By the time you finish reading this article, many people must have been inflicted by COVID-19 aka coronavirus. Started in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus epidemic has afflicted 104 countries around the globe. Even Jammu and Kashmir has been put on red alert to keep coronavirus at bay, however, no positive case has been detected so far.
As many as 201 cases have been put under observation but all the cases tested so far are negative as per the statement given by Medical Superintendent, SKIMS. As yet, 28 cases have been tested in SKIMS, which is one of the 19 designated testing centres for the virus approved by the National Institute of Virology. The government is regularly monitoring & reviewing the situation and taking the necessary steps. But the good news is there is no need to panic. The government seems to be proactive, for a change, to save the union territory from this epidemic.
In this article, we will explain human coronaviruses, its symptoms, how it transmits to other people, and necessary precautions to be taken.
So, letÔÇÖs begin with what is a coronavirus?
Coronavirus is found in animals and can be transmitted from animals to humans in very rare cases, which has happened in the world right now! It belongs to the family of viruses responsible for the common cold.
What causes COVID-19 infection?
Your chances of being afflicted by the virus increase if you come in contact with the inflicted person. It can spread through bodily fluids, cough droplets, and sneeze. You become vulnerable to the virus by or touching something an inflicted person has touched and then touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
How to know if you have been inflicted by COVID-19?
The symptoms of the virus range from mild to severe. It takes 2-14 days for the signs to show up. Some of the primary symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
People with a weak immune system can develop severe symptoms like bronchitis or pneumonia.
If you experience any of the signs of coronavirus, then visit a doctor immediately. It is better to call your doctor first to report your symptoms and to decide the next step. Your doctor will conduct various tests to diagnose you. It is advisable to stay in isolation until the test reports come.
How to Prevent coronavirus?
It is possible to stop the virus from spreading if you stay vigilant. Some of the measures to keep the virus at bay are:
- First things first, if you are sick, then stay at home and avoid going to crowded places.
- Do not come in contact with people who are sick and try to maintain a minimum of three feet distance from people who are sneezing or coughing.
- We can stress at this point enough! Please, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Start cleanliness with your home! And what better than using disinfectants?
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
- Do we need to mention this? Cover your mouth and nose with masks when you are out
- Hand sanitizers are your good friends! Use 60% alcohol containing sanitizers to keep your hands clean.
Summing it all up
No need to push the panic button! The government is taking all the necessary steps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. The current situation is being monitored to keep the general public safe. The cellular company, Jio has initiated ÔÇ£health tune advisoryÔÇØ to spread the awareness of this deadly virus. BSNL is sending messages to the users suggesting preventive measures. The administration has set up isolation wards for the ones under observation.
As they say, ÔÇ£prevention is better than cureÔÇØ. It is better to take baby steps in keeping the virus at bay. The chances of spreading COVID-19 can be minimized by 100 % if you follow the above mentioned preventive measures.
So, keep yourself and your family safe and donÔÇÖt forget your masks and sanitizers!