What We Know So Far…
- We know a bit about how to prevent Coronavirus from infecting the host.
- Novel Coronavirus began from Wuhan, China
- Originating from a wet market selling both dead and live animals, including fish and birds. The animal source hasn’t yet been identified, but a rumored theory suggests ingestion of bats and snakes. Again, just a windmill rumor!
- More than 119000 confirmed cases globally
- More than 4,300 fatal cases worldwide
- Pakistan and Turkey temporarily close borders with Iran
- Afghanistan temporarily ban travel to and from Iran
- Pakistan reported its first two cases on February 26th.
- At the moment, only two prominent cases have been identified and quarantined as a fail-safe prevention measure
- Top symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath
- Can be asymptomatic too making it more contagious
- Frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching face, and staying away from crowds are some ways of prevention
How To Prevent Coronavirus – Symptoms And Treatment | Special Information
The proximal origin of the Coronavirus – COVID-19 – has been subjected to considerable discussion and uncertainty among leading medical factions around the world. Since the first reports of a novel pneumonia (COVID-19) in Wuhan city, China, more than 88,000 cases have been confirmed, with 3000 deaths attributed to the virus.
Pakistan, 26th February. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health, Dr Zafar Mirza, called on people who have recently traveled to virus-hit countries to call on the helpline 1166 for COVID-enquiries. Recently, the Sindh Health Department announced a first case, tested positive, for coronavirus in Karachi. Shortly after this announcement, Dr Mirza confirmed the case and reiterated that – along with another case at PIMS – both patients have been carefully taken care of. All standard clinical protocols – as supported by WHO – have been established and the situation is well under control.
However, since February, the number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus ‘COVID-19’ infections in Pakistan has risen to 20 after two more cases emerged in Sindh and Quetta. Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 15 of the total confirmed cases. Gilgit-Baltistan has disclosed two cases, whilst one a piece remains in the case of Islamabad and Hyderabad.
Ground Control – Asia
Asia reportedly has the highest number of virus-hit cases, including a fatality aspect as a causative influence of COVID-19. However, these official case numbers are likely an underestimate pertaining to limited reporting of mild and asymptomatic cases. It has been determined that the virus equally capable of efficient human-to-human transmission, and based on the possibility of spread to countries with weaker healthcare systems, the WHO has declared coronavirus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Read the article below if you want to know how to prevent Coronavirus.
Virus Contact Via Animal Host – The Wuhan Conundrum
As many of the early cases of COVID-19 were linked to the Huanan seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan, it is possible that an animal source was present at this location. Given the similarity of SARS-CoV*-2 to bat SARS-like CoVs, particularly RaTG13, it is plausible that bats serve as reservoir hosts for SARS-CoV-2. It is important, however, to note that previous outbreaks of beta coronaviruses in humans involved direct exposure to animals other than bats, including civets (SARS) and camels (MERS), that carry viruses that are genetically very similar to SARS-CoV-1 or MERS-CoV, respectively.
It is true that reading complex medical terms causes quite the ‘psychological ruckus’, but these terms are equally important to instances of virus eradication and pending treatments. In the midst of a reckoning global health emergency, it is reasonable to wonder why the origins of the CoV-epidemic matter so much. The severity of this is concluded in the overlaying fact that catching something through a jumped-species animal virus somewhat outlines the same results as the melting of the archaic icebergs occupying Antarctica. Any idea what comes to mind?
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How To Prevent Coronavirus | An Out And About Observation
Coronavirus causes respiratory illness in people. It can spread from person to person, which usually happens through respiratory droplets. It’s like when someone coughs or sneezes, and you can’t help but breathe the same air as someone in your vicinity. Most often, you need to be close to the person for the virus to spread this way.
It is also possible to contract the virus simply by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching your own mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes – naturally induced reflex. The bottom-line is: the greatest risk of infection is for people who are in China, or people who have recently traveled there. People who have been in close contact with someone infected – doctors and healthcare workers – are at higher risk.
Here’s a get-infected point-list to understand how the virus spreads and how to prevent Coronavirus:
- The air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
- Rarely, feces (poop)
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Coronavirus Symptoms – First The Cause, Now The Effect
COVID-19 causes respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe or even deadly. The symptoms usually start between 2 to 14 days after you get infected. They include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Many people who are infected with the virus have pneumonia in both lungs. You can get yourself tested for the virus – although there isn’t a tentative cure, medical care and precautionary measures can help relieve the symptoms.
Here’s a neat trick played by nature; symptoms depend on the type of illness you have. Similarly, for coronavirus, these symptoms are a good headache for logical interpretation. Your symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Not feeling well overall
Some coronaviruses can cause severe symptoms. The infections may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia, which cause symptoms such as
- Fever, which may be quite high if you have pneumonia
- Cough with mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness when you breathe and cough
Note: Severe infection is more common in people with heart or lung diseases, people with weakened immune systems, toddlers, and even older adults. There IS NO escape, apparently.
Thence arises the ultimate question: Can Coronavirus – all COV types – be cured? Or is this it?
How To Prevent Coronavirus | Avoidance And Prevention Measures
Given the amount of stress everyone is putting into this unprecedented scenario, still there hasn’t been any significant development with regards to formulating the universal cure. Albeit we haven’t reached a specific milestone in this case, hope remains the only answer to the woes of those infected.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face-mask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face-mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face-masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Concerns For Future Treatment
There isn’t any specific antiviral treatment recommended against coronavirus. People infected with this virus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms – at least, for the time being. Even for several cases pertaining to coronavirus, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
If there’s someone who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Even if you aren’t that person, stay aware of the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak as available on the World Health Organization website.
To stand bravely in the face of a lethal adversary is surely a magnanimous achievement. Take care of the simple things – cleanliness – and reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection by
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoiding touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands.
- Staying home when sick
Tentative Diagnose
Get an urgent medical check-up scheduled at your nearest healthcare facility. Your doctor/healthcare provider will:
- Take your medical history, including asking about your symptoms
- Do a physical exam
- May do blood tests
- May do lab tests of sputum, a sample from a throat swab, or other respiratory specimens
Precautionary Symptom Prevention
Again, there are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections. Most people will eventually get better on their own; however, you can relieve your symptoms by:
- Taking over-the-counter medicines for pain, fever, and cough. However, do not give aspirin to children. And do not give cough medicine to children under four.
- Using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking fluids
If you still feel concerned, consult with a qualified doctor and get it over with.
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Confirmed Cases – Demographic Index
According to reports from various news-groups, the coronavirus has sickened more than 119,000 people. Official accounts reveal at least 4300 people dead, all but 132 in mainland China. Sit back and think for a moment. There’s a strong hint of misinformation regarding the correct statistics of the current situation, so we can easily assume the worst-case dilemma.
However, a demographic study via independent research institutions has revealed 65 countries to have been fallen prey to the infection. Sustained local transmission of the virus has been reported in North Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, and including all the others, this has raised fears of a global pandemic.
Here’s a globe-wise illustration of all effected countries:
Perhaps the most unlucky victim of COVID – excluding China – is Italy. After China, Italy has the most cases of infection and deaths. The reason can be purely expressed in essence of trade-volume. Trade volume between China and Italy is $48.25 billion, making them China’s 9th largest export destination, and third largest source of imports.
Global Traffic Advisement
The Centers for Disease Control have advised against all non-essential travel to infected countries.
Region | Confirmed Cases | Deaths | C.D.C. Risk Level |
Mainland China | 80,025 | 2,912 | Avoid travel |
South Korea | 4,212 | 26 | Avoid travel |
Italy | 2,122 | 187 | Avoid travel |
Iran | 8,402 | 291 | Avoid travel |
Japan | 1854 | 13 | Avoid travel |
France | 130 | 2 | Un-checked |
Germany | 198 | 0 | Un-checked |
Singapore | 132 | 0 | Un-checked |
Hong Kong | 243 | 2 | Avoid Travel |
United States | 88 | 2 | Un-checked |
Spain | 84 | 0 | Un-checked |
Bahrain | 47 | 0 | Un-checked |
Kuwait | 45 | 0 | Un-checked |
Thailand | 43 | 1 | Un-checked |
Taiwan | 41 | 1 | Un-checked |
UK | 382 | 6 | Un-checked |
Australia | 29 | 1 | Un-checked |
Malaysia | 29 | 0 | Un-checked |
Switzerland | 27 | 0 | Un-checked |
Canada | 22 | 0 | Un-checked |
United Arab Emirates | 21 | 0 | Un-checked |
Iraq | 19 | 0 | Un-checked |
Norway | 19 | 0 | Un-checked |
Vietnam | 16 | 0 | Un-checked |
Austria | 14 | 0 | Un-checked |
Sweden | 14 | 0 | Un-checked |
Israel | 10 | 0 | Un-checked |
Lebanon | 10 | 0 | Un-checked |
Macau | 10 | 0 | Un-checked |
Netherlands | 10 | 0 | Un-checked |
San Marino | 8 | 0 | Un-checked |
Greece | 7 | 0 | Un-checked |
Croatia | 7 | 0 | Un-checked |
Ecuador | 6 | 0 | Un-checked |
Finland | 6 | 0 | Un-checked |
Oman | 6 | 0 | Un-checked |
Mexico | 5 | 0 | Un-checked |
Denmark | 4 | 0 | Un-checked |
Pakistan | 20 | 0 | Un-checked |
Philippines | 3 | 1 | Un-checked |
Azerbaijan | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Czech Republic | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Algeria | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Georgia | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
India | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Iceland | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Qatar | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Romania | 3 | 0 | Un-checked |
Belgium | 2 | 0 | Un-checked |
Brazil | 2 | 0 | Un-checked |
Egypt | 2 | 0 | Un-checked |
Russia | 2 | 0 | Un-checked |
Indonesia | 2 | 0 | Un-checked |
Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Armenia | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Belarus | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Dominican Republic | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Estonia | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Ireland | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Cambodia | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Lithuania | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Luxembourg | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Monaco | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
North Macedonia | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Nigeria | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
Nepal | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
New Zealand | 1 | 0 | Un-checked |
The precise dimensions of the outbreak are difficult to process at this time – especially in China. But caution is advised to people who prefer to stay clear of the path of the coronavirus.
Stay tuned for more updates! That’s how to prevent Coronavirus. Teach your family and your friends and stay safe! Don’t risk the elderly and the children of your home.