Hi, I'm Aaron from Learning More.
Hi, I'm Jim from Learning More.
And today we have some questions about coronavirus.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is exactly what it says.
It's a virus.
Aaron, what is a virus?
A virus is a tiny particle that we can't see with our eyes.
Sadly, they make us very ill.
Though we can't see them with our eyes, we can look at them under a microscope.
Coronavirus looks a little bit like this spiky ball.
This little spikes attach to things in the body.
Like when we have a cold, the little spikes attach to cells in the nose.
So, just like the cold, the coronavirus looks like this ball.
Except it sticks to the lungs, which help us breathe.
So it makes us cough and feel unwell.
Aaron, what happens if you get the coronavirus?
Well, young people and children have an immune system that can fight the coronavirus.
You may feel sick for a week or two, but you'll get back to normal soon.
Sadly, old people and grandparents can get very sick from the virus and may even have to go to hospital.
Oh, now I get it.
That's why we have to stay off school and stay indoors.
Yes, you are correct, Jim.
Coronavirus is very contagious, which means it spreads very easily.
But I'm just not sure how it spreads to other people.
Luckily, I know the answer.
The coronavirus is very sticky.
It can't walk, it can't fly, but it can stick on your hands and stop your hands touch.
Like if we go shopping and touch the trolleys or the door handles?
Exactly!
If somebody with the coronavirus touches one of these objects and then we touch it, it can spread to us.
That's why we have to try and stay indoors and away from others.
But Mum has to go out for shopping.
How can she not get coronavirus?
By being very careful!
Number one.
She only goes out for essential shopping.
Number two.
She wears gloves that you can put in the bin afterwards.
Number three.
She doesn't touch her nose, mouth or face.
Number four.
When she comes back, she washes her hands with hot water and soap.
Ah, so that's why Mum was washing her hands for so long.
First she did the palms.
Then the backs.
Then in between her fingers.
Then around her thumbs.
Then around her wrists.
And then under her fingernails.
Excellent hand washing, Aaron!
But remember, when coughing, cough into a tissue.
If you don't have a tissue, use your elbow like this.
Aaron, I've heard of social distancing.
Do you know what it means?
Yes.
Social distancing is putting space between people.
So if someone has the virus, they can't pass it on to other people.
Which means that doctors and nurses can do their job more easily.
This has been very interesting.
But I've got lots more questions.
Save them until another day, GM.
Right now it's time for lunch.
We'd better wash our hands.
Good idea, GM.
