What is Coronavirus? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Explained in Detail

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what is coronavirus

With more than 89,000 cases of infection reported globally, Coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 3,000 people. The outbreak started from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and soon captured the entire world.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that originally transmitted between animals and people. It causes illness ranging from common cold to severe and life-threatening diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

The novel coronavirus was identified by Chinese authorities on January 8, and it is confirmed that the virus spreads from human-to-human.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Signs of coronavirus infection are:

  • Fever
  • Sneezing
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

It can take anywhere between 1 to 14 days for the infection to spread and symptoms to reflect in the patient. However, in most cases, symptoms are visible in 5-6 days.

How does the virus spread?

  • Coronavirus is mainly spreading from person-to-person through
  • Respiratory droplets that are produced when the infected person sneezes or coughs
  • Close contact with another person (about 6 feet)

There’s a possibility of getting the infection if a person touches the object or surface that has the virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand. However, this is not seen as the primary medium of the spread of infection.

Treatment of Coronavirus

To date, there’s no treatment for coronavirus. People infected with the virus must get supportive care to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, treatment includes taking care of the vital organs to support their proper functioning.

As there’s no cure, self-care and over-the-counter medication can help in treating coronavirus. Some of the things that infected patients need to take care of include:

  • Drink enough water
  • Avoid going to smoky areas
  • Stop smoking
  • Take proper rest and avoid exertion
  • Use a humidifier at home
  • Restrict outdoor activities

Diagnosis of Coronavirus

A blood sample or sample of respiratory fluid such as mucus is taken to detect coronavirus infection.

Prevention from Coronavirus

As of now, there’s no vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection. The only way to prevent getting infected is by avoiding exposure to the virus.

  • Avoid close contact with people who have cold, flu or symptoms similar to coronavirus infection
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol
  • Avoid touching mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Wear a mask when going out
  • Avoid going to crowded places

Wrap Up

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Taking care of basic hygiene, avoiding going to crowded places, and keeping international travel on hold for some time are a few measures that every individual should take to ensure that they and their family are safe from Coronavirus.

Disclaimer: The content on HealthTime is for educational and informational purposes only. Do not consider this as medical advice. Use the content in consultation with a certified healthcare professional.

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