Before you find out all about the Coronavirus: symptoms, causes, find out more about what it is actually! The novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to a family of viruses named for the effect that creates by spike proteins on the shells much like the sun’s atmosphere also known as the corona (Latin for crown) that appears at the time of a total solar eclipse.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states are seven kinds of Coronavirus that can infect people. The Covid-19 variety is one of them and it is different from the other infamous virus that made a name for itself for all the wrong reasons, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), both of which managed to create wide-spread panic and killed hundreds.
The Germ of Coronavirus – More Information About the Coronavirus
The first case of Coronaviruses transmission was from animals to humans. Now, there is reportedly Human-to-human transmission of Covid-19.
The outbreak of Covid-19 can be traced to the Huanan Seafood Market in the Chinese city of Wuhan where there was rampant selling of wildlife. This market sold everything right from ostriches to porcupines.
China took the initiative and announced a widespread ban in markets, restaurants, supermarkets, and other e-commerce platforms.
What Are the Symptoms of the Coronavirus?
The virus can reportedly cause pneumonia. The other Coronavirus symptoms and causes are,
- Coughs
- Fever and breathing difficulties
In extreme cases, there have been instances of organ failure. This is viral pneumonia and hence antibiotics cannot treat this condition, even the antiviral drugs won’t be effective in treating the virus. In most cases, it is the immune system that needs to be enhanced to combat the virus. Most people who have died were already in poor health conditions. So, what you have already traveled to the affected areas, how can you protect yourself from the virus? Just stay indoors and avoid being near others.
How Many People Have Been Affected?
As of 4 March, the death toll globally has amounted to 3,190 and at least 93,000 people have been infected in as many as 80 countries. In China, the situation is worse has there have been 80,000 affected people and 3000 people have been killed. The death toll in Korea has clocked in 5,328 victims. At least 44,000 people in China have recovered.
Key information about the Coronavirus is the main difference between the Coronavirus and the flu is that there is no vaccine for the new Coronavirus, which means the vulnerable section of the population, read the elderly people are the worst hit, such as the ones suffering from respiratory or immune problems.
It is important to abide by the basic hygiene principles such as hand-washing and avoiding mingling with other people.
Is the Outbreak a Pandemic and Should We Panic?
Not yet, a pandemic is according to WHO is “the worldwide spread of a disease”. The virus has spread outside China which is worrying but it is not an unexpected development. The WHO has declared that the outbreak is internationally a public health emergency. Whether it will spread easily and cause a worldwide pandemic remains to be seen. Generally, the Coronavirus is affecting older people the hardest and in some cases children.
Coronavirus in India – the Current Status
India had its first case of Coronavirus victim on 30 January 2020 in Kerala. The victim had a travel history from Wuhan, China.
Kerala has been the worst hit in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. There have been other people reportedly affected in many cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Patna.
As far as today’s Health ministry update is concerned the number of infected in India stands at 30 now after it affected almost a lakh and killing more than 3,000 worldwide.
Covid-19: How India Has Stands Up To the Challenge of Stopping the Spread of the Virus
The Indian government has stepped up preventive measures to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. The first step undertaken by the government as endorsed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to avoid mass gatherings. The government has also started a control room that is operational 24×7 to answer the queries of a deeply concerned nation. The quarantine and other evacuation measures followed by the Indian government are the prevention methods that have been beefed up. This has been achieved by evacuating at least 366 Indian citizens on 31st January 2020 from Wuhan in a special Air India flight. The passengers were quarantined for 14 days. Visas for foreign nationals traveling from the affected countries have also been promptly canceled apart from diplomats, officials of various international bodies, aircrew, and OCI cardholders; however, everyone has to undergo medical screenings to stem the outbreak.
Stay Calm and Follow the Guidelines
If you begin to feel unwell, stay put at home even if you suffer from mild symptoms such as headache or a slight runny nose, until you recover. Avoiding coming in direct contact with others will help medical facilities to function more effectively and help protect you and the others from getting affected by the COVID-19 and other viruses.
It is extremely important to take stock of your health and visit your doctor if you develop fever, cough and experience difficulty in breathing, prompt medical attention will help avoid a respiratory infection or other serious condition. You also have to tell your doctor all about your recent travels or contact with travelers. It will help your doctor treat you better and find the right health facility, such as a Multispecialty hospital in Hyderabad or other cities in India for you. This will also help to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Behave like a responsible citizen and avoid venturing out in public places if you feel sick and suffer from any flu-like symptoms.
