Novel corona virus disease (COVID-19)
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that range from the common cold to severe acute respiratory symptoms
Incubation period – it appears that the symptoms are showing up in people within 14 days of exposure to the virus
Origin – it appears in Wuhan a city of China on Dec 19
Source – Bats (presumably) and pangolins
Symptoms
- Cough
- Fever shortness of breath
- Muscles ache
- Sore throat
- Unexplained loss of taste and smell
- Diarrhea
- Headache
In severe cases, it may lead to severe respiratory failure or death.
Clinical diagnosis – It may be difficult
May appear similar to flu or a bad cold
Prevention –
- stay home
- keep safe distance
- wash hands often
- cover your cough
- If feel sick call on helpline no’s
Diet – increase your immunity
- Takes plenty of fluids intake
- Seasonal fruits
- Seasonal vegetables
- Increase protein intake from dal, sprouts, and paneer
- Add tulsi, ginger, dalchini in your tea
Precaution for fruits & vegetables:-
- Wash with water
- Keep them in sun after buying for at least 4 hours or wash with water & baking soda (soak them for 15min and then rinse)
Do’s
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol based hand wash
- Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue
- Flex your elbow when you cough and sneeze
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell (1meter to 3 feet distance to be maintained)
- Stay home and self-isolate form other in the household if you feel unwell
Don’t
- Don’t touch your eyes nose or mouth with your hands
Treatment – there is no specific medicine or vaccine to prevent or treat coronavirus disease
High risk
- Children
- Elderly (above 60 years)
- Any chronic illness
- h/o lung disease
- H/o diabetes
- H/o kidney disease
- Pregnant females
- Patient with low immunity (cancer patient)
- Travel history in the past
- Contact with COVID-19 patient
Diagnosis – Nasopharyngeal swab is taken by health care workers
Early recognition of symptoms with prompt testing would result in early diagnosis in incipient stage