The big festival of colors (Holi) just went by, how did yours go? To be honest this year with the dark cloud of coronavirus scare looming over the festive spirit was kind of damp-ened even before the water balloon could burst it. Everywhere we go, we can hear about it, heck even the phones are coughing now. So we thought it best to keep you updated with the latest and actual news and tell you how to survive this scary episode.
Almost 70 countries have reported confirmed cases of this virus and the number of cases has crossed 1,00,000 globally. Naturally, this was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January by WHO. Many efforts have been made in the direction of getting more details on the virus. Since it was first noticed in Dec 2019, the researchers have identified the genetic sequence of COVID-19 (it is similar to SARS but different in terms of what disease they cause), also more knowledge on PCR and serological assay on the same has been obtained. You may be wondering how that helps, well that is what will take us to develop an effective treatment for the same and create vaccines to beat it. There are about 20 vaccines in the development phase and many clinical trials are being done to come up with a foolproof treatment plan. While all that is being worked at, the best strategy is the containment of the virus.
Early detection, isolation of the patient and effective treatment of symptoms is the way to go. The best strategy against this virus is for nations to allow more time to researchers by containing the spread, and with effective government measures, it is possible.
As you are already aware it causes symptoms like flu and pneumonia. The symptoms range from a cold, runny nose, dry cough, fever, difficulty breathing, other respiratory conditions and in some severe cases filling of the kidney with water. The incubation period for most people is at 5 days but can range from 1 to 14, some people even remain asymptomatic (showing no or fewer symptoms). Mostly, people are recovering in a few days by taking rest and care. In some cases, hospitalizations are required and mostly people with the compromised immune system or already existing respiratory issues are at most risk of facing more severe consequences of this disease.
According to WHO reports, this is spreading from humans and surfaces infected by humans. Pet packages, animals are not the ones causing this outrage, but yes, taking cautions when outside even in live animal markets will go long way in preventing.
So here’s what’s expected out of you:
If you feel unwell or experience any of the symptoms please consult a doctor.
Along with taking proper rest at home and avoiding going out.
If you know of someone who is unwell or you think they might have contracted it, please get them the help. Also, maintain 3 feet distance to avoid contacting the infected droplets.
Wash your hands regularly with either soap or water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers as those have been found useful against clearing the infections. Wash them whenever necessary like after using the washroom, anytime they feel dirty, before after cooking eating, coughing sneezing.
Cover your mouth and nose with hands or tissue when coughing sneezing, and dispose of the same safely.
Also as you may have heard that there is a shortage of masks, so do not use them unnecessarily, those are mostly for people who are infected or health care professionals who are coming in contact with the infected people. Be judicious in its use.
There have already been travel guidelines issued, but yes avoid travel if not needed, try and avoid large gatherings.
You can work from home as well if possible.
Basically, maintain hygiene and stay alert and safe, and together we shall weather the storm.