Nowadays, the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus also known as the 2019-nCoV infection is trending all over the internet and media. It is first diagnosed in China and has got global attention. It is said that it came from a seafood and meat market in Wuhan, China, in December. It has since spread to many other countries that caused a dreadful environment all over the world. It is claimed that the market sold living and freshly slaughtered animals, which is where the virus originated. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of coronavirus.
What is Coronavirus?
Primarily, a coronavirus is just like a regular virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses are not serious. So what is so special about this new coronavirus?
This novel coronavirus is said to be originated from animals. Sometimes these viruses can be transferred from animals to humans, although it is rare. Medical specialists did not yet discover what animals caused the Wuhan coronavirus, although the market associated with the outbreak of this virus also sold wild animals, like snakes and crocodiles.
Apart from Wuhan coronavirus, other human coronaviruses have included:
- The MERS virus or Middle East respiratory syndrome.
- The SARS virus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, which first outbreak in the Guangdong province in southern China.
It is assumed that both MERS and SARS are more dangerous than the Wuhan coronavirus.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Unlike MERS and SARS, the Wuhan coronavirus is generally somewhat moderate. It can take longer for signs to occur. Symptoms may include:
- mild cough
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- sore throat
- headache
- fever
Causes of Coronavirus
Humans first receive a coronavirus from animals. Then, it can develop from human to human. Health officials do not know what animal caused the Wuhan coronavirus.
The Wuhan coronavirus can be spread when one human comes into contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as droplets in a cough. It might also be generated by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your hand to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Officials do not know who carries the Wuhan coronavirus most or where most infections occur.
Treatment of Coronavirus
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The safest method to stop infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Though, as a recommendation, the CDC always suggests everyday defensive techniques to assist stop the growth of respiratory viruses.
The prevention tips for defending ourselves from coronavirus includes:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not easily accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Regularly wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly stained.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
- Avoid close touch with people who are ill.
- Stay home when you are ill.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue paper whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw it in the garbage.
- Clean and sanitize constantly touched gadgets and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
See also: A guide about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
