A newly identified Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV has been spreading in China and several other countries. As there is a continuous increase in the number of confirmed cases and deaths, health officials are working on all fronts to learn more about the virus and how to control its spread. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the 2019-nCoV or the Novel coronavirus.
What is a Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV virus?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
A coronavirus is a common virus that causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses such as common cold, sinus infection, etc.
As of 27 January 2020, more than 4500 confirmed cases of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and 106 deaths have been reported. Other cases with a growing number have been detected in China, U.S.A, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea.
How is the Novel Coronavirus spreading?
The primary mode of transmission of the novel coronavirus seems to be from animal to human.
Person to person spread of the novel coronavirus is occurring via:
1) The air (droplets from a cough or sneeze)
2) Close personal contact (touching or shaking hands)
3) An object or surface infected with viral particles (then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands)
4) Rarely from fecal contamination
What are the symptoms of Novel Coronavirus?
People with low immunity,who have been affected with cardiopulmonary disease, infants, and older adults are more prone to have coronavirus infection.
The symptoms of novel coronavirus infection are similar to those of a common cold, there is no unique characteristic symptom to differentiate it.
A person infected with 2019-nCoV develops mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
• Fever
• Cough
• Running nose
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
In more severe cases, the infection can cause the following symptoms:-
– Pneumonia
– Acute respiratory distress
– Renal failure
– Death in severe cases.
The probable incubation period is between 2 and 14 days, however it is not yet confirmed. .
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Is there a vaccine for Novel Coronavirus?
There is no vaccine currently available for novel coronavirus.
What are the preventive measures against Novel Coronavirus?
Follow these tips to prevent coronavirus infection:
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed infected hands.
• Avoid close personal contact with infected people.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth or nose while coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
Avoid being exposed to this virus is the best way to prevent infection.
What are the treatments for Novel coronavirus?
– Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments recommended for illnesses caused by a novel coronavirus.
– Supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Take rest and drink lots of fluids.
– Hot shower or humidifiers may help in relieving sore throat or cough. People with severe symptoms should consult their health care provider immediately.
– Conventional medications can only provide supportive management with pain or fever reducing medicines such as paracetamol.
– As people with low immunity are more prone to catch the infection so it is important to boost your immune system.
– Homeopathy medications help in strengthening the body’s immune system. Homeopathy treatment enables the body to heal naturally.
– Homeopathy medicines not only reduce the current symptoms such as fever, pain, weakness, etc it also helps in reducing further complications.
– Moreover, homeopathy medicines also help in preventing the infection and its efficacy has been seen previously in viral infections like swine flu in symptomatic management as well as prophylaxis.
The commonly indicated Homeopathic remedies for Coronavirus are: –
• OSCILLOCOCCINUM
• Arsenic Album
• INFLUENZINUM
**However, for best results contact a Qualified Homeopathic doctor so that correct medicines can be prescribed.