What is Coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a large group of viruses that can infect both animals and humans. In humans, several coronaviruses could infect the respiratory system causing breathing problems.
Coronavirus has genetic material and outer layer as an envelope having protein spikes which looks like a crown i.e why the name given is corona-virus. There are various types of coronavirus and symptoms depend on normal cold to serious breathing problems.
In December 2019, people in Wuhan, China were detected with novel-coronavirus. Those people were associated with live animals and seafood.
Now this disease has been spread within china and to several other countries.
Origin of virus
(MERS-COV) middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus is one of the coronaviruses which is known to be transmitted from camels to humans, (SARS-COV) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus known to be transmitted from civil cats and finally transmission of (NCOV-19) novel coronavirus 2019 is yet to be discovered.
Transmission of virus
Though the exact transmission process is yet to be discovered, generally a virus is transmitted from a contaminated person through physical touch, cough, sneeze.
Other than these, people who are associated to live animal markets are at risk or people, health care workers who are taking care of infected people are at risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It can be diagnosed by a test PCR polymerase chain reaction by the genetic fingerprint only.
So far there is no treatment for novel coronavirus 2019. Medication is only supportive care and there is no vaccine to prevent the disease.
Treatment and vaccines are under development.
Some Myths
Myth: Cold weather and snow CAN kill the new coronavirus.
Fact: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Myth: Taking a hot bath does prevent the new coronavirus disease.
Fact: Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the new coronavirus disease.
Myth: The new coronavirus CAN be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
Fact: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
Myth: The new coronavirus CAN be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Fact: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Myth: Everyone with COVID-19 dies
Fact: No, it depends on the immunity of a person.
Myth: You CAN catch coronavirus from eating Chinese food.
Fact: No, you CANNOT
Myth: The virus originated in a laboratory in China.
Fact: Despite many internet rumors, there is no such evidence for this news.
Myth: Antibiotics can prevent coronavirus.
Fact: Antibiotics only prevent bacterial disease and not the virus.
Precautions to be taken:
- Avoid close contact with an infected person.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
- Talk to people with a prominent gap in between as the virus can be transmitted within 1m of the infected person.
- Use a mask when traveling.
- Wash your hands with soap every time before eating or touching your eyes and nose.
- Whenever you sneeze or cough use your bend elbow or handkerchief.
- Whenever to use a mask, do not leave it here and there dispose of it very carefully.
- Regularly wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Make sure people around you maintain good respiratory hygiene.
- Stay home if you feel unwell and take medical attention immediately.
- Use different chopping boards and knives for handling raw meat and cooked ones.
- Sick animals and animals that died with the disease should not be eaten.
- Avoid eating raw food.
- Avoid contact with stray animals.
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centers.
- Don’t panic instead immediately ask for medical help if in any doubt.
- Avoid physical touch like a handshake, hugging, etc.
- Avoid touching surfaces that are frequently touched by many people.
- Do not believe in rumors on the internet, must contact the proper source.
- There is no home-remedy for coronavirus, therefore do not provide self-medication rather contact hospital or any other health care center.
So, I believe you now know about coronavirus, its origination and transmition.
There is no confusion and all myths are cleared. This is a humble request that don’t panic, if precautions are taken care of we all can fight with this virus.
Take all preventive measures carefully and do not believe in rumors.
Smoking or taking any kind of herbal remedies on your own is not effective and can be rather harmful so it is advised not to do so.
Written By: Amrita Mansharami
Edited By: Harshit Agarwal
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