Tips on how to protect yourself from coronavirus

 Tips on how to protect yourself from coronavirus

                                  

Coronavirus or coronaviruses are viruses that infect animals, humans, and plants. Coronaviruses are the causative agents of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus). They can also cause other illnesses in animals, such as hepatitis in cattle, but most human infections are asymptomatic or result in only mild disease. The most common symptoms of coronavirus infection are diarrhea and upper respiratory tract symptoms, including fever and cough.

• What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with relatively small genomes (typically about 18,000 base pairs of nucleic acid). They cause a number of diseases in humans, including common colds, stomach flu, and SARS. The best-known coronavirus is SARS-CoV, which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Coronaviruses also infect bats and many species of animals. While most coronaviruses don’t make people sick, they do affect those who suffer from weakened immune systems.

This kind of virus isn’t contagious; it can only be spread by an infected person who sneezes or coughs in close proximity to others. As such, you can get it if you come into contact with droplets expelled into the air by someone already infected with a coronavirus.

• What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary by strain, but some types cause fever, cough, and severe respiratory problems. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic of 2003 infected more than 8,000 people worldwide and killed 774. Although eradicated in most areas, new infections still occur in Asia. In 2016 a new SARS-like virus called CoVid was discovered in India that can infect camels; there is no evidence of human infection yet. Other viruses related to corona have been found in bats, pigs, and other mammals. Scientists are not sure how these different strains evolved or spread between animals, plants, and humans – but it seems likely at least one will make its way into humans again.

• Preventive measures

Vaccines have proven effective in preventing outbreaks, and scientists are continually developing new ones for diseases that affect animals. In humans, however, vaccines are not very effective at preventing illness caused by coronaviruses. However, there are some measures you can take to prevent spreading the disease or contracting it. First of all, try to avoid direct contact with those who show symptoms. If you see someone sneezing or coughing, do your best to keep your distance. To be safe, wear a mask if you suspect that person has contracted a virus similar to SARS. (Masks won’t help ward off infection if they’re worn after coming into close contact with an infected person.) Avoid touching your mouth and nose, too—the virus is easily spread through saliva droplets. Proper hygiene is another key way to stave off getting sick: Wash your hands frequently, especially after being outside. And don’t touch your eyes, mouth or nose without first washing them with soap and water. Staying clean will also help when traveling abroad; hand sanitizer gels may not be readily available everywhere you go but keeping up proper hygiene will still help reduce any risk of sickness.

• Treatment options

There are many treatment options for seasonal flu, and you may only need one. Be sure to get your flu shot every year, especially if you’re over 65 or have a chronic medical condition that puts you at risk for serious complications from the flu. If your symptoms include a high fever or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention. At home, acetaminophen may help alleviate symptoms of colds, though it doesn’t treat viral infections. For coughs or sore throats, warm saltwater gargles can soothe irritation.

 Ibuprofen (Advil) may be used to relieve headaches and lower fevers while they heal. Don’t give aspirin to children under age 18 with a fever, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome, which is fatal in 20 percent of cases; consult your pediatrician before giving any medication containing aspirin to anyone under age 21. The information provided above has been obtained from various sources. Some of these sources are not under our control. Hence, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. 

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