The Corona virus is a type of virus that causes the illness known as COVID-19. The Corona virus belongs to a larger family of viruses called Coronaviridae, which can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. Corona viruses are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. In the case of COVID-19, it is believed to have originated from a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where live animals were also sold. From there, the virus spread to humans and quickly escalated into a global pandemic.
Coronavirus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. These droplets can contain the virus and can be inhaled by individuals who are in close proximity to the infected person.
The most common mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets. When an infected person exhales, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets containing the virus are released into the air. These droplets are relatively large and quickly fall to the ground over a short distance, usually about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). That's why physical distancing is important to reduce the risk of inhaling these droplets.
The Corona virus can also spread through close contact with an infected person. If you have direct physical contact, such as shaking hands or hugging, with an infected individual, there is a risk of transferring the virus. Additionally, close contact activities that involve being within 1 meter (3 feet) of an infected person, such as talking face-to-face, can lead to transmission if respiratory droplets are exchanged.
Although less common, the Corona virus can potentially spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this mode of transmission is considered to be of lower risk compared to respiratory droplets and close contact. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help reduce this risk.
It's important to note that some individuals infected with the Corona virus may not show symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. This is known as asymptomatic transmission. Additionally, individuals who are infected but have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can also spread the virus. This makes it crucial to follow preventive measures, such as wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance, and following local health guidelines, to minimize the risk of transmission.
