The end of 2019 and the start of 2020 saw the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus that has claimed about 3200 lives approximately and the number is rising with each passing day. The coronavirus that has similar symptoms, as that of flu has become a pandemic in a very short period causing panic globally. The fact that scientists are not yet able to make its antidote has made people more worried about it.

However, there is no need to panic, as there are cases of about 51000 people recovering from it. However, this figure varies even as you are reading this article. Nevertheless, one should be well informed about the coronavirus and must be educated on how to prevent it as the cure is yet not available. The prevention of this virus simply lies in maintaining personal hygiene. Do you wish to know how? Let’s have a detailed look at it.

Background

Coronavirus was named COVID-19 by the health organizations because they did not want it to be known as a virus that originated in a specific place. However, the roots of the virus are said to be in Wuhan China. Coronavirus is a family of virus that affects the respiratory tracts. If we dig deeper, the coronavirus belongs to the “Orthocoronavirinae” which is a subgroup of Coronaviridae. Therefore, to tell you in simple terms, the coronavirus is a huge group but only a few are fatal to us namely SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 i.e. the coronavirus.

 The coronaviruses are a type of zoonotic virus. This means that it spreads to humans for animals and vice versa.  The two siblings of COVID- 19 i.e. SARS and MERS were actually transmitted to humans by cats and camels respectively. In the early stages of its discovery, it was found in chicken. Hence, people are restraining to eat chicken. By now, as you read this, the approximate number of reported cases of COVID-19 is 95,046.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Now, it is a bit difficult to know whether it is COVID-19 or the normal flue because the symptoms appear to be almost the same. Therefore, since it’s a pandemic, you must get yourself tested as soon as you feel you have the flu.

The symptoms include

•       Fever
•       Cough
•       Cold
•       Aches And Pains
•       Nasal Congestion
•       Runny Nose
•       Sore Throat
•       Diarrhea

People having autoimmune diseases are more prone to coronavirus. The severe symptoms of coronavirus are

•       Pneumonia
•       Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
•       Kidney failure

The virus takes 2 to 5 days to show extreme results. Get medical help as soon as you feel any kind of doubt regarding your health.

How Does COVID-19 Spread?

Before we go on how to prevent the virus from spreading, it is important that you know how it transfers from person to person. The infection of the novel coronavirus spreads through the air. When a person carrying the virus sneezes, coughs or spread any kind of salivary droplets to you by the means of mouth or nose, you get into the risk of getting COVID-19. However, it is also possible to get this virus from stationary objects that are used by many people. Moreover, people having no symptoms of coronavirus can also spread this disease or you might catch up with the disease from someone who has the flu. You might also catch the disease from surfaces. Therefore, it is important that you don’t touch surfaces in public areas.

What Can I Do To Protect Myself And Prevent The Spread Of Disease?

There are some precautionary measures that you need to follow in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. For this,

•       Wash your hands each time whenever you get in contact with any foreign object or anything that had been touched by bare human hands. You can also use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds for the virus to die.
•       Try to keep 1 meter or 3 feet distance from anyone who shows signs of coronavirus.
•       Avoid fidgeting your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands. These are the places where viruses enter into your body.
•       Avoid going to areas that have a denser population. Try staying home.
•       Try to avoid going out if you show signs of corona so that you don’t infect the healthy ones.
•       If you are traveling abroad, avoid going to countries that have a huge breakout of this virus.
•       Use face masks while going out and cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing so that you don't spread the virus.

It is important that you understand the significance of maintaining hygiene. Always wash your hands, legs and face after you go back home from any place that you have visited. If you are traveling, Try to avoid visiting countries like China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran, as these are the most affected areas right now.  We conclude by saying that there is no need to panic. Take the preventive measures mentioned above and stay alert.