LISTENING COMPREHENSION
MP3 LINK----->https://acupofenglish.libsyn.com/coronavirus
The news is full, these days, of reports about the
Coronavirus, now called COVID-19. There is a sense of panic in the reports, as
we hear about more and more people getting infected. But what is it, and what
are the risks? Well, apparently, there are many coronaviruses which are similar
to the cold or flu viruses. Most people in the United States, for example, will
have had a coronavirus at one time in their lives. These viruses are spread
from person to person by inhaling droplets that someone has coughed or sneezed,
or by touching a doorknob or a tap that an infected person has touched. Once
the germs have been touched, they can enter the body if that person rubs his
eyes, or touches his mouth or nose. The symptoms you get from COVID-19 affect
your upper respiratory area: your nose and throat, and usually the infected
person will have a fever. As with other viruses, rest, lots of fluids, and
anti-viral medications which can shorten the duration of the virus, are all
recommended. The best way, of course, to prevent viral symptoms is to get the
vaccine if it is available. The flu is a good example of this. However, at the
moment, as far as COVID-19 is concerned, there is not yet a vaccine. So what
has become an epidemic in China, is beginning to look like a pandemic, which means
that it has spread to other countries and other continents. The fatalities have
occurred when the virus infects the lungs in particular, causing pneumonia. The
elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to get the worst
symptoms. So, for those of us who are wondering what we should do to stay
protected, basic anti-virus hygiene is recommended.
This is mainly:
1. Stay away from sick people, or those who have recently
travelled to areas of infection.
2. Wash your hands often during the day with soap and plenty
of water.
3. If you are around a lot of people, feel free to wear a
face mask to cover your nose and mouth, to protect yourself.
Of course, if you have a cold or flu virus, stay at home, and
that way you will reduce the risk of spreading that particular virus to others.
There are some encouraging statistics about COVID-19 believe it or not: out of
the more than 60,000 reported cases, 84% are only mild conditions, and of the
7,300 who now no longer have it, 81% made a full recovery and were
discharged.
So, let's protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our
community by being careful, hygienic, and proactive.
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