Know About Symptoms and Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In recent times, an outbreak of the coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) in China has caused global concern. It spread from a seafood and meat market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread to many other countries, including India.

Despite Wuhan and other Chinese cities being isolated, the COVID-19 has spread to almost 70 locations internationally. In India, 31 cases have been confirmed till date across various places. Going by today's Health ministry update that puts the number of infected in India at 31 now, it appears that after infecting nearly a lakh people worldwide and killing over 3,000 worldwide, the virus has now begun giving India the full play.

What is a coronavirus?

A coronavirus is a virus that is found in animals and, rarely, can be transmitted from animals to humans and then spread person to person. The new virus, known as Covid-19, is more dangerous than the common cold. So far, around 15 to 20 percent of cases have been classed as "severe" and the current death rate varies between 0.7 percent and 3.4 percent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care. In addition to COVID-19, other human coronaviruses have included:

• The MERS virus or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
• The SARS virus, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which first occurred in the Guangdong province in southern China.

What are the symptoms of a coronavirus?

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. It takes around 2-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop. Symptoms may include:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Those with weak immune systems may experience more serious symptoms, like pneumonia or bronchitis. Also, you may never develop symptoms after being exposed to COVID-19. So far, most of the confirmed cases are in adults, but some children also have been infected. There is no evidence that children are at higher risk for getting the virus.

What causes a coronavirus infection?

Humans first got infected from coronavirus from contact with animals. Then, it spread from human to human. Health officials still don’t know what animal caused COVID-19.

The coronavirus can spread through contact with certain bodily fluids like droplets in a cough. Also, it might be caused by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your hand to your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

How is a coronavirus diagnosed?

If you discovered symptoms of COVID-19 in you or your family, you should immediately contact your doctor. Before going directly to the doctor’s office, call with your concerns. This will allow them to collect information and offer you guidance on the next steps. To diagnose an infected person, the doctor may run tests to rule out other common infections. In a few cases, the doctor may suggest to self-isolate the patient prevent the spread of infection.

Can a coronavirus be prevented or avoided?

Yes, try to avoid people who are sick and also avoid meeting in large groups. Stay at home if you are sick. When coughing at public places, cover your cough with a tissue or hanky or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow.  Never cough into your hands.

Wash your hands frequently with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap & water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Always wash your hands with soap & water if hands seem dirty. Usually, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The Government health ministry has issued travel advisories for several affected countries. If you are willing to travel to an area where the COVID-19 is present, speak with your doctor.

Coronavirus treatment

Sadly, there is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. Symptoms of a coronavirus usually go away on their own. If symptoms feel worse than a common cold, immediately contact your doctor. They may prescribe pain or fever medication along with prevention and diagnosis methods.

As with a cold or the flu, drink fluids and get plenty of rest. If you are having trouble breathing, seek immediate medical care.

When possible, avoid contact with others when you are sick. If you have COVID-19, wear a facemask and use other prevention methods to prevent spreading the virus to others. 

Questions to ask your doctor

• What can I do to prevent my friends and family from getting the COVID-19?
• What over-the-counter medicines work best for my symptoms?
• Am I at risk of complications because of COVID-19?
• What should I watch for that could mean there are complications?