Coronavirus (Covid-19) is the latest outbreak that’s on pretty much everyone’s radar across the globe.  What you may not know is that coronaviruses are not new. They are a family of viruses responsible for the common cold, which is a fairly mild disease. However, they are also responsible for more dangerous diseases such as SARS.
To distinguish this new strain of coronavirus from other coronaviruses, it now has its own name. It is called Covid-19. “Co†is for corona, “V†is for Virus, and “D†is for disease. And the number 19 indicates the year 2019.
What’s unique about Covid-19?
Covid-19 has not been previously identified in humans until now. Coronaviruses are zoonotic. What this means is that they are transmitted between animals and people. Unfortunately, Covid-19 is believed to have made the jump to humans. Although there are many theories, it’s not yet clear exactly how this happened.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19 and how to know it’s not just have the flu?
This virus can cause similar symptoms as the flu. Covid-19 has the capability of causing respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, pneumonia and even death.
As of right now, the only way to know if flu-like symptoms are due to an influenza infection or a covid-19 infection is to test for it. It is not possible to tell what the diagnosis is just by the symptoms alone.
If you are symptomatic and have recently traveled to China or other affected areas, make sure to take measures not to come in contact with anyone else and call your family doctor.
Who is at risk of becoming very ill from a Covid-19 infection?
This particular virus seems to have an affinity for the lower parts of the lungs. So those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other lung diseases need to be more vigilant as this virus can worsen these diseases.
But don’t be alarmed. Unless you are in China or to other parts of the world experiencing higher number of infected patients, you are not at a great risk of being infected. However, it’s always a good idea to practice self-protection hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and taking care of yourself the best you can to keep your immune system strong
How to reduce the risk of getting sick? Â
The good news is that you can use prevention strategies to help reduce the risk of infection for most respiratory diseases, Â be it the common cold, flu, or Covid-19.
Here is a list of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick and increase your chance of fighting off the cold, flu, or covid-19.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Eat well. Get rid of processed foods. Eliminate refined sugar. Include healthy fasts, protein, and a wide variety of colorful vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Get quality sleep. Eliminate screen time an hour before your bedtime. Do 10 minutes of deep breathing at bedtime. Make sure you sleep in a dark room.
- Be active. Bundle up, go outside, walk around, and get some fresh air. One the reason viruses spread easier in the colder months is because people tend to stay indoors and are in close contacts with others while breathing in recycled air.
Getting outside and getting some fresh air is not only good for your physical health, it is also good for your mental-emotional health.
- Take nutritional supplements such as vitamin D, Vitamin C, and probiotics. Also taking herbs such as elderberry, garlic, oregano, and hydrastis can help strengthen your immune system.
Of course, all nutritional supplements and herbs should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed health care professional.Â
A robust immune system can protect the body from most viruses and bacteria. Eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, being active, and managing stress are basic yet powerful ways to keep your immune system healthy and strong.