CORONAVIRUS
Lately, the globe has been menaced by an outbreak of the Novel coronavirus, also popularly referred to as the Wuhan coronavirus, from China and gradually spreading to other countries. It is suspected to have come from a seafood and meat market in Wuhan, China - hence its name “Wuhan” coronavirus.
Causes
Humans first get a coronavirus from contact with infected animals. Then, it can spread from infected human to uninfected human. Though, the animal that caused Wuhan coronavirus is still officially unknown.
In humans coronaviruses are typically spread via airborne droplets of fluid produced by infected individuals.
Symptoms
Unlike MERS and SARS, the Wuhan coronavirus is usually fairly mild. It can take longer for symptoms to develop. Symptoms may include:
-
A mild cough.
-
Shortness of breath.
-
A runny nose.
-
A sore throat.
-
A headache.
-
A fever.
Treatment
There is no known treatment for it yet. The victims can only be given supportive care and preferably, hospitalization to obtain appropriate care.
Symptoms of a coronavirus usually go away on their own. If symptoms feel worse than a common cold, see your doctor.
Prevention
There are currently no vaccines for coronavirus. Ways of preventing coronavirus include:
-
Cover your mouth or nose anytime you cough or sneeze with tissue and dispose of preferably in the bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
-
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
-
If you show symptoms of a coronavirus (cough, fever, shortness of breath), tell your doctor right away, and fill your doctor in on your recent travel history.
Culled from Staywellworld blog post dated February 12, 2020.
To learn more, click on
https://www.staywellworld.org/post/2020/02/12/coronavirus-the-dreaded-crowned-virus
