You’ve read about plagues and pandemics in your history books throughout your life, but you’ve probably never experienced a full-blown pandemic outbreak. The masks, the workplace and school closures, the mass quarantines, and the skyrocketing death tolls may seem scary. Thinking about the Coronavirus is terrifying, but the virus isn’t as scary as you might have heard.
Unfortunately, mainstream media only shows us a horrifying picture of the Coronavirus outbreak. The media uses misleading headlines, which instills more panic than is necessary. Worried people have caused global shortages of medical supplies (like face masks and gloves), food, and household supplies because they’re preparing for the worst.
With so many stories floating around the Web, it’s easy to cave into the Coronavirus hype. But here’s what you really need to know about the Coronavirus:
The reality of the Coronavirus isn’t so dark.
The coronavirus we see today, COVID-19, belongs to a large family of respiratory viruses that animals and people transmit to each other. Common symptoms are similar to influenza and include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. As with the flu, serious complications such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death can also occur, though these effects are rarer than you might think.
While many media outlets dramatize the viral outbreak, the spread of COVID-19 is actually lessening. Unfortunately, Coronavirus still runs rampant in China and other, smaller countries. Poor hygiene practices mixed with large, densely populated areas in those countries has perpetuated the spread of the virus.
In all honesty, COVID-19 is no more serious than the common flu. In fact, around 16,000 Americans have died from the flu this season. If you have a compromised immune system due to age, health conditions, or other risk factors, you could be at risk for complications from the Coronavirus, but otherwise, you’ll probably be safe.
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, follow the same practices as you would to prevent influenza. Wash your hands, disinfect surfaces, and please stay home if you’re feeling under the weather.
Featured Photo via Pixabay.
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