Evolution of Love 2

Busting Coronavirus (SARS - CoV - 2) myths*

1. A virus, unlike bacteria, requires a host to replicate. Its not going to survive for long outside the body. So if someone coughs and you walk past that location an hour later the chances of you getting the virus are very slim. It spreads through droplets from a persons mouth - when they cough, or if it’s on their clothes or hands and it can survive on certain surfaces (steel and plastic especially) for a couple hours - so if you touch any surface in public - sanitise! After you touch doorknobs in public - don’t touch your face, just sanitise. If you come in contact with a sick person or direct droplets and if it finds a way to get inside your body then you’re in trouble. IT DOES NOT JUST FLOAT AROUND IN THE AIR AND SURVIVE FOR DAYS.

2. Viruses only exist to make more viruses. A virus particle attaches itself to the host cell before penetrating it. The virus then uses the host cell’s machinery to replicate its own genetic material. Once it’s done with replication, the virus particles leave the host by either budding or bursting out of the cell (lysis). Basically it kills your cells to further it’s own multiplication, which is why you feel s***ty and sick. (Because your viral load increases and that triggers an immune response)

3. The virus cannot be killed by drinking hot water, by eating a certain type of food or anything of the sort. Sure, eat healthy to keep your immunity up but it’s not going to eliminate the virus. In order to get rid of a viral infection(like any and every viral infection you’ve had in your life) you need to stop the virus from replicating. For that you need medicines and a strong immune system. If you could cure it with hot water - people like me, wouldn’t have jobs.

4. If you have a cold or cough - if you feel sickly -STAY AT HOME. Do not go out and put other people at risk. Have some empathy for your fellow humans. You will probably recover- but think about what might happen if you pass it onto someone with Heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems, immunodeficiency, or old people. SO DONT BE INSENSITIVE.

5. Try and manage your symptoms if you have a cold or cough - it could just be allergies or it could be COVID19. If you are able to treat your symptoms and they don’t worsen then - It might’ve just been seasonal allergies. However, to be safe stay at home for a couple days. If anyone in your family has symptoms please do impose a quarantine and do not wander around because you might have contracted it.

6. If your symptoms worsen - take them seriously. PLEASE DO NOT GO AROUND SPREADING THIS. Once again, healthcare facilities have limited resources so if you have it, get it checked, make sure you listen to medical professionals - Who actually know what they’re doing and have studied for years to help you and not the next random person spreading panic and fear on the internet.

7. MASKS - masks do not increase your chances of being protected. Think of it this way - If you’re in the vicinity of a sick person and they cough or come in contact with you the germs will get on your mask and your clothes. If you’re going to touch your mask accidentally you are far more likely to transfer those germs to your face and mouth. Either way whether you have a mask or not the virus will get on your clothes and your face, where it can remain active. So regardless you’re not really reducing your risk level - mask or no mask. And please, please do not reuse single use masks if you are still adamant on using them.

8. The only time I would recommend wearing a mask is IF YOU ARE SICK. So that if you sneeze or cough, it won’t spread to other people

9. Do not panic, resort to fear mongering or share fake news please. Being out in the sunshine does not kill the virus. Just because you live in a hot country doesn’t mean it doesn’t spread from person to person contact. Please understand this. Think about it. The body’s first response to a viral infection is a fever - because viruses are inactivated by heat. However, this is regulation of your internal body temperature. Staying out in the sun and getting a sun burn will not kill any viral infection you already have.

10. Do not believe everything you read online. You are educated people with access to the internet and the ability to verify your sources.

11. DO NOT PANIC and create an environment of fear and stress

12. Be conscious of everyone around you and do impose a self quarantine and follow measures such as washing your hands for 20 seconds, avoiding large gatherings and crowds, carrying an alcohol based sanitizer, making sure you’re at a safe distance from people, coughing into tissues or the crook of your elbow, not spitting in public, please show some concern for other humans some of whom may be at a higher risk.

13. Follow these measures and you’re going to be fine. Once again it’s not a virulent strain and not very potent. However our major goal is to curb the spread so please help curb the spread. Such pandemics of large scale proportions affect people’s lives - and we cannot risk spreading it to areas where medical facilities are severely lacking. It is important to remember that every year, more people die of cancer, heart disease, HIV - AIDS and other diseases so there is no need to Panic. Here are some verified sources you can follow and believe -
1. The official website for the center for disease control (CDC)
2. The official UNICEF website.

*_(Since the virus has a window period (asymptomatic period - you could still be a carrier) - averaging 10/14 days, if you have travelled to any place where positive cases have been identified - please be smart and impose a self quarantine for 10/14 days)_*