Health Science USA

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is found in animals and is transmissible from animals to the human population. They are mostly associated with the common cold, bronchitis, SAR (severe acute respiratory syndrome), pneumonia, and in some cases it can also attack the gastrointestinal system.

A newer strain of coronavirus was recently identified in China in late 2019 and was named as SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 after a massive outbreak in the major towns in China. Coronavirus is amongst the most reported infectious diseases and global efforts are being taken to curb its impact on human health.

However, the virus has not only affected health but is also making it difficult for people to carry on with their normal lives due to all the preventive and safety measures undertaken at all public places and transport stations. Though coronavirus has affected everyone’s international and domestic travel plans, we strongly recommend international students to go ahead with their study abroad plans and consider the following points before canceling the same:

· More than 80 percent of Coronavirus cases are mild and they are being successfully treated in a few days

· Less than 14% are severely infected

· Less than 5% are critically infected eventually contributing towards the total death toll

· People who recover from coronavirus have zero risks of recurrence of infection unless the current virus evolves and they get infected again

· Young, healthy individuals are at the lowest risk as their immunity is stronger than older people and children. Even if they come out as COVID-19 positive, there are far less chances of them becoming critically ill

· Only a few countries show a significant number of confirmed cases and in other countries, many patients are only suspected of Coronavirus

· If you take the necessary preventive steps you are capable of having a safe escape

· COVID-19 may remain only as a seasonal virus in the future. As common to all other coronaviruses, people will build resistance towards this virus in a few seasons and become immune to its infection

· WHO (World Health Organization) and many other health organizations around the world are working out on the proper line of treatment for Coronavirus patients

· Medical & research institutes are already engaged in inventing a suitable drug that will help infected people fight the COVID-19 and also a vaccine that will prevent its further outbreak

· Swine flu (2009) and SARS(2003) were one of those deadly pandemics that affected 1.4 billion and 8098 people respectively but people became immune to them in lesser time than predicted

· Developed countries can deal with such pandemics better than under-developed nations because of their majorly healthy population, superior medical expertise, and facilities, better hygiene, and infrastructure, etc

We suggest international students who are flying abroad for summer programs or full-time programs or planning to visit their home country in holidays, to please check with their respective universities and colleges, consulates, airlines, and travel agents on the latest changes, immigration formalities & regulations related to Coronavirus. Do connect with the appropriate authorities to keep yourself updated and informed on the newest Coronavirus preventive measures and what you can do to accomplish your plans without delay, inconvenience and risks.