WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?
It’s part of a diverse family of viruses that cause illnesses from colds to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This particular one originated in animals and started at a food market in Wuhan, China. Called COVID-19, it has never been encountered before.
WHY IS COVID-19 A PROBLEM?
It appears to be fairly easily transmitted via droplets, which spread when infected people sneeze, cough or talk. The droplets can either come into direct contact with people, or they can fall onto objects or surfaces and be picked up by people who touch those objects or surfaces. If they then touch their mouth, eyes or nose they can become infected.
Because it is viral, antibiotics don’t work. Antiviral drugs created to treat the flu may alleviate some symptoms but at the time of publication there are no existing drugs that can treat coronavirus. Scientists are working to develop a vaccine.
The coronavirus can lead to life-threatening problems, including pneumonia, severe respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.
WHAT IS A PANDEMIC?
It’s an outbreak of a highly infectious disease that spreads across a number of continents or even worldwide. Pandemics are often caused by new diseases or mutations of existing viruses, such as the avian u (H5N1).
HAVE WE HAD PANDEMICS IN NEW ZEALAND BEFORE?
Yes. The worst one was the 1918 influenza pandemic. An estimated 30-40% of the population contracted the flu virus and 8600 people died – which was almost half the number of Kiwi deaths during World War I. More than half of those killed were young and previously healthy too.
In 2009, the worldwide swine flu (H1N1) pandemic reached our shores, resulting in 3000 cases and 20 deaths.
WHAT HAPPENS IF COVID-19 BECOMES A PANDEMIC AND SPREADS HERE?
Denne historien er fra March 16, 2020-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra March 16, 2020-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK