Written By Introduction
The coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As scientists work tirelessly to develop a vaccine, we continue to face numerous threats from this deadly virus. From overwhelming healthcare systems to disrupting economies, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our daily lives. In this blog post, we’ll explore five of the most significant threats posed by the coronavirus and what steps we can take as individuals and communities to protect ourselves against them. So let’s dive in!
The Five Threats
1. The Five Threats
The coronavirus poses five primary threats to global health and security:
1) The virus is highly contagious and potentially deadly. It has caused outbreaks in countries around the world, including China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea. As of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 90,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with over 3,000 fatalities. The true number of cases is likely much higher, as many people who are infected do not show symptoms and can therefore spread the virus to others without realizing it.
2) There is no vaccine or treatment for the coronavirus. This means that once someone is infected, there is nothing that can be done to prevent them from developing serious illness or passing away. Currently, the only way to protect oneself from the virus is to avoid contact with people who are sick and to practice good hygiene habits such as washing one’s hands frequently.
3) The virus is having a severe impact on global economies. Due to travel restrictions and widespread panic, businesses are struggling and many countries are facing economic recession. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that the global economy will contract by 3% in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This would be the first time the global economy has shrunk since the Great Recession of 2008-2009.
4) The virus is straining healthcare systems around the world. Hospitals in China have
People at Risk
There are several groups of people who are at an increased risk for developing more serious complications if they contract the coronavirus. These groups include:
-older adults
-people with underlying health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease
-pregnant women
-children under the age of 5
Older adults and people with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the coronavirus because their immune systems are weaker. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk for complications from the virus. And while children under the age of 5 are less likely to develop severe illness, they can still spread the virus to others.
How to Protect Yourself
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the coronavirus:
-Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
-Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
-Stay away from close contact with people who are sick.
-Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
-If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
