Updates On COVID-19: General Updates

Image Credits:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/streetsdept.com/2020/03/24/philadelphians-install-covid-19-hand-washing-mural-stations-around-the-city/amp/

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Every day, we come closer to the end of COVID-19. But what exactly is COVID-19? First of all, let's start by saying that the Coronavirus is a family of viruses. There are many kinds of strands, with SARS-CoV-2 being the newly identified strand responsible for the worldwide Pandemic, COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, unexpected loss of taste or smell, and headaches. At the same time, shockingly, some don't face any symptoms at all, or the symptoms are recognized late, though they are diagnosed with COVID-19. Some cases of COVID-19 have been responsible for deaths, while more cases have experienced recovery. There have been over 372,000 deaths as of June 1st, with the US being number 1 in terms of deaths at over 100,000. Older adults, seniors, including people who have severe medical conditions that impact organs like the heart and lungs, are at a higher risk of death from COVID-19. Due to the virus being airborne, it can spread instantly through respiratory droplets.

As of 6/3/2020, multiple potential vaccines are currently in testing. The first coronavirus vaccine to be tested showed safe and promising results. By announcing this, the manufacturer, Moderna, offered a glimmer of hope to the world in dark times. The method that Moderna used was to generate mRNA, from the spike protein on the coat of the virus. mRNA, or messenger RNA, would, then, be injected into a person's healthy cells. These cells would remember every time the virus is attacking and would then follow the instructions and crank out the viral protein.

The next question that pops up is, how do you keep yourself and others safe? All you have to do is wear a mask wherever you go and stand 6 feet away from others at all times. A simple way to do this is to use a cloth mask if you are going outside, and if you are unable to find a proper medical-grade mask, you can cut one up from something such as an old t-shirt. You can also ask to have meetings over the phone or to use a meeting service, instead of meeting face-to-face, to help promote safety. If you have the flu or a cold, stay at home, as they say, it's always better to be safe rather than sorry. Also, try to avoid touching objects in public places, and always remember to sanitize/wash your hands. Make sure you try your best not to touch your face, as the virus tends to enter one's body through respiratory holes on one's face. Please continue to stay safe and social distance!