Origin of Coronavirus
The origin of the two erstwhile virus attacks such as (SARS-CoV) and (MERS-CoV) was from animal reservoirs and caused world-wide panic owing to what is known as global epidemics, which led to umpteen deaths. In December 2019, there was the rise of another pathogenic HCoV, 2019 novel Coronavirus and it emerged in Wuhan, China leading to wide-spread panic, sickness, and death. Are we on the brink of a global epidemic? Well, there is no reason to press the panic button just yet and if you are suffering from any of the symptoms of Coronavirus it is important to contact the best hospital in Hyderabad and other reputed hospitals to get yourself treated as soon as possible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Coronavirus as a global health emergency and it has killed over 300 people in China following an outbreak in the central city of Wuhan, China.
India has reportedly found her first novel Coronavirus victim in Kerala. The Chinese government has taken steps to put the city of Wuhan on quarantine as this city is the seat of this deadly virus.
What is Coronavirus?
It is a family of viruses that have been instrumental in causing a number of illnesses right from the common cold to more severe forms such as SARS and MERS which are considered chronic in some cases. The virus is so named because of the Coronavirus structure which is actually in the shape of a crown with protrusions around it.
The Causes of the Spread of the Coronavirus
The recent outbreak of the virus has largely started in the market for illegal wildlife in the city of Wuhan in China. The health authorities of China and the WHO are delving deep to find out the reasons for its spread and the impact. The death toll has risen to 132 till now. The trouble with this type of virus outbreak or Coronavirus transmission is that it is a new strain and there are no key vaccines to treat it. However, the treatment procedure is largely symptomatic in nature and it is carried out according to the patient’s health condition.
We still do not know how the coronaviruses usually spread; it may spread via droplets containing large particles that are suspended in the air for at least three to six feet before it starts dissipating. On the other hand measles or chickenpox spread via smaller droplets over longer distances. Some coronaviruses can also be found in the feces of certain individuals.
Common Symptoms of Coronavirus
There are no specific symptoms of the Coronavirus. Most of the symptoms overlap with symptoms of other upper respiratory infections. In the initial stages, there is no real difference between the Coronavirus and the rhinovirus. Symptoms include the following,
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Fever ( sometimes)
Diagnosing Coronavirus
If you are suffering from the above symptoms, the first thing to do is get yourself checked by a trusted doctor at a trusted clinic. Lab tests are conducted at hospitals and clinics, including nose and throat cultures also blood tests, to find out whether your symptoms are because of a Coronavirus. The test results do not change the way you treat your symptoms. Problems arise when there are persistent symptoms and the infection reaches the lower respiratory tract that includes your windpipe and lungs. People with weakened immune systems, heart disease or the elderly can even end up with Pneumonia.
Steps to Protect You from the Coronavirus
As we have already mentioned there is no vaccine for Coronavirus. To help prevent an attack of the Coronavirus infection you can follow the same old steps that you would follow to protect yourself from a common cold:
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash your hands with the help of soap and warm water.
- Keep your hands and fingers away from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Maintain a safe distance from infected people.
First Line of Treatment Options
The line of treatment of the Coronavirus is the same as that of other common viruses. Follow the following key steps to stop the symptoms from getting worse.
- Take ample rest.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots and lots of water and other juices and fluids.
- Take OTP medications for a sore throat and fever. Avoid giving aspirin to children younger than 19. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for treating fever or pain.
- Treat your sore throat or scratchy throat with a humidifier.
- For patients who are seriously ill, specialized and aggressive care is provided in an intensive care unit (ICU) and can literally save a life.
Can a Mask Protect You from the Coronavirus?
Most people you see today are doing their best to protect themselves from the Coronavirus and one way of protecting yourself from the virus is using face masks. There is some information that the face mask acts as a primary shield and stops transmitting the virus from your hands to your mouth as wearing a mask will make you more conscious of not touching your mouth with your hands. It can also protect your mouth from infected droplets coming your way from people who are infected, in the form of sneezes and coughs.
However, the doctors are wary of wearing masks as it may make people believe that they are protected from the virus. But there are reasons that the mask may not give you complete protection. Most masks are not the perfect fit as it does not fit perfectly around your nose and mouth.
Should you worry about catching the virus?
The only way you can get the virus is if you come in close proximity with someone who is already infected with the Coronavirus. It can mean coming into direct contact with an infected person traveling from Wuhan, China.
However, be mindful of persistent symptoms and if they refuse to go, contact a health care practitioner to report your symptoms and get yourself treated as soon as possible.
How Long Does Coronavirus last?
While there are some doctors who have made predictions and outbreaks of similar coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) it is difficult to predict exactly how long the virus will last.
Stay safe and follow the basic rules to protect yourself from this virus outbreak. If you experience persistent symptoms, just contact your health care practitioner or a reputed hospital to rule out any chances of getting infected by the Coronavirus.
To know the complete information about Coronavirus click here: https://www.srisriholistichospitals.com/complete-information-about-coronavirus/
