Home Health Care Tips Symptoms and Risks of Corona Virus

Symptoms and Risks of Corona Virus

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Symptoms and Risks of Corona Virus

Corona viruses is specific family of viruses that can cause different illnesses ranging from a common cold to severe diseases such as the ARDS (Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome). There are different corona viruses circulating in animals which have not yet affected human beings. The name ‘corona’ virus comes from ‘corona’ which isa Latin word and means ‘crown’. This virus is named as ‘corona’ as it is shaped like a crown.

How does the Corona Virus spread?

Most of the Coronaviruses spread like the other viruses, that is, by touching the hands or the face of an individual who is infected, by sneezing and coughing of an infected individual, or even by touching things such as railings or door knobs which have been used by an individual who is infected.

This is a zoonotic viral disease, which means, the first individual who was infected got this through an animal. This was possible because the virus had managed to acquire a series of mutations genetically that made it possible to infect and also multiply in human beings.

The Corona Virus of 2019 (2019-nCoV):

According to different reports, this Corona virus of Wuhan, which is also known as 2019-nCoV started from the wholesale seafood market in Wuhan as the first set of patients who were hospitalized were either customers or workers at the seafood market. This market also sold consumable live animals which included camels, pigs, poultry, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, bamboo rats and reptiles besides the processed meats. There has been no report of any corona virus infecting animals which are aquatic, thus it is concluded that this corona virus has originated from other live animals.

Common Symptoms of the Corona Virus:

According to World Health Organization (WHO) the common symptoms of the Corona Virus infection are respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, shortness of breath, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome and even death.

There are some corona viruses which cause severe symptoms like

*Cough with mucus

*High grade fever if you suffer from pneumonia

*chest pain or tightness in the chest when you cough or breathe

*Shortness of breath.

This can be due to severe infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.

The Novel Corona Virus:

The 2019-nCoV is a new strain of the Corona virus which was discovered in 2019. This is called ‘novel’ as this specific strain has not been detected earlier in humans. This is also termed as the ‘Wuhan Virus’ as it was detected in Wuhan, Hubei province first.

There are cases where the infected individuals are asymptomatic. This means they do not show any signs of any symptoms though they might have the corona virus infection.

Detecting Corona Virus:

As the symptoms of the 2019-nCoV are similar to any other cold causing viruses there is specific lab work to be carried out. This includes cultures of the nose and throat, blood work and more. The results of the test will not change the way this disease is treated and the symptoms tend to disappear in a few days.

If this 2019-nCoV spreads to the lungs and the windpipe (Lower respiratory tract) it can lead to pneumonia. This is more so in those who are suffering from a heart disease, older people, children and also those with a weak immune system.

What to do about 2019-nCoV:

As there is no vaccine presently to prevent this corona virus, you need to follow the same tips you follow when tackling a common cold:

*Washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap or with a sanitizer which is alcohol-based.

*Ensure you keep your fingers and hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.

*Stay away from those who are already infected.

*Get the required rest.

*Take OTC medications for a fever and sore throat.

*Ensure intake of fluids.

*You can choose a warm shower or a humidifier to ease a sore throat.

*Consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time.

*You need to make sure you stay at home and only move out of the house if you wish to see your health care provider.

*Keep a safe distance from the other family members at home.

*Take an appointment before you go to the doctor.

*You need to wear a face mask before you enter the doctor’s office or even if you are aound other people.

*Make sure you cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. You need to use a tissue for this and discard the tissue after use.

*Avoid sharing your personal items.

*Monitor the symptoms.

Incubation Period of the Corona Virus:

According to the WHO (World health Organization) the incubation period of the 2019-nCoV (Novel Corona virus) ranges between two to ten days before the symptoms emerge.

Global Emergency:

The World health Organization (WHO) has declared the Corona virus as a Global Emergency. This decision was made to sound the alarm on the top-level when the first case of human-to-human transmission was confirmed outside China.

Myths on Corona Virus:

The global health agency has busted few myths on the Corona virus.

Herbal Remedies as Treatment for Corona virus:

According to the WHO, there is no specific medicine which can treat the Corona virus. Those who are infected with this virus need appropriate care for treating symptoms and those with severe symptoms need to receive supportive care to the maximum.

Antibiotics for treating Corona Virus:

You need to be aware that anti-biotic can treat bacterial infections and not viral infections and this 2019-nCoV is a viral infection.

Spreading of Corona Virus through Pets:

There has been no evidence so far to prove that cats or dogs can get infected with this Corona virus, but the Who advises on washing your hands thoroughly after you handle your pets.

Corona Virus affects only Old People:

Corona virus can affect people of all ages and even children but the risk is definitely more for the older generation and for those with a compromised immune system.