Chinese authorities have detected a fresh coronavirus outbreak. While this belongs to the same family as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, it is still suspected to be a new disease (2019-nCOV). Studies from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that the first case appeared in the United States. There have been 290+ cases (approximately) reported across the globe.

The outbreak, that started in Wuhan (China) last year, has claimed 80+ people and infected nearly 3000. According to reports from WHO, cases have been detected across Thailand, Taipei, Japan, Hong Kong, the US, Macau and the Republic of Korea. WHO has also confirmed that everybody diagnosed with the virus had travelled to Wuhan.

What is Coronavirus?

First identified in the 1960s, coronavirus is a common virus that primarily infects the nose, upper throat and sinuses. While most aren’t dangerous, some strains have been reported to be severe. The virus derives its name from its crown-like shape.

Most coronaviruses spread like other viruses – through sneezing, coughing, coming into contact with the infected people, or touching everyday objects, like a doorknob, that may already be infected. While outlook for most people infected with the virus is good, certain strains like MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARS are more severe.

What are the Common Coronavirus Symptoms?

Most coronaviruses spawn symptoms that are akin to other upper respiratory tract infections, including a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, strep throat, headache, lethargy and a general feeling of being unwell. Since coronavirus symptoms are usually identical, diagnosis can be difficult for you might think that you have been infected with rhinovirus and not coronavirus.

That being said, a coronavirus infection can turn severe and result in pneumonia or bronchitis should it affect your lower respiratory tract, including your lungs and windpipe. The severity is all the more for older adults with compromised immunity and people afflicted with cardiopulmonary diseases.

How Coronavirus can be Diagnosed?

Laboratory tests may need to be carried out on your serum and respiratory specimens for a complete diagnosis of human coronaviruses. Should you be experiencing any of coronavirus symptoms mentioned above, alert your healthcare provider without any delay. Tell them about any recent travel or if you came into contact with animals.

About Coronavirus Preventive Measures

Vaccination is not available for coronavirus. However, you can prevent this virus by taking a few simple measures:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap or any other alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth with tissues; dispose of the tissues immediately after use
• Don’t come into close contact with an infected individual, anybody suffering from fever or exhibiting the typical symptoms
• Cook your foods thoroughly, particularly meat and eggs, before consuming
• Don’t come into unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, dead or alive
• Drink plenty of fluids over the day
• Get adequate rest
• Take prescribed over-the-counter medicines in case you have a sore throat or fever

The bottom line

Experts emphasise there isn’t a specific course of treatment to resolve a coronavirus infection, considering a particular kind of virus causes it. Therefore, you must heed the general advice as that can help to strengthen your immune system and take the standard precautionary measures. Stay Safe!