As Coronavirus spreads globally and world health officials combat it, there are a lot of Coronavirus facts and fiction being circulated. Celebrity Myxer is dedicated to keeping our audience informed with daily updates from official sources; such as the CDC and WHO to help thwart the spread of misinformation. Here are 8 facts you need to know about COVID-19.
1. What Is Coronavirus And Where Did It Come From?
According to WHO, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The source of the new novel coronavirus is believed to be a “wet market” in Wuhan which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds. The new virus we are seeing started in December 2019 and as of March 13th, 2020, was labeled a “global pandemic.”
2. What’s With All The Names?
We have heard the generic name “coronavirus” then “novel coronavirus” and also “COVID-19.” There are many names for the current threat and the various names are an attempt to differentiate from related viruses, however, it leads to the cause of why there is widespread confusion.
Did you know, to date, there are 7 different types of coronavirus? The viruses 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 all are common human coronaviruses and cause mild illnesses like the common cold, according to the CDC. The more dangerous three are MERS, SARS and newly discovered COVID-19. Therefore when you hear Coronavirus currently, health officials are referring to the new virus COVID-19. The new name came from “Coronavirus Disease 2019.” The characters highlighted in bold decyphers the naming convention.
3. Do I Need To Wear A Mask?
Health officials are advising people who are not sick do not need to wear masks. You should wear a mask if you are sick or are caring for someone who is sick. When wearing a mask, you should be wearing a surgical-grade mask such as the N95 respirator or surgical face mask. Due to widespread panic. Health officials are urging the public not to buy these masks as they limit supply for medical professionals who need them. Masks like those pictured above do not completely eliminate the risk of catching Coronavirus as they do not completely block droplets from getting inside the masks.
4. Should I Be Social Distancing?
According to health officials, social distancing can help stop or slow down the spread of disease allowing the health care system to more readily care for patients over time (source Johns Hopkins Medicine.) This is why the CDC urges large community events and mass gatherings to be postponed for the next 8 weeks as of March 15, 2020. (This is projected to be reassessed May 15th, 2020.) This sanction is recommended for in-person events that consist of 50 or more people. Across the U.S. we are seeing states close in-dining restaurants and bars. Cruise ships, large amusement parks, and sporting events such as the 2020 NBA season have been suspended.
5. Sneezing Or Coughing Into My Elbow Prevents Spreading Coronavirus
Researchers found evidence that Coronavirus “may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.” Other factors such as the type of surface, temperature, and humidity also factor says the WHO. The CDC advises if you cough or sneeze, try to do so inside a tissue, discard it and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer right after. If you do cough or sneeze in your elbow, we suggest wiping the area with hand sanitizer to kill any potential germs.
6. Should I Self-Quarantine?
If you are sick or recently returned from areas of high concentration such as China, Italy, Iran, Spain, etc. you should be self-quarantined. This helps isolate affected people to seek and recover from treatment.
7. Is Coronavirus Airborne?
Health officials say COVID-19 transmits similar to the Flu; mainly person-to-person contact and touching contaminated surfaces then touching the face (eyes, nose, and mouth.)
8. Celebrities, Social Media And The News Tell Me Conflicting Information… Who Should I Believe?
There is a lot of misinformation, hype and mass hysteria involved with Coronavirus COVID-19. Just because a celebrity you admire posts unsubstantiated information or a popular meme goes viral, it does not entirely constitute it as fact. The best sources to follow for all of your information regarding COVID-19 would be either the CDC and WHO. Media outlets such as ours gain our information from reputable sources such as these. We encourage you to do the same.
Also, try not to stir panic and overbuy items from stores in preparation. Remember to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and discard. Wash your hands and sanitize. In a short time, we can beat this bug! There are a handful of celebrities with Coronavirus, check the full list here. If you agree or dispute with our list of Coronavirus facts and fiction, tell us in the comments below!
Photo credit: The New Meaning Brand, Kin Cheung/Associated Press
