Right now is a very trying time in not only this country but the world. It’s something that’s bigger than all of us and has taken us by storm. Most of the country’s on lockdown with half of its citizens under quarantine and with good reason. There hasn’t been anything like this in the last 50 years and people are scared. We’re dealing with a crisis…a health crisis.
Most businesses have been told to close up shop and send their employees home in order to lessen the spread. And many are filing for unemployment not knowing what’s next.
We’ve dealt with outbreaks in this country before like Ebola, Sars, Zika, Swine and even the bird flu but none has been quite like this one. This one’s in a class all by itself (not much is known about it) and it’s highly contagious and deadly. It spreads rapidly and can kill just as quickly. It’s an infectious disease called Covid-19 or coronavirus.
What is Covid-19 Coronavirus Disease?
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. It started in China in December 2019. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more serious cases, difficulty breathing. Covid-19 can be severe and in some cases have caused death.
How does it Spread?
How does coronavirus disease spread? The disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
The spread is being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization and health organizations like Johns Hopkins across the globe.
How can Coronavirus be Treated?
There are no specific vaccines or treatment for Covid-19 coronavirus disease. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and with supportive measures (those that relieve symptoms). For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics.
What is the Incubation Period for Covid-19 Coronavirus?
Symptoms appear to start showing up within 14 days of exposure to the virus.
What You should do if You Experience any Symptoms
Covid-19 symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Shortness of Breath
If you have a fever or cough, you might have Covid-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If they continue or get worse seek medical attention right away.
Call your doctor and he/she will let you know what to do. Don’t go into the office. In rare cases, Covid-19 can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure or death.
What You Can do to Protect Yourself and your Family
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventative actions.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Stay at home
Bottom Line…
The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe has not only left us with a new way of life, many are also feeling anxious about life and death issues. It’s also left people struggling with a host of less obvious, existential losses as they heed stay-home warnings and wonder how bad all of this is going to get.
Some feel lonely and some even feel isolated but know that you will get through this. Our Heavenly Father is our strength and is still on the throne, he’s there whenever you need him. Go to him in prayer or just everyday talk…he will hear you and help you with your anxiety and your loneliness.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
