In the news, corona has been the focus of attention continuously over the past few months. The disease COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It starts with complaints that look like a cold. But a serious pneumonia can be the result. People have even died from corona, in the Netherlands but also in other countries. Worldwide, there are still measures in the hope that we can contain the virus as quickly as possible. For example, often only supermarkets are open, or you have to shop by appointment. In many countries, this measure is currently being relaxed.
More corona news
There's even more corona news. The virus is said to be spread through sneezing and coughing. Small droplets in the air are moved and inhaled by others. This is how someone can become infected with the virus. You do not always get symptoms when you are a carrier. The time between infection and getting symptoms is the incubation period. It takes about 5/6 days before you develop symptoms. Most people get complaints within 10 days after the last contact with someone who is infected with the virus.
Corona complaints
Corona is no cold as many people thought at first. It is much more. Symptoms that can belong to corona are the well-known cold symptoms. You can think of a sore throat, sneezing, a runny nose and a nose cold. But coughing, fever, tightness of the chest and loss of smell and/or taste can also belong to it. Some people have serious complaints and test positive. However, there are also people who hardly have any symptoms and still test positive. A few days of rest and they feel better, but there are also people who have persistent symptoms for months afterwards. The most common complaint is that people stay tired for a long time and are barely fit.
Measures
Some measures have been put in place in the hope of preventing the spread of the virus. These include:
- Use paper tissues and then throw them away immediately (after sneezing and coughing).
- Sneezing and coughing in the inside of your elbow.
- Wash your hands more often with soap and water (and dry them well).
- No shaking hands (and therefore no hugging, avoiding physical contact with others is best).
- Keep 1,5 meters distance from others (also at home).
- Stay home as much as you can.
- Work from home when you can.
Corona news and tests
The news about corona keeps on coming. More and more people are getting tested when they have symptoms that fit COVID-19. When you are tested you should stay home and wait for the results. If the results are positive, which means you have COVID-19, you will have to be isolated. You will have to stay at home. It is important that you do not infect others.
News corona vaccines
There are several vaccines available and several corona vaccines are currently being used in the Netherlands. Moderna, AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer. The vaccines prevent people from getting sick from the virus. The vaccines all work in different ways, so they are not suitable for all target groups. Before the vaccines can be used, they must first be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG). Once the vaccine has been approved, the Health Council advises the Cabinet. The advice states for which target groups the vaccine is suitable.
Corona news facts
A few more corona news facts in a row:
- Symptoms of COVID-19 virus are very similar to the flu (cough, shortness of breath and fever).
- If you suspect the virus, stay home as much as possible. Get tested and avoid contact with others.
- Virus can be transmitted from person to person.
- Most people who are infected have mild (flu-like) symptoms.
- People have died from the COVID-19 virus. They were mostly older people or vulnerable people. Particularly people with heart disease, lung disease or with diabetes.
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