By now, you would have probably heard about the coronavirus that causes a pneumonia-like illness and which has already claimed nine lives and infected over 440 people in China. First detected in Wuhan City, the virus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31st of last year. And a few days later, Chinese authorities recognised it as a novel coronavirus.
According to reports, the pathogen behind the mysterious illness has been linked to workers at a market selling live fish, birds and animals in Wuhan. A 45-year-old Indian school teacher, Preeti Maheshwari became the first foreigner to have contracted the disease in China.
Coronavirus has now spread to different countries with cases being confirmed in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. The United States too confirmed its first case in Washington.
But what is coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus (CoV) belongs to a large family of viruses that cause illnesses that range from common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
The novel coronavirus (nCoV) that is affecting people at present is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people and could be the point of origin for the outbreak in humans. The SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans.
What are the symptoms of a coronavirus infection?
Common symptoms of those infected with coronavirus include:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficultiesThe infection can also cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death in extreme cases.How does coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus can spread from human contact with animals. As for human-to-human transmission, it happens when you come in contact with the infected person’s secretions. Depending on how strong the virus is, it can be transmitted through a cough, sneeze or even a handshake, reveals the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.Should you be worried?
Well, yes. Since China is a neighbour–and the infection has spread to countries like Thailand and Japan which see a lot of Indian tourists–the chances of the infection plaguing India is a possibility. This is the reason why Indian airports have been doing a thermal screening of all in-bound passengers from China.
How can you protect yourself from a coronavirus infection?
According to the National Health Commission of China, the ways to keep safe from coronavirus include:- Wearing a mask outdoors so that your nose and mouth are both covered. Note: Surgical masks are not recommended as they might cause oxygen deficiency if worn for long periods.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and avoid covering your mouth directly with your hands.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds before eating and after using the toilet, after taking out the trash, or touching animals.
- Exercising regularly is one of the most important ways to keep infections.
- Avoid close contact with people who have flu or cold-like symptoms.
- Eat thoroughly cooked proteins and avoid contact with animals or livestock without protection.
How is a coronavirus treated?
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, reveals the WHO. There is no specific treatment for the disease as well.Prevention is really better than cure when it comes to coronavirus infections. So stay safe and stay healthy. (Healthshots.com)
