Everything you want to Know about Coronavirus

UPDATE:

To date, 200,000 confirmed cases and 9000 deaths have been reported across 160 countries. China and Italy are the biggest victims, accounting for over half of Coronavirus cases and fatalities. As the pandemic gains momentum, we see a spike in cases in India as well.

Per the Ministry Of Health, India, India had its first COVID-19 case on 30 January 2020. On the last count, 195 cases (163 Indians and 32 foreigners) have been confirmed. 15 have recovered fully while 4 are dead. Maharashtra is the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak in India with 52 confirmed cases, followed by Kerala (26), Uttar Pradesh (18), Delhi (16), and Karnataka (15).

COUNTERMEASURES:

Both, Union and State governments are gearing up to fight back. The government of India has issued an advisory urging people to avoid foreign travel, particularly to China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. International borders with Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are sealed to prevent further spread. Restrictions on public gatherings are applicable and educational institutes, offices, restaurants, and retail outlets shut down indefinitely in some states. Should cases increase as COVID-19 enters the 3rd phase in India, we could be in a lockdown situation.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronavirus is a serious health hazard, causing some serious conditions, including the common cold, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is a novel strain that went unidentified until 2019. Highly transmittable, this virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from humans to animals, and vice versa.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Coronavirus may take 2 to 14 days to appear upon exposure. The infected person may show sure signs and symptoms that may resemble influenza and other respiratory conditions.

• • Mild to high Fever
  • Constant cough
  • Breath shortening
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Constant fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Throat soreness

The symptoms grow in severity, as the disease progresses. However, many people may not experience any symptoms at all. While COVID-19 affects all, children and the elderly run a higher risk. People with diabetes and heart, lung and liver conditions are also vulnerable. If you or anyone you know experiences any of these signs, taking timely medical help is recommended.

PRECAUTIONS:

While a vaccine for COVID-19 is still in the developmental stage, it all boils down to taking some preventive measures to counter the disease’s spread. Here’s your checklist of precautions.

• Avoid public gatherings or crowded places
• Restrict your kids from playing outdoors, and make them stay at home if possible
• Maintain at least 3 feet distance from others, and ask your kid to do the same
• Wash your hands repeatedly with soap, at least for 20 seconds
• Equip your kids with hand sanitizers, preferably an alcohol-based one
• Ask your little ones to cover their mouth, each time he coughs or sneezes
• Teach them not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed or soiled hands
• Avoid public transport