What is Corona Virus?
Novel Coronavirus (2019 -nCoV) is a new virus that was first discovered among a group of people with pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei province of China.
How does the virus spread?
The virus primarily spreads through the respiratory route. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is dispersed as small particles in the air and is transmitted to another person in close proximity.
What are the symptoms of Corona Virus?
The common symptoms include :
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- High Fever
- Feeling tired
- Shortness of breath
What is the treatment?
Currently there is no definitive treatment for Corona Virus. Scientists all over the world are trying to develop medicine and vaccine against coronavirus. The treatment available now is targeted towards managing the symptoms.
How can I protect myself ?
- Stay indoors if you are feeling unwell except if you have fever, cough, and shortness of breath for which you must seek medical care.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough and sneeze into your flexed elbow. Discard the tissue immediately into a closed trash can and wash hands.
- Wash hands with soap and running water. You may carry a hand sanitizer for frequent hand hygiene when you do not have access to soap and water.
- Wash hands after caring for the sick, before, during and after preparing food, before eating food, after toilet use, and after handling animals or animal waste.
- Be careful when you visit airports, use public transport or visit busy public places about touching surfaces and then touching your face.
- Avoid shaking hands and any physical contact with another person whom you suspect to have the infection.
- Thoroughly cook meat and eggs before consuming
- If you experience symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, visit the doctor and let him/her know if you have traveled to China or have been in contact with someone who was in China. This will help your doctor in determining if you have the nCoV or just seasonal flu.
Myths and facts :
1. Old people are commonly affected by the Corona Virus?
People of all ages can be infected but the elderly and those with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, HIV, cancer are more prone to develop severe symptoms.
2. Antibiotics are effective against the new coronavirus?
No, Antibiotics are meant to treat infections caused by bacteria and does not work against the virus. However, antibiotics may be used if you are hospitalized because you may possibly have a bacterial co-infection.
3. Certain oils and miracle foods can cure Corona virus?
No, at present there is no evidence to prove the efficacy of any foods or certain diet that can cure or prevent Corona Virus. Extensive and aggressive clinical trials and are in progress to develop vaccines and medications to treat coronavirus.
Face masks work against Corona Virus
Medical experts and the World health organization say that the effectiveness of a mask at preventing the spread of coronavirus among the general public is inconclusive or limited. However, if you are infected or have symptoms of flu, it is better to put on a mask so that you do not spread the virus to others.