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C O V I D - 1 9

Article written by Vicky Wang

PROBLEM

Covid-19 is a part of a larger family of viruses called coronaviruses that can cause respiratory problems in both people and animals. Infected individuals often develop respiratory diseases, such as the common cold. Patients diagnosed with Covid-19 develop symptoms that range from fevers, coughs, headaches, sore throats, or congestions, to body aches, nausea, vomits, or diarrhea; these symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after initial exposure. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms, but elders with severe underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing  more detrimental complications from the illness. Covid-19 spread mainly from person to person through droplets, aerosolized transmission, surface transmission, and fecal-oral. Asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmissions of the virus are also possible so it’s important to get tested.

CURRENTLY

  •  As of July 1, 2020:

    • There are a total of 2,689,107 confirmed Covid-19 cases and a death toll of 128,828 people in the United States.

    • Out of the 33,601,847 tested individuals, 3,194,381 have tested positive (which is approximately 10 percent).

    • There are a total of 10,512,383 confirmed Covid-19 cases and a death toll of 512,114 worldwide.

  • Most governments around the world have decided to close schools temporarily in order to slow the spread of the pandemic.

  • Most businesses have also decided to take a break after the outbreak to contain the spread.

Every three minutes a New Yorker DIES of Covid-19

TAKE ACTION

  • There are several protective measures that can be taken to help flatten the curve, or in other words reduce the number of infected individuals, resulting in fewer deaths.

    • Keeping distance with people through practices of social distancing, self-isolation, and actual quarantine decreases the chances for transmission.

    • Stay home as much as you can to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected

    • Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face

    • Staying updated and educated about the current situation

  • Some countries and regions have been hit harder than others. You can help by supporting charities and organizations that are working to help those affected by the pandemic. Below some resources you can look into to help:

    • Charity Navigator has a running list of nonprofit organizations that work in communities affected by the outbreak

    • Global Giving connects nonprofits, donors, and companies to help send emergency medical workers to communities in need and provide medical supply to hospitals and delivery essentials to families

    • Covid-19 Relief Fund help support people affected by the coronavirus and raise money to find a cure

    • Relief International operates in 16 different countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to provide safety kits and medical protective gear to regions in need during the pandemic. 

    • Heart to Heart International distributes urgently needed equipment and medication to front line workers and to its partners around the world.

MISCONCEPTIONS

  1. Myth: Wearing a face mask will protect you from getting infected

    • Truth: The purpose of wearing a mask isn’t to prevent healthy people from becoming infected with the virus (only medical-grade face mask can filter out high enough percentage of airborne particles but they are reserved for healthcare workers) , but to prevent people who are already infected from spreading the coronavirus through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. 

  2. Myth: Once you recover from Covid-19, you can’t get it again

    • Truth: There have been cases involving individuals who recovered from the disease but then developed a second, mild case. As of now there is no study to confirm that all recovered patients are protected.

  3. Myth: Young people can’t get the coronavirus

    • Truth: While the risk of serious complications and deaths is higher in older age groups, younger people are becoming infected with coronavirus and getting sick as well.

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