Novel Corona Virus Infection

Different strains of corona viruses are identified to be present in many species of animals. Virus mutation has resulted to human infection with Corona viruses. Corona virus infection in humans can transfer from one person to another. Recent examples of human corona virus infection are SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively in 2003 and 2012.

Just after Christmas, China health authorities identified a new strain of Corona virus – Novel Corona virus (2019-nCoV) – in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It resulted to close to 300 confirmed cases in early January 2020. The growing number of cases in China fast-spread to another continent and has human infection in Europe. On January 21, 2020 the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first case of Novel Corona virus infection in the United States.

What is Corona virus?

Corona viruses were described for the first time in the 1960s. They were identified in the nasal cavity and nasal washings of people who are suffering from common cold. Thus, Corona virus can cause just a common cold. In simpler terms: Corona viruses, including the newly identified “Novel Corona” virus, can cause common cold.

Why then is there a need for Corona virus alarm?

Corona viruses, while they cause just the common cold or perhaps just a common and ordinary self-limiting febrile condition, can also be an impending cause for pneumonia. And when people and experts talk about pneumonia, one thing is certain: Pneumonia can be a cause of death. By simple logic: There is a need for corona viruses information and prevention campaign because Corona viruses, including the Novel Corona virus, can cause pneumonia, that which, in severe cases, can be a cause of death.

Bracing Youself Against Novel Corona Virus Infection

1. Wash hands often. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Preventing the Spread of the Disease

1. If you are sick or you feel that you are about to get sick, just stay at home. Stay at home while you are sick.

2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the waste can and wash your hands.

3. Avoid close contact with people who are suffering from fever and cold.

4. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects.

Treatment

There is no treatment for Novel Corona virus infection. People infected with the virus recover on their own. If you are mildly sick, stay at home and rest. Drink plenty of fruit juices and water. It is safe to take a shower. Take paracetamol for pain and fever.