‘Panic spreads faster than any pandemic’ they say but panic may be more self-destructive than the pandemic itself.
As the number of victims of the Corona virus Disease also known as the COVID-19 reaches over 170,000 in Pakistan and around 9 million worldwide. Therefore, it is highly imperative that we realize we can prevent this crisis with our voluntary efforts. The crisis began in China’s port city: Wuhan, with a population of 11 million people. World Health Organization immediately alerted of some pneumonia cases that stirred concern among the officials in China. Most of those cases had a common crossover with the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market which led to the market’s closure.
Background
Corona viruses are zoonotic maladies; they spread to humans from creatures. The coronavirus shares 96% of its genetic code with corona viruses circulating in Chinese bat populations. They were commonly being consumed, and have played a vital role in being a vessel for this virus in Wuhan. Additionally, due to its pandemic nature, it has been able to spread over 170 countries and killed over 465,000 people. https://infographics.channelnewsasia.com/covid-19/map.html
The disease is a cause for a respiratory illness that spreads through people interacting in close proximity to infected individuals. A victim of the COVID-19 may sneeze or cough in a certain proximity, and the droplets generated from that action may be inhaled or touch a surface leading to a high probability of another person coming in contact with them. If those droplets reach someone’s face or nose, they are very likely to become victims of the virus.Furthermore, the virus eventually contaminates the tissues and airways deep inside the lungs. Moreover, it can advance to pneumonia – irritation of the lungs and the modest sacs where oxygen moves from the air to the blood filling with water, eventual organ failure. People with medical problems and weak immunity systems like the elderly population have been most affected by this. Hence precaution on relative terms is required.
Symptoms of Corona
Common Symptoms:
- Fever, dry cough, and body aches resulting from the weakness that can be an indicator to get immediately tested.
Other Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhea, nausea, headaches and flu.
If an individual encounters such an experience of symptoms, they should immediately self-isolate themselves. Therefore, to prevent the probable spread of the disease, get yourselves tested for the virus with a doctor’s consultation. Anyone who may have interacted with such an individual may recognize or feel the effect of the virus within two weeks. Virus spread can exponentially increase with multiple interactions.Thus, isolations and lockdowns were imperative decisions made worldwide. Indeed, stopping individuals from interacting with each other can prevent the exponential spread of the virus.
Prevention is better than cure
To prevent the spread and transmission of the virus it is highly necessary. Henceforth, people should take the following steps, some of which also advised by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Wash hands regularly
- Use alcohol-based hand rubs or sanitisers for convenience and immediate use
- Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth after any external interaction
- Also, maintain a 1 meter or 3ft distance from people in general
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Wear a mask to prevent any droplets reaching your face, mouth or nose.
- Avoid public spaces and interactions as priority
Impact of Corona
A complete lockdown has been implemented in Pakistan with a curfew in play. Strict regulatory checks and penalties are being implemented over the defiance of these rules and parameters. Individuals are taking advantage of the situation and deliberately increasing prices of surgical masks and medical supplies are being heavily fined alongside their stores being sealed. In theses difficult times, due credit goes also to those individuals giving free masks, ration bags, donations to people in need, and medical supplies to doctors requiring assistance.
We all are suffering in our own way given the current situation, and some more than many. The daily wage workers aren’t able to work at this time and the people who earn bare minimum and have their families to support, are in either case fighting to survive. Either one becomes vulnerable at the hands of poverty or the virus. The choice of survival is an impending decision.
Stay Patient
We hope the situation gets better over time; we hope that our loved ones do not become victim to the COVID-19. Hoping you all adhere to the lockdown and isolation procedures in place and in all honesty and consideration voluntarily get checked if you think you may be a victim. In short, it’s a time we all fear for our own sake but be considerate of the others around us who may be more vulnerable than you think. If you suspect anyone to be facing these symptoms, do not be afraid, help them get checked, they may be more scared than you think.
Keep yourself in quarantine if you’ve interacted with such an individual and take care of the others around you. Support organizations and initiatives to help those in need. Moreover, help distribute safety supplies and ration bags that will help those fighting hunger during this lockdown. And contribute in your own small way but help if you have the resources and ability to.
Stay safe and stay healthy, and use this time positively.
3 thoughts on “The Corona Effect”