Covid -19 Pandemic
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first indentified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “Co” stands for corona, “VI” for virus, and “D” for disease. Covid-19 has been described as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Everyday a great number of people are succumbing to coronavirus diseases across the world. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. There is no specific treatment for the disease caused by a novel corona virus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated on the patient’s clinical condition. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective. It is encouraging to note that vaccine against coronavirus has been recently invented and vaccination has already started in many countries including Bangladesh. It will take time to vaccinate all people of the world. So, till then some precautions should be taken to protect us from infection of COVID-19. We should wash our hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. We should cover our mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. We should maintain social distancing and avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms. We should use medical mask. Above all, one should seek medical care early if and when one has a fever, cough or feels difficulty in breathing.
