Novel Corona Virus
The Novel Coronavirus has been associated with an outbreak of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. No country was prepared for the corona virus. A completely new strain of the virus, the ‘novel’ corona virus has no known cure. Preventive measures are being adopted and precautions are being taken, but whether these will be fruitful or not is debatable. The government on a state and central level has been preparing for the epidemic and as of now Kerala has confirmed three cases of the virus. The total death toll, worldwide, is 450 +. Flights to and fro from China and Hong Kong have been suspended and people are being screened at airports. Several people in Manesar, Mumbai and other parts of India have been quarantined as they have been exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
The main problem is that there are very limited facilities in India which can effectively test the virus and help contain it. Establishing a concrete screening system is also not completely possible with such a large population. The WHO has stated the virus is weak and not very virulent. They have issued guidelines which state that people who have travelled from China in the last two weeks should go through a complete medical examination. When someone begins to experience symptoms, they should get checked and if found infected, should be managed at the nearest hospital in an isolation facility.
The corona virus consists of symptoms which are like those of pneumonia, common cold and the flu. These consist of fever, cough and a difficulty in breathing. The virus is spread through human to human transmission – coughing, sneezing, close personal contact (shaking hands or touching), touching an object or surface which has virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. It is very rarely spread through fecal contamination.
For detecting novel coronavirus infection, collection of three specimen types are needed - lower respiratory, upper respiratory and serum specimens. Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored.
The risk of infection can be reduced by doing following:
• Washing of hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, nose with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with an infected or sick person
If you have cold-like symptoms, it is recommended to do the following:
• Stay at home when sick
• Avoid close contact with other people
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
•Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
Treatment
• There is no specific treatment for illnesses however you can do some things to relieve your symptoms:
• Take medication for pain and fever (do not give Aspirin to children)
• Take warm drinks to ease a sore throat and cough
•Drink plenty of liquids
•Have a protein rich diet
•Stay home and rest
