Experts believe the conversion of Novel Coronavirus, from a common disease to a Pandemic impacting the entire world, is because of Global Warming. Why Global warming? It’s because this is modifying the water cycle, promoting heavy rainfalls, humidity rates are higher and becoming one of the main reasons for frequent floods. So, when the temperatures are high leading to more humidity, this accelerates the breeding of pathogens leading to the generation of various kinds of viruses. We have heard about the massive outbreak that started in the month of December 2019, which has led to more than 2900 deaths and more than 87000 people have been infected across the world.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
It is one of a family of viruses that can cause diseases in birds and mammals. In humans, it causes illnesses that include common cold that converts into severe forms like SARS and MERS, which are life-threatening. It causes mild respiratory tract infections, which, if not detected in the early stages can lead to acute lung infections. WHO has named this virus as COVID-19, where CO stands for Corona, VI for Virus, D for disease and 2019 for the year of its origination. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been identified in humans previously.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS IF YOU GET INFECTED?
Symptoms in humans can show up from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Watch for:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Body aches
If your fever does not come down and the cold continues, your doctor may ask you to go for a lab test. He can also recommend you to stay home to avoid spreading the infection.
Being a highly contagious disease, you should take the following precautions you need to take to avoid getting infected or spreading infections:
- Wash your hands with medicated soap and water at least for 20 seconds to minimize your infection risk. The best way to prevent it is to wash your hands as often as possible.
- Do not touch your hands on your eyes, nose and mouth. There might be chances that you may have come into contact with the coronavirus through the surface like a handle, doorknob or tabletop.
- Maintain a distance from people who have a cold and cough. Sneezing and coughing release the virus into the air and the chances of you catching the infection are high.
- If you have a cold and cough, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Ensure that you protect others by restricting the spread of germs.
- Stop trying home remedies and visit a doctor immediately if you have a cold, cough or fever. Don’t take your health casually. Remember, “Precaution is always better than cure.”
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR THIS VIRUS?
There is no verified treatment for Novel Coronavirus. If identified at an early stage, doctors may give you treatment suitable as per the symptoms. There is no vaccination available yet to prevent this disease.
It’s high time that we humans should start respecting our environment and be humane towards nature. Remember that what we sow is what we reap. Disturbing the environment for our selfish purposes is likely to bounce back on us someday. Always remember that “You have a give and take relationship with Mother Nature.”
Tip: If you are not well and going into your doctor’s office, make sure that you wear a facemask to prevent spreading the infection.