We are constantly confronted with the globally spreading corona virus. Many people are concerned, no corner of the world seems safe. What are we actually dealing with?
- The corona virus has been spreading since early 2020. The origin probably comes from China.
- Coronavirus is the term for a family of pathogens . We are dealing with a tribe.
- The virus is called Sars-CoV-2 . The wave of diseases has been upgraded by the WHO to a pandemic .
Headlines about buying hamsters, breathing masks, quarantine: the new type of corona virus has burned itself into our everyday lives and you are constantly being confronted with water level reports, statistics and dramatic developments . This, combined with threatening images, scares many people. What is the virus called Sars-CoV-2 ?
Corona virus is only the generic term for the pathogen
There are now well over 100,000 infected and several thousand deaths worldwide that are attributed to the new corona virus. It is all too likely that the dark room is likely to be much higher. A common thesis is that the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China. However, there is as yet no evidence for this theory.
What is the corona virus (s)? This is a family of various pathogens , which are assigned to the generic term corona. The disease that the infected are dealing with is called Covid-19 - a lung disease that causes fever, dry cough and breathing problems. The risk is particularly high for immunodeficient people . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incubation period averages five to six days. A maximum of a period of up to 14 days is assumed. However, there was sometimes talk of over 20 days.
Many people are afraid of the new corona virus. What exactly are we dealing with?
© dpa / Christoph Soeder
In 2002 there was already a worldwide corona virus problem : the Sars pandemic was caused by a virus strain of the same genus. The current virus is called Sars-CoV-2 and has now been promoted as a pandemic . Due to the rapid rampage, the WHO changed the status of epidemic a few days ago.
Coronavirus Sars-CoV-2: epidemic or pandemic?
What's the difference ? As a pandemic, the emergence of a new pathogen is known that spreads easily from person to person and across the globe. The previous classification of the coronavirus as an epidemic dated February 24th - and "only" related to uncontrolled cases of illness, which are limited in time and region. Given recent developments, it was highly likely that the viral disease would become a pandemic and global health crisis.
The most important message regarding a risk of infection : the virus is usually relatively harmless for the individual. People should internalize and take appropriate precautions . Because the pathogens are transmitted when coughing, sneezing and also sniffing. Most infections are mild , the majority of those affected have hardly any symptoms or are cured after a few days.
Dealing with corona virus: do not panic children
The question of how to teach children about coronavirus is also important: answer completely silently or even evasively? If parents prefer not to do it, experts advise. Because such behavior actually only makes it worse: If adults themselves are insecure , this usually transfers to the offspring. It is clear that children then develop diffuse fears .
Read also: Could it be that private clinics do not admit Corona patients?
When should an examination be carried out?
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises a close examination for an infection by SARS-CoV-2 if:
1. People with acute respiratory symptoms of any severity with or without fever or people with non-specific general symptoms and in contact with a confirmed case with COVID-19 .
2. People with acute respiratory symptoms of any severity with or without fever and staying in a risk area.
PF
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa / Center for Disease Control
