The Novel Coronavirus has affected more than 110,000 people around the world according to CNN Health and infected many more. It is bringing the world to a standstill through a lot of restrictions on travel, hygiene and food. It has killed almost 4600 people and created panic around the world. It has affected businesses, stock markets and educational institutions. It has forced people to work from home and postpone any events be it conferences or concerts. In India Coronavirus has affected 62 people and counting in various parts of the country including Jaipur, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Lucknow and Chennai.
It is very sad to know and harsh to say that COVID -19 doesn’t have any cure yet. There is a lot of research that has been put in place to identify proper medical care. As of now, around the world they have come up with quarantine wards, screening of international travellers, disinfecting the surrounding places in order to protect and prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus. To treat the novel coronavirus a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir has been used to a couple in India and an Italian origin doctor. It has helped in stabilise the patient’s condition but has not cured it.
There has been a lot of news and fake news that is spreading about coronavirus; with the overload of information and panic that surrounds it is impossible for us to decide on what’s right or wrong. It brings all of us to question what can be done to protect us from this deadly virus.
COVID -19 is a viral infection believed to have originated from a market in Wuhan in January 2020. It spreads from one person to another through cough and cold. The number of reported cases has increased drastically and lead to a lockdown of cities in China. Restriction on travel and building temporary structures of hospitals for treatment in China. The symptoms of Coronavirus mentioned by the World Health Organisation include cough, cold, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In certain and more severe cases it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure and death.
What Is The Difference Between Common Cold And Coronavirus?
The symptoms of Novel Coronavirus are very similar to flu, cold or allergies like cough, cold and body aches. One can check for Coronavirus if they have a history of travel, symptoms aren’t improving, Fever and shortness of breath. If the symptoms like dry cough, fever, sore throat are not getting better, it is time to get you checked. The spread of virus is dependent on the immunity of the person it can be fatal for some and it might not affect the other person. The condition can range from less severe to severe depending upon a person's immunity.
Precautions To Be Taken:
- Eat well-cooked food.
- Wash hands with hand wash or soaps often.
- Don’t keep your hands on mouth, nose or eyes.
- Cover your nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Wear masks in case of cold or other respiratory diseases.
- If you have travelled from affected areas then stay indoors for a period of 14 days
- Seek medical care in case of cold, cough, sore throat, body aches that are not getting any better.
It takes a period of 14 days to identify if a person is affected by COVID-19. Till then they are kept in isolation. It can spread from human-human and it is important to maintain at least 3 feet distance with another person who is sick. With proper hygiene, it can be prevented from spreading from one person to another. Since there are no proper facts and the treatment procedure for the virus being precautious has become the need of the hour. Practice personal hygiene like a ritual to stay away from Coronavirus.
Should You Be Panic About This Novel Coronavirus?
With rising death tolls, plunging stock markets, travel restrictions, the shutdown of schools and offices and without proper facts about the disease it has created panic among people. It is time that people stop being panicked and become precautious.
Can Consuming Meat Increase The Chance Of Being Affected By Coronavirus?
There is no proper scientific research to support the statement “Consuming meat increases the chance of being affected by coronavirus”. Although this virus started spreading from a wild animal market in Wuhan there is no harm in consuming chicken, mutton and other meat in India. Celebrities and Politicians staged a show in Telangana and ate chicken to make people trust that The Novel Coronavirus doesn’t spread through the meat. Eating properly cooked meat can kill the virus and prevent from spreading of the virus.
Can It Spread Through Pets?
There is no proper scientific research to support that statement either.
Can Antibiotics Help In Reducing The Symptoms Of Novel Coronavirus?
Antibiotics are used for bacterial diseases and COVID -19 is caused by a virus. Antibiotics are not helpful in reducing COVID-19.
Does COVID -19 Affect Children More?
The COVID-19 reported cases among children are comparatively lesser than adults. However, there have been cases that are reported among children ranging from mild symptoms like cough, cold, fever and Runny nose and also have been reported with severe symptoms. The number of reported cases above the age of 20 years is higher than the reported cases among children.
- Dr.Neelamekam is a General and Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
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Articles authored by medical specialists reflect the professional opinions and expertise of the respective specialists. The views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author. We do not endorse or take responsibility for any diagnosis, treatment, or advice provided in these articles. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance and treatment.
