Do You Know Anything About Corona Virus? If NO Then See It Here...
In December 2019 there
was a cluster of pneumonia cases in China, investigations found that it was
caused by a previously unknown virus now named the 2019 Novel Corona Virus.
Coronaviruses are a large
group of viruses they consist of a core of genetic material surrounded by an
envelope with protein spikes. This gives it the appearance of a crown, and
crown in Latin is called Corona and that’s how these viruses get their names.
There are different types
of coronavirus that causes respiratory and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Respiratory diseases can range from the common cold to pneumonia and in most
people the symptoms tend to be mild.
However, there are some
types of coronaviruses that can cause severe diseases these include the Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-CoV). First identified in China
in 2003.
Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV). That was first identified in Saudi Arabia in
2012.
The 2019 Corona Virus was
first identified in China it initially occurred in a group of people with
pneumonia who were associated with seafood and live animal market in the city
of Wuhan. The disease has since spread from those who were sick to others
including family members and health care staff.
There are many cases at
present and the disease had spread within China and also to a number of other
countries so where did the virus come from its known that coronaviruses
circulate in a range of animals. Sometimes these viruses can make the jump from
animals to humans. This is called spillover and could be due to a range of
factors such as mutations in the virus or increase contact between humans and
animals.
For example, MERS-CoV is
known to be transmitted from camels and SARS-CoV from civet cats. The animal
reservoir of the 2019 Novel Corona Virus is not yet known.
How is it transmitted?
The exact dynamics of how the virus is transmitted is yet to be
determined in general respiratory viruses are usually through droplets created
when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through something that has been
contaminated with the virus people most at risk of infection from the novel
coronavirus are those in close contact with animals such as live animal market
workers and those who are caring for people infected with the virus such as
family members or healthcare workers.
· So how does the disease present?
Well, what is known so far there can be a number
of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. There can be fever and respiratory
symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath in more severe cases there’s been
pneumonia, kidney failure, and death. The mortality rate is not known yet.
· How can we tell whether someone is
infected?
The
infection can be diagnosed by a test called PCR or polymerase chain reaction.
This test identifies the virus based on its genetic fingerprint there is
currently, no specific medication for the virus and treatment is supportive care
there’s currently no vaccine to protect against the virus treatment and
vaccines are in development.
·
How
do we prevent transmission of the virus?
This new virus currently has a limited geographic spread however there are a number of standard
hygiene practices that have been recommended to protect against infection and
further spread these include covering your mouth and nose when coughing or
sneezing with a medical mask, tissue or flexed elbow, avoiding close contact
with those who are unwell. The appropriate use of masks, personal protective
equipment especially in a healthcare setting. Washing hands regularly with soap
and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
Actions
that can be taken to prevent infection from an animal source include avoiding
unnecessary unprotected contact with animals, washing hands after contact with
animals or animal products and ensuring that animal products are cooked
thoroughly before they are consumed.
It’s
important to stay home if you are feeling unwell but if you have a cough, fever
and breathing difficulties seek medical care early and share your previous
travel history with your healthcare provider.
Stay Home ! Stay Safe !
Thanks.....
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