SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF CORONAVIRUS

What is a coronavirus (CoV)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in  both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).its also known as “novel” coronavirus because of this is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Had not previously detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Can the coronavirus (CoV) be transmitted from person to person?

Yes, it can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care center

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the coronavirus?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. The novel coronavirus is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat coronavirus?

currently, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the coronavirus. However, Some specific treatments are under investigation and will be tested through clinical trials.  WHO is helping to coordinate efforts to develop medicines to treat nCoV with a range of partners

Symptoms

cough, fever, headache, pain in muscles,  and difficulty in breathing, may be seen within 2 to 14 days

 More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus..

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus (nCoV)

Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water kills the virus if it is on your hands. 

Practice respiratory hygiene

When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Why? Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.

Why? When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, like 2019-nCoV, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself. 

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within infected country

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within infected country, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.

As a general precaution, practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets

Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities.

Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products

Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

The following measures are not specifically recommended as remedies as they are not effective to protect yourself and can be even harmful:

• Taking vitamin C
• Smoking
• Drinking tradition herbal teas
• Wearing multiple masks to maximize protection
• Taking self-medication such as antibiotics

Conclusion.

it can be difficult to identify the disease based on symptoms alone.so WHO and doctors recommends that people who have cough, fever and difficulty breathing should seek medical care early. Patients should inform health care providers/doctors if they have travelled in the 14 days before they developed symptoms, or if they have been in close contact with someone with who has been sick with respiratory symptoms

References’ : WHO