COVID-19 symptoms, and how can you protect yourself from it?

You're probably currently in a state of panic, are you having cold like symptoms? Are you seeing people in the street wearing masks and you're internally freaking out? The idea of the virus keeps you up at night? Well, need not worry you're not alone. Ever since I started writing this article I bought about 100 hand sanitizers and 200 masks -not that it helps in anyway- I've been imagining coronavirus in the air with a killer urge to stop breathing all together. I am probably an extremist but it just gives me the creeps, you must be thinking "oh you're so dramatic, it can't be that serious" which is a comment I got from most of my friends but I'd like to think that my friends are just masking their internal freakout by making fun of me, but they're also freaking out nonetheless. If you are like me you probably don't need an introduction to what coronavirus is and how dangerous it is, but let me give you a quick one anyways.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) are from the family of coronaviruses but are believed to be much more severe with a death rate of 30% for (Mers) and 10% for (Sars). The new virus has been officially called Covid-19, it's also dangerous with a death rate of 2%.

How did it start?

It is believed to be a "wet market" in Wuhan which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds.

the original host is thought to be bats. Bats were not sold at the Wuhan market -although nothing is for sure- but may have infected live chickens or other animals sold there.

Bats are host to a wide range of zoonotic viruses including Ebola, HIV and rabies.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Main symptoms usually include:

Muscle pain, body aches and soreness like your body has been overworked in the gym for days.

Coughing that hurts every part of your body

High temperature

Headache

Shortness of breath

Fever not like “do I feel warm” fever, like burning up with sweat running down your face fever

These symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases, including flu and the common cold.

Symptoms are thought to appear between two and 10 days after contracting the virus but may be up to 24 days.

How can you protect yourself?

- The only thing that would really help is a strong immune system, consider taking two selenium pills a day, which boosts immunity, exercise and follow a healthy diet.

- Also, hand hygiene is the first and most important line of defence.

- Like cold and flu, the new virus is spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on surfaces and are picked up on the hands of others and spread further. People catch the virus when they touch their infected hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.

- The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitising gel.

- Also try to avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands –something we all do unconsciously around a 100 times an hour-

- Carry a hand sanitizer with you to make frequent cleaning of hands easy

- Always wash your hands before you eat

- Be especially careful in busy airports and other public transport systems about touching things and then touching your face

- Carry disposable tissues with you, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue carefully (catch it, bin it, kill it)

- Do not share snacks from packets or bowls that others are dipping their fingers into

- Avoid shaking hands or cheek kissing if you suspect viruses are circulating

- Regularly clean not just your hands but commonly used surfaces and devices you touch

- Avoid ordering food and try to cook at home

- Stay hydrated and drink a lot of water