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The mysterious new coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 infection, appeared in 2019 in the city of Wuhan in China and the first cases of the infection appear to have happened from animals to people. This is because the viruses of the family "coronavirus" mainly affect animals, with almost 40 different types of this virus identified in animals and only 7 types in humans.
In addition, the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in a group of people who were at the same popular market in the city of Wuhan, where various types of live wild animals were sold, such as snakes, bats and beavers, which could have been sick and passed the virus on to people.
After these first cases, other people were identified who had never been on the market, but who were also presenting a picture of similar symptoms, supporting the hypothesis that the virus had adapted and was transmitted between humans, possibly through the inhalation of droplets of saliva or respiratory secretions that were suspended in the air after the infected person coughed or sneezed.
Symptoms of new coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses known to cause diseases that can range from a simple flu to atypical pneumonia, with 7 types of coronaviruses known to date, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
Symptoms of the COVID-19 infection are similar to those of the flu, so they can be difficult to identify at home. So, if you think you may be infected, answer the questions to find out what the risk is:
- 1. Do you have a headache or general malaise? No Yes
- 2. Do you feel general muscle pain? No Yes
- 3. Do you feel excessive tiredness? No Yes
- 4. Do you have nasal congestion or runny nose? No Yes
- 5. Do you have an intense cough, especially dry? No Yes
- 6. Do you feel severe pain or persistent pressure in the chest? No Yes
- 7. Do you have a fever above 38ºC? No Yes
- 8. Do you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath? No Yes
- 9. Are your lips or face slightly bluish? No Yes
- 10. Do you have a sore throat? No Yes
- 11. Have you been in a place with a high number of COVID-19 cases, in the last 14 days? No Yes
- 12. Do you think you have had contact with someone who might be with COVID-19, in the last 14 days? No Yes
In some cases, especially of people with weakened immune systems, the infection can develop into pneumonia, which can cause more severe symptoms and be life-threatening. Understand more about coronavirus symptoms and take our online test.
Can the virus kill?
Like any disease, COVID-19 can cause death, especially when it develops into a situation of severe pneumonia. However, death due to COVID-19 is more frequent among older people who have chronic diseases, because they have a more compromised immune system.
In addition, people who have undergone transplants or surgery, who have cancer or who are being treated with immunosuppressants are also at increased risk of complications.
See more about COVID-19 by watching the following video:
How the transmission happens
The transmission of COVID-19 happens mainly through the coughing and sneezing of an infected person, and it can also happen through physical contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Find out more about how COVID-19 is transmitted.
How to prevent COVID-19
As with the prevention of the transmission of other viruses, to protect yourself from COVID-19 it is important to adopt some measures, such as:
- Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick;
- Wash your hands frequently and correctly, especially after direct contact with sick people;
- Avoid contact with animals;
- Avoid sharing objects, such as cutlery, plates, glasses or bottles;
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, avoiding doing it with your hands.
See how to properly wash your hands in the following video: