The Khichdi Blog

The outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan city of China and other regions of globe is becoming severe day by day. With the First cases of coronavirus infection confirmed by the Health Ministry of Kerala State, India too in on the verge of facing this global emergency caused by this moderately deadly but severely troublesome virus. Here is what you need to know about the coronavirus:

What is coronavirus?

The term corona, originating from Latin term corona which means crown, was given to a family of viruses first discovered in 1960s due to the crown like appearance of their particles. In humans, these viruses are known for causing respiratory infections including common cold. According to WHO, the stringent forms of these viruses are known for causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), that killed 774 around the globe in 2003, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) named after its outbreak in some middle eastern countries in 2012. The one that has been detected in Wuhan city of China is a novel strain of coronavirus called 2019-nCoV.

What are the common symptoms of infection?

As most of the coronaviruses are known for causing respiratory infections, the common symptoms of infection can be very similar to the common cold and flu. A person infected with coronavirus, According to WHO can have fewer, sore throat, runny nose and shortness of breath. In its severity, the virus might lead to SARS, pneumonia, kidney failure and often death.

Is there any vaccine available?

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) records there is no vaccine available for other coronaviruses and the novel one yet. FDA has also declares that there are no approved diagnostic measures for the novel-coronavirus.

The only way to avoid an infection with coronavirus is taking some preventing measures that decrease your chances of getting sick with this virus.

How to prevent yourself from the infection?

The first and foremost thing to do is to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough and sneezing.

Another safety measures that one can take is similar to those you do to protect yourself from common cold and flue. Drinking ample amount of fluids and eating hygienic food is suggested.

As the outbreak is spreading rapidly, it is advised to avoid unnecessary traveling to areas with confirmed coronavirus infections. Staying home can sometimes lead to staying safe.

What to do if you are infected?

In case of you are infected with the coronavirus or showing symptoms discussed above, you just need to be more careful.

Wearing a high quality mask can prevent infraction from spreading.

Staying home and avoiding unnecessary traveling is also advised to check to transmission of virus.

Are we ready to tackle this situation?

With no available vaccine and approved drugs for coronavirus infraction, it is somehow difficult to combat this newly emerged problem for the Government of India, for it is, on the other side is struggling at the political front for anti-CAA stir across the country and a lower economy. However, the GOI has taken some necessary steps which include evacuation of 324 Indians from the Wuhan city of China, setting up screening centers at the airports and issuing advisory to the citizens for refraining from traveling to China.