COVID – 19: KNOWN AND UNKNOWN FACTS

Viruses keep changing and evolving all the time. This can lead to the emergence of new variants or strains. A variant can make a virus act in many different ways. Understandably, there is a lot of speculation around the coronavirus and its variants.

All around the world, scientists are tracking changes in the virus that causes Covid-19. Based on their research, experts are trying to understand which variants spread faster than the others and why, how they might affect our health and how effective different vaccines are against them.

Here are some known and unknown facts about the new coronavirus that causes Covid-19:

– Coronavirus did not just pop up recently. It’s probably been around for quite some time in animals. Sometimes, a virus in animals crosses over and affects humans. So, this virus is not new to the world, it is new to humans. When scientists discovered that it was making people sick in 2019, they named it ‘novel coronavirus’. Experts call the strain SARS-COV-2.

– Covid-19 virus can be in someone’s body for up to fourteen days before they get any symptoms. Some people with mild cases might not have any symptoms at all. That’s why it is important for everyone to follow preventive advice, such as practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and regularly washing their hands.

– While Covid-19 can be more dangerous for older people, anyone can get it including young people, some of whom become seriously ill especially if they have underlying health conditions including obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, etc.

– Many people are concerned regarding the safety of the vaccines. The Covid-19 vaccines currently in use have been through a rigorous testing and approval procedure to ensure they are safe and effective.

– Exposing yourself to the Sun or high temperatures does not prevent or treat Covid-19. You can get Covid-19 no matter how warm or sunny it is. Following the official advice to protect yourself from the virus is of utmost importance, irrespective of the weather conditions. Being out under the Sun is a good idea as it helps your body to produce Vitamin D which is important for the immunity system.

– Any drinks, hot or cold, do not give you any protection or cure from Coronavirus. Most people recover by themselves by taking paracetamol, drinking lots of liquids, and getting enough rest.

– There is no need to use a strong disinfectant to clean your body. Washing hands with soap and water or rubbing an alcohol-based sanitizer will stop the virus from being passed on. Never drink a disinfectant or sanitizer as this can do serious damage to the system.

– Drinking alcohol does not prevent or cure Covid-19. In fact, drinking alcohol weakens your immunity system. It’s recommended that one must limit their alcohol intake to stay healthy.

– Testing negative for Coronavirus does not mean you cannot become infected in the future or you are immune from getting Covid-19. It probably means you were not infected at the time your sample was taken or it was too early for the signs of infection to show. The best way forward is to get yourself vaccinated, get a booster dose if you are already vaccinated, and follow the protocols given by medical authorities.