Coronavirus or COVID-19 virus is presently a global pandemic known to every person in the world today i.e., from an infant child to an adult person due to its striking presence in the society. It is known to have infected over twelve million individuals (12,000,000), with a death rate of over 120,000 individuals globally.

COVID-19 symptoms do not have a huge difference from some other infectious disease such as the malaria fever; and if not properly managed can lead to the death of infected persons. These symptoms could range from mild to severe depending on the medical condition of the infected persons.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coughing (dry) and sneezing
• Fatigue
• Difficult breathing
• Cold or chills
• Sore throats
• Body pains
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Loss of smell or taste (severe cases)

With these symptoms, several questions have been asked by various individuals on how best to differentiate the virus from other diseases. Hence, since the difference isn’t clear, various health organizations such as The World Health Organization (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) advised that, individuals take preventive measures provided so as not to be infected with the virus.

Prevention of COVID-19

How Can One Prevent Coronavirus?

Preventing the coronavirus (COVID-19) is, so far, the best practice in order to reduce the impact of the virus (infecting oneself and others) considering the lack of a permanent solution or treatment.

Presently there are various COVID-19 vaccines circulating around the world, although while some of these vaccines have been approved, some are still in their Phase III or yet to be approved; yet the best prevention is to avoid exposure to the virus itself.

In achieving this goal, the World Health Organization recommends that following measures be practiced among individuals wither infected or non – infected.

• Use of Face / Nose Masks: This preventive is quite important for individuals who tend to find themselves in public spaces such as the stores, banking hall, offices and places where it is difficult to avoid contact with other people. For healthy individuals, there is need to wear a mask once there is a need to take care of a person suspected of the COVID-19 virus. Before putting on a mask, it is essential to clean the hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water. Also, avoid touching the mask while using it; if there is a need to touch it, clean the hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Covering of the mouth while coughing or sneezing with tissues; and disposing it in a bin after usage. This should be practiced daily especially when one is in a public space. Also, the elbow can be used when one is about to sneeze.
• Washing the hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or/and disinfecting with hand sanitizer containing an alcohol-based of 60% and above.
• Avoid close contact with any person who is sick or has the COVID-19 symptoms.
• Practice Social Distancing: Due to the asymptomatic nature of the COVID-19 virus, where an individual might have the virus, and spreading it without knowing; it is essential one keeps a distance between oneself and other people (within about 6 feet, or 2 metre).
• Learn to refrain shaking hugging or touching other persons.
• Avoid or refrain from touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands especially after touching hard surfaces.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, towels, bedding and other household items once an individual is sick or have the COVID-19 symptoms.
• Clean and Disinfect: It is highly recommended that high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs (door-handles), light switches, electronics, counter, office desks and chairs, toilets, faucets and sinks are washed with soap and water, then it is disinfected with an alcohol-based sanitizer (60%).
• Practice how to stay at home from work, school and other public spaces once an individual discovers that he/she might be sick or have COVID-19 symptoms. Also, avoid public transportations, taxis, trains or ride-sharing once sick.
• Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travels.
• Vaccination is also another way of preventing oneself against virus, and since there are vaccines available for the COVID-19 virus, it is best to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

COVID-19 Myths

Since the global pandemic regarding the COVID-19 virus, various individuals have had their own share of opinion regarding its validity. These opinions have coined out from various myths outlined by different individuals. And these myths include:

• The 5G mobile network do not spread the COVID-19 virus because viruses can’t travel on radio waves / mobile networks.
• Anyone can get infected with the COVID-19 virus, therefore exposure to the sun or temperature of more than 25^OC do not prevent the infection or the spreading of COVID-19.
• Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption do not prevent the coronavirus but rather increase one’s risk of health problems.
• The coronavirus can be transmitted in areas irrespective of the climate, therefore eliminating the myths that the virus can survive in some particular climate conditions.
• Cold weather can’t kill the coronavirus
• Regardless of the type of bath used by an individual (hot or cold), the human temperature remains normal around 36.5^OC to 37^OC; yet the body can still get infected with the virus.
• Presently, there are no evidences to prove that the coronavirus can be spread through the mosquito or its bites thereby erasing the notion that COVID-19 can be spread through mosquitoes’ bite.
• Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body do not prevent or kill the coronavirus. Also, antibiotics do not work against the COVID-19 virus since antibiotics on work against bacteria.
• Daily consumption of garlic, ginger or spicy foods can’t help prevent the body against the coronavirus. Also, rinsing of the nose with saline can’t help its prevention.