What Does COVID-19 Stand For? ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold. Why
Are The Elderly An At-risk Group In The Coronavirus Disease Pandemic? Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions. Which groups are at highest risk for
Can I Fly To Thailand From Hong Kong? As a Hong Kong citizen, do I need a visa to travel to Thailand? Based on the visa requirements for Hongkongers citizens, you are free to visit Thailand without a visa. However, as a consequence of the coronavirus, the Government of Thailand is now requesting all travelers
Can COVID-19 Cause Other Neurological Disorders? In some people, response to the coronavirus has been shown to increase the risk of stroke, dementia, muscle and nerve damage, encephalitis, and vascular disorders. Some researchers think the unbalanced immune system caused by reacting to the coronavirus may lead to autoimmune diseases, but it’s too early to tell.
Am I At Risk If I Go To A Funeral For Someone Who Died Of COVID-19? There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19. Anyone who is sick should stay home. These actions help prevent
Do Viruses Evolve To Be Less Lethal? There are historic examples of viruses which gradually became less dangerous over time, such as the H1N1 influenza viruses responsible for the 1918 “Spanish flu” and 2009 “swine flu” pandemics, and the myxoma virus that causes myxomatosis in rabbits. What role do viruses play in evolution? Viruses hijack
Do Viruses Contain Cell? Nor do viruses have cells: they’re very small, much smaller than the cells of living things, and are basically just packages of nucleic acid and protein. Still, viruses have some important features in common with cell-based life. Do viruses have a cell wall or cell membrane? Viruses are acellular, meaning they
How Long Have Coronaviruses Existed? The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all coronaviruses is estimated to have existed as recently as 8000 BCE, although some models place the common ancestor as far back as 55 million years or more, implying long term coevolution with bat and avian species. How long does COVID-19 remain in
Can Children Be Infected With COVID-19? Children and adolescents can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, can get sick with COVID-19, and can spread the virus to others. What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19? Children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and can get sick with COVID-19. Most children
Who Needs A Visa To Travel To Japan? All nationalities who are not visa-exempt need a visa to enter Japan. Citizens of certain countries can enter with Temporary Visitor status for limited periods of time (15 to 90 consecutive days) for tourism or business purposes. Visitors receive a stamp in their passport which is a