By the end of 2019, in December, a rapidly epidemic story that shook the entire China. The disease originated in China’s Wuhan city. It rapidly reported the increasing death rate and number of people infected by this newcomer, coronavirus.
Scientists labeled it as 2019-nCoV. As per recent daily reports, this virus has spread over several neighbouring nations of China through international traveling. A document from the New York Times, concerning coronavirus shows that over 1,300 cases confirmed the disease and several hundreds died in China.
Fortunately, public health officials in many countries, including the US, have put measures in place to help prevent further spread of the virus. These measures include health screenings at major airports in the US for people traveling from Wuhan. In China, travel restrictions are in effect.
With information changing so quickly and every news report about the virus seeming to raise the stakes, you may be wondering how worried you should be. Currently, there are 126,000 confirmed cases and 4623 reported deaths all around the world due to Coronavirus outbreak. You can track live status of Coronavirus here >> https://infographics.channelnewsasia.com/covid-19/map.html
Here’s a primer on what we should do in this crisis situation— and don’t — know about this coronavirus and what it may mean for you. While there is much we don’t yet understand about the virus yet, public health officials, medical experts, and scientists are working in collaboration to learn more and many cases are being treated as well.
Coronavirus is a common virus occurring from extreme cold or chilled atmosphere. It causes infection of upper respiratory organs. These viruses are also dubbed as zoonoses. That means they can affect certain animals, causing it to spread to other animals.
Humans have high risks of catching potential infections from coronavirus, especially if certain genetic mutations occur in this virus.
In December 2019, health authorities of China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) of filing a wide number of cases confirming viral pneumonia. It has been observed that many infected people had connections with the seafood and animal dealers of Wuhan market, in eastern China. However, the test report says that this disease is highly communicable and can easily transmit from one individual to another.
Here are the possible symptoms of coronavirus, which you should never ignore: sudden frequent cough, followed by fever and breathlessness. Added to that, the symptoms reported due to respiratory infection include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Depending upon the body resistance, many individuals successfully win over this disease within a few days. But, some fail to overcome it, especially the older adults, resulting in the severe breakdown of their immune system.
As a result, the latter discussed people face the fatal consequences of coronavirus like severe pneumonia or bronchitis.
How can it be treated?
Scientists and researchers are still working hard on this issue to well understand the nature of coronavirus. As already discussed, the complete genome of this virus is shared over the global database by the Chinese health authorities for awareness.
Sadly till date, no antivirus potion is available to beat coronavirus. So, doctors are providing supportive care to the infected patients. For the highly infected ones, specialized treatment via (ICU) is lifesaving.
Well, there is nothing to worry about catching this virus, unless you come in contact with it. That is, you should stay away from the corona infected victims, especially one traveling internationally from Wuhan, China. Then you are at the safer side.
One such example is the recent case of the United States where two Corona victims cases have been shortly reported. However, the number may increase or decrease in the near future.
Though none of us are it generally spreads through closer communication, via droplet while sneezing or coughing. These discharges contain larger droplet particles, which remain suspended in air for around 3 to 6 minutes before settling down.
Contrast to the above disease, varicella (chickenpox) or measles can transmit via smaller droplets discharge. Also, certain coronaviruses have been noticed in the waste materials of some infected people.
So, always make sure to carry a handkerchief with yourself and keep away sneezes or coughs of the person in front of you. Plus, make a habit of washing your hands frequently. Carrying a hand sanitizer while traveling is also a safety guideline for the busy bees.
On the other hand, it is yet unsure to confirm if there is any other possible route of catching coronavirus infection. For example, it is too soon to confirm whether or not the fecal-oral is also responsible for the transmission of this virus.
Avoid touching yourself with unclean hands on face, nose, and mouth especially. In case you are sick, try skipping your school or work as the case may be. Keep a safe distance from people who have the possible symptoms of coronavirus.
In the United States, the risk rate of catching coronavirus infection is extremely low. Rather, last year, they had higher risks of getting influenza B, a type of flu, not virus. However, getting a flu and overcoming it is not a matter of less concern. If you get affected by flu even after the necessary vaccination, then it means you have developed some serious health issues, which is often fatal.
Bottomline
Given the recent epidemic reports of coronavirus, the speed and trouble including the death rate will continue to rise in the long run. But, we should never freak out even while dealing with the disease and novel pathogen, for it may only worsen the situation.
Public health authorities are coming up forward to assist the help seekers. Lessons and safety tips from the other related viruses, namely MERS, SARS, etc. may also guide you with added ideas.
With the availability of further information concerning coronavirus and its issues, public health bodies like (CDC) Centers for Disease Control in United States and (WHO) World Health Organization will probably share the key solutions and protective strategies through global consideration.
