All That You Need To Know About Coronavirus Disease

The rapidly spreading infection of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) across the world is causing a lot of havoc and making news these days. Even though the majority of cases are in China, the virus, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms, is spreading fast outside the country and worldwide too. So, if you are wondering what exactly is this Coronavirus disease, what its symptoms are, how it is spreading, and how you should protect yourself from it, think no further. Keep reading to learn all about it.

How Worried Should We Be About Coronavirus?

Since the viral infection is affecting the health badly of the infected individuals and spreading from human to human, everybody is scared of coronavirus. ‘Prevention is Better Than Cure’ is the key to tackle this deadly disease. Medical advisors and specialist doctors across the globe are taking care of minimizing the spread of coronavirus to prevent it from affecting more people globally. The virus has pandemic potential. The jump in the number of daily confirmed cases internationally has raised fears that the outbreak could spread rapidly, as it is an infectious disease that is capable of spreading easily from person to person in many parts of the world. The spread is the decisive point of the potentially-spreading virus.

Countries around the world are ramping measures to battle the virus. Some governments have halted flights from virus hit nations and lockdown towns. Several people worldwide are trying to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. So, take the right precautions and do not worry and do not panic.

What is Coronavirus and How Does It Spread?

Coronaviruses are known to be a large group of viruses that are common among the animals. In rare cases, they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The spikes protruding from the surface of coronavirus resemble the sun’s corona, so it derives the name coronavirus. It is an illness of the respiratory tract which has discomforting symptoms, ranging from the common cold to severe condition. It is a respiratory condition that spreads through the droplets of cough or cold of the infected individual to the other people.

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease:

Coronavirus can make people sick with mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses similar to the common cold. Some of the symptoms of coronavirus disease are:

• A general feeling of not being well
• A runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Cough
• Fever

In case, someone is suffering from a lower respiratory tract illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, they may seek professional healthcare and assistance immediately.

Who is More Likely to Be a Victim of Coronavirus?

People with a weakened immune system, having cardiopulmonary disease, infants, and elderly adults are more likely to get affected by a coronavirus.

How Do You Catch Coronavirus?

Coronavirus spreads from respiratory illness and is transmitted from humans to humans through respiratory tract infection. People can also catch the dreadful infection if they breathe in droplets of the infected person when he/she coughs out or exhales.

Is There a Vaccine for Coronavirus?

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, and, also, there is no vaccine to prevent it.

How Contagious Is Coronavirus Disease?

Coronavirus is a highly contagious disease. Coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth by an infected individual can spread the virus. Touching the hands of the infected person or those having the virus can spread the infection from one person to another. Coming in contact with an object that has the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth can make you vulnerable to the infection.

What Are The Precautions To Keep Coronavirus At Bay?

Here are some basic precautions for you to follow to prevent the infection of coronavirus.

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Do not touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with unclean hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid public gatherings.

How Do I Protect Myself?

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that you take the usual precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Here are some simple and basic tips for you to safeguard yourself from the infection of coronavirus

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based sanitizer.
2. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
3. Avoid touching your nose, face, and mouth with hands if they aren’t clean.
4. Avoid coming in close contact with an individual who is sick.
5. Clean surfaces you often touch.
6. Stay at home, prefer to work from home, and avoid going to crowded places, social gatherings, and public areas if you are sick.

So, follow the right precautions, do not panic, and stay healthy and happy.

• Written by Dr. Rati Parwani, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah