COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that owe their name to the crown shape of the proteins that surround them. They are part of a large family of viruses, some of which infect different animals, others humans.
They are likely to be the source of a wide range of diseases that cause illnesses ranging from a simple cold (some seasonal viruses are Coronaviruses) to more severe pathologies.
Coronaviruses can cause deadly outbreaks such as:

• SARS-CoV (2002-2003) appeared in 29 countries, more than 8000 people were infected and at least 774 people died (mortality rate 10%).

• MERS-CoV (2012-2013) appeared in 26 countries, more than 1589 people were infected and at least 567 people died (mortality rate around 30%).

• The new virus identified in January 2020 in China is a new Coronavirus. It has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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How is the disease transmitted?

 

The coronaviruses SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV are transmitted not only from animals to humans but also from human to human.

With regard to Covid-19 disease, the disease is transmitted in particular by postillions (sneezing, coughing).

Hand contact with infected surfaces and then with the mouth, nose or eyes is also one of the factors in the spread of the virus.
It is therefore considered that close contact with a sick person is necessary to transmit the disease: same place of life, direct contact within one meter during a cough, a sneeze or a discussion in the absence of measures. protection.

Covid-19 is very contagious: its replication rate is 2, that is to say that 1 case which would be in the presence of 100 people can potentially contaminate 2 people.

Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after contact.

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Symptoms of COVID-19.

 

The most common symptoms of the virus are high fever,
above 37.5°C, a dry or wet cough.
Some people may also experience body aches, headaches, a feeling of tightness or shortness of breath.
These symptoms suggest an acute respiratory infection.
Sudden loss of smell and loss of taste can also portend the disease.

In more severe cases, the infection can cause respiratory distress, acute kidney failure, and even multiple organ failure that can lead to death.

Breathing difficulties can occur after a few days of illness, even when the first symptoms were mild.

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Prevention.

 

While waiting for the results of more successful research, it is advisable to take broad preventive measures:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

• In addition, wash your hands with hydro alcoholic gel very frequently.

• Avoid direct physical contact with sick or quarantined people.

• Wear a mask if going to densely populated areas or suspicious areas.

• Wear gloves to avoid contact with surroundings or contaminated surfaces.

• Consult a doctor quickly in case of fever.

• Do not come into contact with objectively sick animals

• Do not come into contact with objectively sick people

• Avoid any contact with any animal or corpse.

• Do not slaughter sick animals for the purpose of consuming their meat.

• Do not consume undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products

• Do not eat raw foods (salads, fruits, raw vegetables) if you cannot be sure that they have been washed beforehand with decontaminated water.

Sources: WHO, INVS