Don’t panic… instead, take precautions to avoid contracting the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Human coronavirus is the most heard word in the world recently due to its outbreak which was recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The human coronavirus is generally thought to cause the common cold in otherwise healthy people. However, on the 21stSt The two highly pathogenic human coronaviruses of the 20th century, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), originated from animals traded for food and are believed to be reservoirs of global epidemics. to cause. high morbidity and mortality. Due to the recent outbreak in China, human coronaviruses have received increased attention.
In December 2019, cases of pneumonia of unknown cause with clinical manifestations similar to viral pneumonia appeared in Wuhan, China. After proper analysis of lower respiratory tract samples, which is indicative of a new coronavirus, it has been named “2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-nCoV).
Method of distribution:
The initial spread is believed to be animal-to-human, as the first infected individuals identified were seafood market workers. However, with the 2019 novel coronavirus later spreading to multiple individuals, human-to-human transmission was similar to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. It is believed to have occurred mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms reported are:
- Warmth
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- suffocation
- Headache
- Coughing up blood, chest pain
- Sometimes diarrhea
Severe infection can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and death.
How is the diagnosis made?
Any person who performs Epidemiological and clinical criteria should be tested for 2019-nCoV.
Epidemiological criteria. Anyone with a history of travel to Wuhan, China within 14 days of illness onset. OR: Any person who has been in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of the 2019 novel coronavirus within 14 days before the onset of illness.
Clinical criteria. Any person with clinical symptoms compatible with severe acute respiratory infection who seeks medical care or is admitted to hospital with clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia. OR: Anyone with a fever or recent fever (>=38°C) and an acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of a respiratory infection with one or more of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, cough or sore throat)
Diagnosis is made through laboratory testing of breath samples and serum (blood). T:he specific test is currently recommended by the WHO for the diagnosis and confirmation of 2019-nCoV performed by real-time RT-PCR.
Treatment.
Currently, there is no specific treatment recommended for the respiratory disease caused by the “2019 novel coronavirus”. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed, which helps to eliminate symptoms. In severe cases, it is necessary to support the work of vital organs.
How can you protect yourself?
- It is a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you come home from being outside.
- You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose repeatedly.
- It is advisable to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms.
- When sick, it is recommended to stay at home so as not to spread germs to others.
- It is necessary to clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
- Avoid huge gatherings and crowded places.
- People with other chronic medical conditions, the elderly, infants and children need special protection and care
- Pregnant women should also take extra precautions to avoid contracting the coronavirus
Avoiding contact with the virus is the best way to prevent it.
Currently, there is no vaccine against the new 2019 coronavirus. Trails run in the same direction.
Links:
https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus#1
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
– Dr. Y. Alekhya.