The recent emergence of a new respiratory virus has sparked international panic, due to its rapid spread from its origin in Wuhan, China (World Health Organization) to every continent worldwide except for Antarctica (CNN). Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30th by the WHO, the virus has prompted emergency discussions among world leaders and created an extremely fearful atmosphere among the general public. The hysteria that has accompanied these events has, in some ways, contributed to the spreading of incomplete and sometimes falsified information. Particularly through the vast platform of social media, people have been exposed to the perspectives of thousands of others, presenting views that are not always based in fact.
While this virus is often referred to in the media as simply “coronavirus,” the coronavirus disease has been named, more specifically, as “COVID-19.” Coronaviruses themselves are not limited to COVID-19, as the term refers to a group of viruses characterized by the spikes on their surface. Their symptoms can range from mild symptoms associated with the common cold to the more severe consequences associated with COVID-19-- namely, the development of pneumonia. In fact, there are seven different types of coronaviruses that can infect humans. COVID-19 has been identified to originate from the type SARS-CoV-2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The number of cases worldwide, having now surpassed 85,000, are continuing to spread. However, the disease’s mortality rate has been shown to be approximately 2 percent, according to the Chinese CDC. This number, while higher than influenza, is considerably less serious than other coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome (CNN).
Over the past few months, the spread of COVID-19 has led to a rapidly-growing worldwide apprehension. In such an uncertain situation, it is easy to feel a sense of helplessness. This raises the question: what is the most important action that we can take, as students, to protect ourselves and the people around us?
1. Don’t panic!
The growing international fear that has been a result of COVID-19’s spread has led to significant increases in sensationalized media. Particularly, racism and xenophobia has spread rapidly, as many have wrongfully placed blame for the virus’s spread on all Chinese people. This has led to many hateful acts, and the expression of deep prejudices. The fear that COVID-19 has created in no way justifies such racism-- panicked blaming is not at all helpful, especially as race has been clearly demonstrated to be irrelevant to infection (CDC). Our best course of action in a situation such as this one is to stay calm and choose reputable sources to help us learn what is really going on.
2. Educate yourself and stay updated!
This issue is changing rapidly, with new developments coming up daily. COVID-19 has not yet been identified as a global pandemic, but it is growing closer to meeting the criteria for this stage. (CNN). Due to the closure of most schools in China and the disease’s rapid spreading, some families in North America are choosing to prepare ahead of time by stocking up on food supplies in case the issue worsens. As long as we continue to update ourselves on the stages of COVID-19’s spread, we can better aim to protect ourselves from its impacts.
3. Know the symptoms!
The main identified symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms apply to you or someone you know, the CDC recommends that medical attention be sought, as a precaution.
4. Focus on maintaining hygienic habits!
The CDC, as well as other health organizations and professionals, widely recommend that people understand the importance of personal hygiene in order to protect themselves from infection. Particularly, this can be achieved through an emphasis on regular hand-washing, avoiding eye-touching, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Ultimately, COVID-19 has been the source of widespread international fear, and has received massive amounts of media attention. However, it is clear that we can best protect ourselves by sifting through the vast quantities of information to gain a clear and fact-based understanding of the disease, rather than allowing fear to override our common sense.
For more information, these websites are helpful in providing information on COVID-19 and its current stages, as well as offering advice on what we can do to protect ourselves.
References
“Coronavirus.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,
Berlinger, Joshua. “Coronavirus Has Now Spread to Every Continent except Antarctica.” CNN, Cable News Network, 26 Feb. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/02/25/asia/novel-coronavirus-covid-update-us-soldier-intl-hnk/index.html.
“Coronavirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Feb. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/types.html.
Holcombe, Madeline, and Eliott C. McLaughlin. “The US Has Started Human Testing of a Drug to Treat the Novel Coronavirus.” CNN, Cable News Network, 27 Feb. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/02/26/us/coronavirus-us-american-treatment-trial/index.html.
“Share Facts About COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Feb. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html.
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