A newly identified respiratory illness known coronavirus broke out in China a few days back. And currently, it seems to be spreading around through people who are travelling from Wuhan. Read on to learn about Coronavirus and how can you prevent it?
The recent coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China is seemingly instilling a sense of fear among the Chinese and the residents of the surrounding countries. And people can be seen trying to save themselves by using FFP3 face mask whenever stepping out.
With its quick outreach to the other parts of the world, coronavirus has so far killed more than 17 people and is causing illness in more than 600 people.
Keeping the severity of the situation in mind, the government of China has restricted the travel and has even cancelled several events around the lunar New Year holiday. With this virus clenching several people in its deadly claws, it is important to find out what this virus is about and how you can save yourself from it. Let’s find out here.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an umbrella word for a group of viruses that cause illnesses, ranging from a common cold to severe respiratory diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS).
What is known about Coronavirus?
According to what experts have recently recorded, the gene sequence of this virus was initially discovered back in the 1960s. The name, coronavirus, is derived from a halo-like shape or the crown. This kind of infections is not extremely lethal. Sometimes, in particular, they may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders.
However, coronaviruses that have RNA viruses could be genetically diverse and adaptable. This simply means that they can easily spread from one infected species to a healthy person.
Symptoms of Coronavirus:
Basically, the symptoms of a majority of coronaviruses are similar to a common upper respiratory infection, like:
● Coughing
● Runny nose
● Headache
● Sore throat
● Fatigue
● Shortness of breath
● Fever (in some cases)
How does this virus Spread?
Coronavirus is a contagious infection and can be transmitted from one infected person to a healthy one through various methods, like:
● Personal contact, including a handshake, touch, etc.
● Touching any object or surface that has a virus on it
● Through sneezing or coughing by an infected person, if disposable masks have not been worked
How can you protect yourself from Coronavirus?
Currently, there are no substantial vaccines available that can help protect you against this human infection. However, there are certain quick remedies that you can implement to decrease the risk of acquiring this infection. Jotted down below are some of the steps that you must adopt in case you are residing in an area that could be prone to this infection.
● Wash your hands often in a day with soap and water for a minimum 20 seconds; especially after meeting somebody who is sick
● Don’t avoid the early signs of coronavirus
● Avoid touching nose, eyes, or mouth with your unwashed hands
● Avoid coming in close contact with people who have an infection
How Can You Protect others?
If you have any cold-like symptoms, you can take some steps to help others as well, such as:
● Be at home if you are sick
● Avoid touching other people
● Avoid smoking or visiting such areas that have smoke
● Cover your nose and mouth with a full face respirator whenever you sneeze or cough and wash your hands afterwards
● Drink a lot of water and fluids
● Disinfect and clean the surfaces and objects of your home
● Install a clean humidifier into your room
What could be the repercussions of Coronavirus?
In case of mild symptoms, you can get treated by having ordinary flu medicines (only after getting tested and prescribed by a doctor). But, in severe cases, this infection can lead to pneumonia, an infection inflaming the air sacs in the lungs and filling them with pus or fluid, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and more deadly problems.
What is being done to avert the outbreak of Coronavirus?
Across the world, and especially in China, airports are introducing fever checks for passengers who are coming from China. In case the outbreak is declared an international public health emergency, there could be limitations for international travel, specialized treatment centers and quarantine areas will be set up, and there will always be sterner border checks.
As usual, it is advised to have good hygiene and stay precautious. It is not just about touching and coming in contact with humans, but you should also avoid being in the closer vicinity of livestock or wild animals, be it alive or dead, for a while.
Final words:
Keeping the current situation in mind, it seems that the virus is expected to spread extensively in the coming days. And, there are chances of coronavirus spreading across countries in case the Chinese security checkpoints at the China airports fail to detect the symptoms in those who are travelling from Wuhan to other countries.
So, if you feel flu-like symptoms or don't feel good lately, in general, it is better to seek medical help at the earliest.
