Coronavirus and Pets

April 23 2020

At the moment, there’s little-to-no risk of pets transmitting the coronavirus to their human owners, with no specific evidence suggesting this type of transmission has ever happened. In Algeria, there has not been a single case of a pet diagnosed with the coronavirus, according to the veterinarians community.

This article is dedicated to answer your most asked questions that concern animals and the Coronavirus.

Are there coronaviruses in animals?

Coronaviruses are common in several species of domestic and wild animals: cattle, horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, camels, bats, and others. a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Also a cat in Belgium had traces of the virus’s genome in its stool and vomit.

Did this coronavirus spread from animals to humans?

To be perfectly clear: There is no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to people.

Although not common, coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. Bats can be reservoir hosts for viruses which can cross species barriers to infect humans, other domestic and wild mammals.

Scientists think this coronavirus may have started with a “spillover event” from horseshoe bats in China that could have spread to other animals, which were then eaten by people , but it’s not confirmed yet !

Health officials are working to identify the animal source of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, now known officially as COVID-19 or CoronaVirus Disease. Investigations are ongoing.

COVID-19 virus and pets?

There is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading this human disease! Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against pets which may compromise welfare.

Laboratory studies suggest that, of the animal species investigated so far, cats are the most susceptible species for COVID-19. In the laboratory setting cats were able to transmit infection to other cats, also ferrets were able to transmit infection to other ferrets.

Dogs appear to be susceptible to infection but appear to be less affected than ferrets or cats.

Can the virus live on fur?

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2 can live on plastics for 72 hours, on stainless steel for 48 hours, on cardboard for 24 hours and on copper for 4 hours.

The AVMA says it is unlikely the virus can live on an animal’s fur, but there is not enough research to say that certainty.

In its emailed statement, the AVMA spokes person writes that smooth, non-porous surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs transmit viruses better than porous materials . Because your pet’s hair is porous and also fibrous, it is very unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 by petting or playing with your pet. However, it is always a good idea to practice good hygiene around animals, including washing your hands before and after interacting with them.

Can people spread the COVID-19 to animals?

The first case external icon of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States was a female tiger (Nadia) with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. The zoo took a sample from Nadia to be tested for the SARS-CoV-2. The sample was analyzed at the University of Illinois and Cornell University, and the presumptive positive finding confirmed at a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab in Iowa.

Public health officials believe that it became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding the virus. This investigation is ongoing.

Also, apet dog in China contracted an infection from its 60-year-old owner who was first tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 25 and was hospitalized at the time according to the news report.

The centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with human and animal health partners to monitor this situation and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

How to protect your pet if you are sick?

If you are sick or showing symptoms (either suspected or confirmed) and you have to take care of your pet . It is recommended that you limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.

The centers for disease control and prevention recommends avoiding snuggles or touching your pet, and washing your hands thoroughly before and after feeding.

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

Author: Dr Rania Boublal.

COVID-19: My Short Experience with an Evil Virus

April 1 2020

Algeria, coronavirus, COVID, covid-19

I hesitated to write this story, and I chose not to talk about it in the beginning. In this peculiar, stressful environment, I did not want any type of sympathy or support. I did not even want to bother my friends or attract attention to myself. However, I decided to write about my experience. Because what affected me the most, is the fact that I went through this cloudy phase, and I had no resources despite the fact that I read hundreds of articles about what might have happened to me and how things would evolve after that. Through the testimony of two of my friends who lived the same experience, I got the chance to plan and gather my strength to write about a war against a violent, sneaky enemy.

My testimony is not scientific, I am not a doctor. This can not be considered as a curing protocol or even a protective one. It is just the description of two weeks that I lived with the virus COVID-19. It is hard to compare this virus to Influenza because in my case it lasted 14 days.

The first three days were confusing, because of the strong, terrible headache that made me addicted to Ibuprofen. I almost used it to make the pain bearable, but I resisted it. Maybe it was the thing that saved my life. On the fourth day, the pain stopped suddenly. The virus realized that I did not take the Anti-inflammatory pills. And somehow, it decided to deal with me differently. In time of severe fever, I would imagine the virus as a small creature holding a knife and is very hard to catch. I would imagine that is possible for me to crash it, simply crash it, if only I could catch it, and get a hold of it. You can imagine it like a Gremlin, I imagine it like in this picture below.

COVID-19

On the fourth day, the virus decided to settle in my respiratory tracks. I felt the inflammation in my bronchi and I had the impression that my lungs were turning in emptiness. I did not have difficulties breathing and I was coughing a bit. Quickly, it went from a dry cough to a wet cough. I was alternating between antitussives and expectorants. It was here that I realized that the virus was asking for this. For me to chug down syrups that block the process of my immune system. So I stopped all medications starting from the fifth day. I only kept 4 grams of Doliprane and vitamin C. Meanwhile, fever settled down in my body, along with body aches, hallucinations, and fatigue.

On the sixth day, I read that my friend was infected with COVID-19 and that he was doing well. I waited for two days and then I called him hoping that he would be a great help for me. Yes, I was on social media. It distracted me a bit and it allowed me to follow up with the dumb debate on the Chloroquine. Dumb because non-experts reached the point of insulting others because of their inability to provide scientific evidence. It was at this moment that I started considering hospitalization. Even though I was not healing, I was breathing well enough, and I did not feel like I was getting worse. I thought it would be better to get informed on the nearest emergency service in case of a quick deterioration of my state and to stay home.

On the sixth day, I felt better. The pressure I used to feel in my chest decreased and I started breathing as if I were in a mountain. I did not know that this damn virus had shut down my senses of smell and taste. I only realized that when I could not smell the cleanser.

At that moment, COVID-19 began its own search for new organs. Looking for signs of diseases or ways to penetrate through me even more. I felt some pain in my joints, my liver, and my lungs, then diarrhea. I could not sleep due to nausea because once one loses their senses to smell and taste things, all is left is their sense of touch. And I can assure you that it brings a disgusting feeling.

On the ninth day, I discovered Vitamin C in the form of a powder, and it was quite effective when it comes to boosting the ability of physical endurance. Nothing changed much until the thirteenth day, because then… then I felt like I had the flu. I was surprised because even though my fever leveled up, I did not feel the pressure anymore, the virus was saying “goodbye”! The virus told me goodbye as he left me with a fever of 38 degrees and non-stop coughing.

I felt much better the day after. My best friends during those painful days, especially those who really took care of me are: Doliprane 1000 with an amount of 4 pills per day, drinking unlimited loads of water, Aloysia and honey, in addition to Vitamin C powder with an amount of 4 grams per day. Also, Ventoline when breathing becomes hard.

The enemies are: fear, pain, and medications ( apart from the ones I previously mentioned and within the amounts I talked about, do not approach any kind of medication even if it was for clearing your nose or to heal your coughing). Too much food is not necessary. My advice is; if you are a smoker, have a chronic disease, or have a weak immune system, go to the hospital. However, make sure not to transfer the virus to other people, especially the medical staff, pay attention to the preventive measures.

My crucial advice; do not leave the house. And if you absolutely have to, use the medical mask and glasses in order to avoid any spitting and face touching. Wash your hands once you get home. Be organized rather than being obsessed with this whole situation, and do not overthink about the virus.

Ahh, I forgot to mention one thing. Keep a healthy diet, you can live without bread and sugar. It won’t be the end of the world.

As for smokers and sugarholics, this is the perfect opportunity to reduce your consumption or to quit. I’d like to thank the doctors and everyone who stood by me and offered me support and advice during my distress. I wish a great recovery to those who are still sick and suffering. You’ll get through this.

Author: Akram Kharief.

Original text: Covid-19 ma petite expérience contre un méchant virus.

How to Cope with Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

March 22 2020

Algeria, anxiety, coronavirus, pandemic

The recent coronavirus pandemic is changing our lives in a lot of ways. Public gatherings that were normal up until two weeks ago have now been canceled. Social distancing is a necessity and the entire world is enforcing unprecedented lockdowns. General fear and panic outspread is all but expected at this point. So people already dealing with anxiety will be overwhelmed by the threat, and helplessness this pandemic has brought on.

I saw an Instagram post a few days ago that offered simple tips on how to cope with anxiety in this sensitive situation. That prompted me to write the following text in which I gathered a list of helpful pieces of advice given by mental health specialists to deal with stress and anxiety in a more effective way. No two forms of anxiety are alike so to some people, the tips mentioned underneath will not be of much help. However, the purpose of this article above all, is to serve as a reminder that we are not alone. And feeling stressed in these conditions is not only okay but totally normal as well.

Social distancing does not equate social isolation.

This is to say, that just because physical isolation is required, it doesn’t have to mean a total disconnection from your friends and family. This may seem like a logical thing to say, but some people would take social distancing literally. It’s important to reach out and keep in touch with our loved ones, without letting the coronavirus pandemic consume much of the conversation.

Limit News Intake.

Being aware of the spread of the coronavirus and its development is different from obsessing over it. Consuming endless amounts of news about the virus, and constantly seeking new information every second will only heighten your anxiety, rather than make you actively aware of the statistics. Allow yourself time during the day to check the news. Make sure it is from trusted sources like WHO and sante.gov.dz and not unreliable Facebook posts, but do not overdo it.

**Focus on what you can control.**

One of the reasons why anxiety levels would be so high right now is helplessness and lack of control. Not knowing the outcome of this virus is enough to cause stress. But whether we like it or not, this pandemic is not within our control. However, there are things we can do in response that are completely doable and up to us. For example washing our hands thoroughly, limiting our outings, and listening to the advice of health professionals.

Acknowledge your anxiety.

Many professionals suggest writing down your concerns to face them more effectively. Knowing your emotions, and allowing yourself to feel them is a positive step toward managing your stress better — it will help you in determining the intensity of your feelings and how they are affecting you, to decide what’s next. It’s best to put it in mind that this suggestion will not necessarily work for everyone and that’s fine. The point is to find the most effective solution that helps you.

Argue the opposite.

Instead of worrying about your loved ones catching the disease, or the world collapsing due to coronavirus pandemic, try and remind yourself that there is a chance that things will turn out for the better. The purpose of this is not to suddenly erase your concerns, or willing yourself to blindly trust that everything will end up alright eventually. It’s rather about finding a realistic balance.

This global pandemic is an exceptionally stressful period for everyone. It is undoubtedly even more distressing for people suffering from anxiety. As stated above, because it is necessary to stress the following, these strategies will not work for everybody. We all deal with our anxiety differently and there is no correct way to do it, but hopefully these small tips will guide you toward more effective approaches to handling your mental health better.

coronavirus