5 Facts About Covid-19

The COVID-19 outbreak has left a lot of people immobilized at home as the virus continues to infect more and more people each day. The virus infected 80,000 in the US. The current death count has reached more than 5,000 people. As the COVID-19 has become a pandemic, more and more people are wondering what the virus is and why it is so deadly.

Access to the right information is extremely important to keep ourselves educated about the virus. It’s the only way we can be aware of its presence and protect ourselves from contracting it. Myths and false facts not only mislead people but can also create unnecessary panic in the community.

With that said, here are some known and legitimate facts about the Coronavirus to keep you informed: It’s Caused by a Novel Coronavirus

COVID-19 or Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by a virus belonging to the Coronavirus family. All known variants can cause upper respiratory tract illnesses such as mild cold and in some cases, severe pneumonia. The virus is common in both humans and animals. We call it “novel” as it’s new to us humans. There are many types of Coronaviruses.

You Can Get it Anywhere

Initial reports regarding the Coronavirus have stated that the virus thrives and is transmitted more rapidly in colder climates. It is inactivated or killed in hot and humid areas. However, research has recently found that the Coronavirus can be transmitted in all areas – regardless of the climate. People with a known travel history in countries or areas with reported COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days. Thus eliminating the risk of spreading the disease.

COVID Is Transmitting Through Respiratory Droplets

The virus is spreading from person to person. This happens through respiratory droplets, like what happens with a common cold. When a person coughs or sneezes, they could expectorate droplets onto a surface. Once a person touches the infected area and touches their face, the virus infects another person.

It Can Cause Mild to Severe Respiratory Illness

People infected with the Coronavirus will show respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough which can eventually lead to shortness of breath. The signs and symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Older people with underlying health issues like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or respiratory issues are more likely to develop serious respiratory complications requiring ventilator support.

The Best Prevention is Isolating Yourself from the Public

The virus is spreading in communities at a faster rate. If a person becomes infected, he or she could infect at least 2 people he or she encounters every day and those two could infect 2 more, each. That is why if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s always better to keep yourself isolated from the rest of the world to avoid spreading the disease. If you’re not infected, staying at home is the best prevention you can do. Older people are strongly advised to stay home since they’re more susceptible to developing serious complications if they’re infected.

Regular Hand Washing is Important

The easiest way for humans to come in contact with the virus is through touching infected surfaces. Once the virus latches onto the hands of a person the risk greatly increases. Once that person touches his or her face, the virus can then go into the eyes, nose, and mouth. That is why regular hand washing is very important! The CDC recommends washing the hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.

Is N95 Mask Useful in Preventing COVID-19?

With the emergence of the deadly Coronavirus today, normal safety precautions like hand washing and wearing the right PPEs and antiviral face mask when taking care of the sick are very important to avoid getting airborne diseases. Another important thing to remember is that if you’re taking care of a sick person, it’s important to protect yourself from their respiratory droplets. While a normal surgical half face mask helps, it doesn’t do much in filtering the virus.

The N95 masks block at least 95% of non-oil particles in the air preventing dust and other microscopic organisms from entering our respiratory tract. It’s perfect to use for health workers to protect themselves from coming into contact with the infected patients’ respiratory droplets. If you’re looking for an N95 mask, feel free to contact Bielcor at 866-480-2435 or email us at sales@bielcor.com.

Get the best protection possible from virus, diseases, dust, molds, and pollution with Bielcor’s N99 masks and N95 masks!