First detected in Dec. 2019 in China, a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, is the latest strain of coronavirus that is now affecting just under 120,000 people in over 100 countries.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illness of varying degrees ranging from the common cold to something potentially life threatening.
Older adults and those with preexisting medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting a more severe version of this disease. According to the World Health Organization, of the thousands afflicted, less than two percent were under age 20, and deaths among that age group are extremely rare.
While this disease is a serious problem, this shows that younger people have very little to fear in terms of surviving the disease. Still, everyone should do their best to avoid contracting the coronavirus regardless of the statistics. One way to do this is by constantly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. A few good songs to sing while washing hands are the chorus of “Love on Top” by Beyonce, “Africa” by Toto, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, and “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club.
Symptoms of the coronavirus tend not to present themselves until days or even up to two weeks after exposure, so it is easy for those affected to spread the disease unknowingly. Coronavirus can easily be confused with the flu because they have virtually the same symptoms, and it is still flu season.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that if you believe you may be infected, first call your doctor, and most importantly isolate yourself from others. Those afflicted should also avoid sharing personal items, routinely clean and disinfect things that are touched often, wear a facemask and wash your hands constantly.