Corona Virus and Its Basic Protection Tips

@kw
27 Mar 2020

Viruses are type of tiny microorganism, although they’re smaller than bacteria. Like bacteria, they’re very diverse, and have a variety of shapes and features.

Viruses are parasitic. That means they require living cells or tissue in which to grow. Viruses can invade the cells of your body, using the components of your cells to grow and multiply. Some viruses even kill host cells as part of their life cycle. Some common viral infections are : Influenza, common, viral, chickenpox, measles, viral meningitis, warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),viral hepatitis, Zika virus ,West Nile virus. To protect against some of the viral infections are to get vaccinated. Vaccine-preventable diseases include: measles, influenza, tetanus, whooping cough, chicken pox etc. Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus. Corona viruses represent a large family of viruses that elicit respiratory illness in humans, including the common cold and more serious diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This group of viruses can also infect animals and are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans, as was shown to be the case for MERS and SARS. In fact, some species of animals, such as bats, act as reservoirs for carrying wide varieties of viruses, and severe viral outbreaks in the human population such as for SARS and MERS tend to occur when these viruses jump from animals to humans when given the opportunity due to close interaction. The novel corona virus (currently referred to as 2019-nCoV) was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available?

WHO Recommendations for Basic Protection Measures Against the New Corona Virus

As of 26 March 2020 (8:00 PM), according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), a total of 694 COVID-19 cases (647 Indians and 47 foreign nationals) have been reported in 27 states/union territories. These include 44 who have been cured/discharged, 1 who has migrated and 16 reported deaths. Hospital isolation of all confirmed cases, tracing and home quarantine of the contacts is ongoing.

On 24 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown: “In order to protect the country, and each of its citizens, from midnight tonight, a complete ban is being imposed on people from stepping out of their homes.”

Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain Social Distancing

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose and Mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If You Have Fever, Cough and Difficulty Breathing, Seek Medical Care Early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.