of  cases, and other info. 

visit WHO for more information.