What You Need To Know About Coronavirus And Its Prevention

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS

Coronaviruses (CoV): They are viral infections from a large family of viruses that cause sickness consisting of the common cold virus to other more chronic infectious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) being new has not been previously identified in humans. 

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and people.  Elaborated investigations found out that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Many known corona diseases are spreading in animals that have not yet infected humans.

SIGNS OF INFECTION OF CORONAVIRUS

Usual signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, breath shortness and difficulties in breathing. In more chronic cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even lead to death.

PREVENTION OF CORONAVIRUS

- Standard recommendations to avoid infection spread include regular washing of hands, covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking of meats and eggs. Avoid close contact with anybody showing symptoms of respiratory illness like coughing and sneezing.

                       

- Recently, China has developed a testing kit for Coronavirus and will have it distributed nationwide. It can accurately and perfectly detect the presence of coronavirus on any suspect who has fever within 2-3hours. Affected countries are implored to get the testing kit to limit the spread of this deadly virus.

- The new coronavirus can’t stand high-temperature environments. Coronavirus will die in 56’C environment for 30mins. Utensils should be sterilised /disinfected regularly or boiled in 100’C water to totally destroy all viruses. - eat cooked foods; don’t eat raw foods for the time being.

- New coronavirus is easily eradicated by medical grade alcohol. 75% alcohol or Chlorine disinfectant can effectively eliminate the coronavirus. (Tip: Always go with alcohol in your bag to regularly disinfect your hands especially while outdoors; use alcohol always to sanitize doorknobs in your home regularly if someone develops flu-like symptoms; keep those who get sick inside their bedroom or bring to a medical doctor immediately).

- According to a Professor’s advice in his research: This winter, those with heating system in the home should keep the indoor temperature above 20’C. Don’t worry about wastage of electricity. Coronavirus can’t live long in a warm environment. Therefore all households should endeavor to keep the house heating and ventilation system on during this critical period.

Coronavirus treatment is still being non-uniformly ascertained by researchers.