An ambulance caravan on its way to New York to help out with the Coronavirus outbreak.

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Hollow Road by Michał Sałata

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Catacombs by Michal Matczak

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Pandemic by Naka Isurita

Art inspired by a Coronavirus known as COVID-19.

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Inspirational Quote by Stephen Hawking

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However difficult life may seem, there's always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up. - Stephen Hawking

Coronavirus, Cold or the Flu - what's the difference?

Coronavirus known as COVID-19 has spread its tentacles all over the globe and forcing counties into lockdown. Borders are being shut and counties that had since maintained open-borders are being forced shut. COVID-19 has been classified as a pandemic and its effects are going to be felt for years to come.


In countries in Europe like Italy and Spain, the virus has created a shortfall of beds and emergency medical staff. Not everyone with symptoms can be tested as there are not many tests to go around. The same can be seen happening in the United States.


Not everyone with a flu or the common cold needs to get tested. Below we will list a few helpful tips on how to know when to take a Coronavirus test. The Flur, Cold and some allergies have common symptoms and may well be confused as one for the other. It is therefore important to firstly not panic but do a self diagnosis and determine if you need to seek immediate medical attention for the Coronavirus.


Important tips in self-diagnosis of Coronavirus.

• Cough alone might be due to pollution
• Fever with cold might just be your allergies playing-up
• Fever with cold and cough is most likely the Flu
• Fever with Cough and Breathlessness is a clear indicator of the Coronavirus
• The Flu starts with a runny nose, followed by cough and fever. If you get the flu but don’t have any travel history to places infected by COVID-19. You can wait it out.
• Mild flu-like symptoms are no cause for panic. However, if you are experiencing breathlessness and shortness of breath, accompanied by flu-like symptoms it is highly advisable to get yourself checked out immediately
• Flu-like symptoms with breathing issues and respiratory difficulties needed to be attended to with immediate effect

Please take a look at the chart below to check Coronavirus signs and symptoms.

UPDATE:

A new study coming out of Wuhan Medical Treatment Expert Group for COVID-19 now claim that out of a clinical study conducted on 204 patients during the early stages of the outbreak - many were admitted later to hospital because they had no respiratory symptoms for instead showed only digestive symptoms.This would include Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain and Loss of Appetite.According to the study some patients were not diagnosed initially because they did not displayed respiratory symptoms. It's something that needs to be considered, since the study suggests that digestive symptoms also play key part of the diagnosis of the Coronavirus.

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Undergrowth melody by Timi Honkanen

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Gigantic Neighbors by Elias Stern

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How does Coronavirus spread?

Similar to the Flu, The Coronavirus - known as COVID-19, is spread from person-to-person. The virus needs a host to survive and can only survive inside of a human body. There is no clear proof as to how long the virus is able to survive outside of a host.


COVID-19 spreads when droplets of bodily fluids such as mucus or saliva from an infected person comes into contact with a healthy person. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, these droplets are dispersed into the air and land on surfaces. When a healthy person accidentally touches these tiny droplets and then rubs their eyes, nose or mouth with an infected hand, COVID-19 finds  a way into the person’s body and then things get complicated when the virus reaches the lungs.


The disease is not carried in the air, although fresh droplets from an infected person can survive for a limited amount of time in the air. It is therefore highly advisable to not touch surfaces and keep hands clear by washing with soap and water, using hand sanitizers and avoid touching of the nose, eyes and mouth.


Transmission of the disease happens from person to person, and it is therefore highly advisable to maintain social distancing. If you live in an area where people have been infected with the Coronavirus, then avoid shaking hands, stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from people when talking.


The incubation period of coronavirus is between 1 to 14 days. Symptoms can appear anytime between this period.


It is also advisable to maintain distance between live animals in infected areas.


How long can the Coronavirus stay outside on a host?


Right now there is no real clear answer to this question but experts believe that it can remain alive on a surface from several hours to several days. It is important therefore to keep the home clean especially in areas known to have infected cases.


The most effective way to avoid COVID-19 is to stay home. Wash your hands regularly and avoid rubbing your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands. All the virus needs is an entry point - keeping it away from the entry points into your body is the best bet.


Masks can only protect to some extent entry through a person’s mouth and nose. Eyes still provide a risk factor. Keeping the place  where you live sanitized and maintaining constant social distancing is the most effective way to avoid coming into contact with the virus.

Pandemic Art inspired by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Wild Territory by Sergey Zabelin

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