How to live with the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak?
With the
whole world on a massive panic alert about the recently discovered strain of
Coronavirus COVID-19, you must be on your toes! Read on to know how to live
with the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak.
What we know about the saga
of Coronavirus, so far?
Reports in
late 2019 about an unidentified viral flu were made which was assumed to be
linked with the Coronavirus strain. The viral strain was believed to have
emerged from a seafood market in Wuhan. later on, it was suspected that
the viral outbreak was a result of a failed lab experiment in China, although
there is no evidential proof supporting both reports. so far, it is confirmed
that the strain is not man-made and have originated from nature.
On Jan 7,
scientists identified the pathogen as a new Coronavirus.
Since then,
the virus has managed to reach other countries, both in and outside Asia.
Government authorities described this as an outbreak and the World
Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation to be a public health
emergency.
To date, the
novel Coronavirus strain has caused 78,191 infections in China and 2,918 across
37 other world countries. In China alone, the virus
has claimed 2,718 lives. It also led to one fatality in the
Philippines.
Detailed
investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans
and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans.
How to live
around the epidemic?
You should
know what you are dealing with first.
The nCoV is a
new strain of Coronavirus that has been recently discovered in humans. Earlier,
it was not identified as a viral strain that could infect humans. World health
organization has introduced the Coronavirus as the novel viral strain belonging
to a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common
cold to more severe diseases such as MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome) and SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The mode of transmission
of Coronaviruses is from a primary animal to an intermediate host, which then
finally gets transmitted to humans.
How it
spreads?
Coronavirus
spreads from the carrier animal to the intermediate host. When humans come in
close contact with the infected animals, they contract the virus. Infected
humans are the main source of spreading of virus between humans. When a healthy
person comes in close proximity to the infected one and takes in their liquid
droplets in the form of cough or sneeze, they become infected too.
Though not
completely supported, some theories point out that the virus may accumulate on
a surface or get carried around with dust particles. Touching or coming in
contact with such areas may result in contracting it.
What are the symptoms
that an infected person show?
The symptoms
start appearing after 2- 14 days of exposure. You might be affected if you show
these symptoms:
Some common
signs of infection include respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and
breathing problems. Fever, cough.
When
conditions persist untreated, severe infections can cause Pneumonia, kidney
failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome and in most severe cases- death!
Prevention and treatment:
Prevention is
better than cure. And in this case, there is no cure so far. Hence, the best
possible way to combat this disease is to avoid exposure.
National
Centre for Disease Control has recommended preventive measures against
Coronavirus. These includes:
Follow good
hygiene practice. Thoroughly wash your hands after coming from outside. Wash
properly for at least 1 minute.
Do not come
in contact with a person who is visibly showing signs and symptoms of coughing
and sneezing.
Wear special
protective masks around infected people. If you work in a medical facility,
wear protective gears issued to all medical centres.
Keep your
distance with a sick family member. It is recommended to maintain a distance of
at least 3 feet while interacting with them.
If you are
taking care of a sick family member, then wear protective gears such as masks,
gloves. Discard them after use to prevent further transmissions.
You never
know which area is susceptible to the virus, hence avoid touching your face,
especially eyes.
Cook animal
products properly. Abstain from consuming raw or undercooked meat and eggs.
Stay
home if you are sick. Preventive measures work both ways. Try to
remain quarantined until you get your results for CoV-19 back clear. Try to
make arrangements to work remotely or from home.
While
coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue, then discard it
properly.
Keep your
surroundings clean and clear of any visible grime. Get the best disinfecting
products and regularly keep the most susceptible places clean.
Follow
NCDC recommendations for using a face mask.
There is no
specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19
should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases,
treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who
think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare
provider immediately.
Get yourself
tested early. The symptoms of the virus remain dormant and the infected person
doesn’t show any signs of the disease for over 2 weeks. Your near-by hospitals
must have arranged special testing centres for CoV-19. You should go ahead and
get your tests done. It won’t count as being over-cautious if you decide to
jump the gun.
Shoulder your social
responsibilities:
You have
certain responsibilities towards society to fulfil. Speaking with this context,
you should uphold your side of the duties by spreading awareness and correct
information about the disease.
Avoid
infodemic- an epidemic caused by information(mostly false). Do not create or
participate in any sort of false allegations or rumours. The public is already
stressed enough.
We all know
what happened when the Chinese authorities in Wuhan suppressed all the initial
danger alerts for CoV-19. People don’t like to be kept in the dark. The local
authorities need to make any sort of related alerts transparent and
maintain decorum.
The
Government of India is raising awareness and implementing preventive measures
all over the nation. It is the ultimate responsibility of local authorities and
state officials to make accurate information accessible to the public, and
also to avoid panic and misinformation. They should also keep a check on any
false rumours or baseless claims made on the areas affected or death toll in
various regions.
Rumors such
as Coronavirus being a man-made strain is widely dismissed by the scientists
worldwide. Any conspiracy theories related to the virus being a failed
bioweapon should be dismissed at all costs.
Keep yourself
updated on the current news and follow only the reliable source available
on the web.
Contact
now :-
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Floor, Sector-11, Panchkula, Haryana 134109
SCO -14
Kalgidhar Enclave, Zirakpur. 140604
