Coronavirus; everything you need to know about

What is coronavirus?

A new Chinese virus has been discovered called the coronaviruse. It originates from Wuhan city in the Hubei province. A coronavirus has now spread to Japan, Thailand and even the US. Corona viruses cause respiratory infections which are mild but rare and sometimes lethal too. This usually causes mild to moderate upper respiratory infection like common cold, but they also cause some sever illness like bronchitis and pneumonia. There are no vaccines or medicine. The virus is named after its shape which takes the form of crown with protrusions around it.

How are coronavirus infections spread?

1. Through air by coughing and sneezing.
2. Close personal contact, such as touching, shaking hands.
3. Touching an object or surface with virus on it and then after touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

Who are at risk of coronavirus infection?

Anyone can get a coronavirus infection, but children and old aged are more likely to get the infection especially during winter.

Symptoms of coronavirus:

Runny nose

Headache

Cough

Sore throat

Fever

Some infection may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia, and in those case symptoms such as

• Fever which may be quite high
• Cough with mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Kidney failure
• And even death
• Chest pain and tightness when you breathe with cough. Sever infection are more seen in people with heart or lung diseases.
• Also people with weaken immunity lie infant, children and older adults are prone to.
• 

Diagnosis:

1. By taking your medical history include your symptoms.
2. Physical examination
3. Blood test
4. By doing lab test of sputum, a sample from a throat swab, or respiratory specimens.

Treatment:

• Taking symptomatic medicines for pain, fever, and cough.
• Hot water gargle to ease a sore throat and cough
• Drinking plenty of liquids
• Taking complete rest

Prevention:

“Prevention is better than cure”, especially in this case because right now there is no particular treatment is available for coronavirus infection, but you may able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection by following these simple steps like

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds
• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cleaning and disinfect your surface and surrounding
• Cover your face and nose while coughing and sneezing
• Prefer to stay at home while sick.

This disease is emergency in China, but it has not yet become a global health emergency like swine flu in 2009, Ebola in 2014 and 2019, and Zika virus in 2016.

It is always better to fight these kind of viral infections by increased your immunity naturally. You can adopt healthy life- style, always maintain your blood haemoglobin level, and follow a good hygienic regimen in your food pattern and life-style.

Stay fit stays healthy.