Before even diving into this topic, it is important to first understand the nature of the 2019_nCoV or Wuhan Coronavirus. Only then can we look into preventive measures and treatment options. This is exactly what we’re going to do today
What is a Coronavirus?
A Coronavirus is a virus that commonly causes diseases in mammals and birds. They usually cause respiratory infections in Humans. It is so named because of their appearance that looks like a crown or halo.
The 2019-nCoV (Wuhan Virus) isn’t the only Coronavirus we’ve encountered. The SARS and MERS diseases are also caused by different coronavirus strains.
It binds and enters healthy cells, taking over the replication machinery to reproduce more viruses. Then exits the cell to infect other healthy cells
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Symptoms
Common symptoms for the 2019-nCoV are:
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Chills
• Headache
• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Fatigue
• Soreness
• Shortness of Breath
• Wheezing
According to current observations, symptoms can appear as early as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. As such, two weeks of isolation is best.
What Should I do?
First and foremost, do not panic. Amidst all the shocking news, know that if not allowed to perpetuate, the body can survive an attack. What we can do is to be conscientious, maintain preventive measures and stay alert for developments.
PREVENT
• Avoid places suspected of Coronavirus infection. Please refer to https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan for an update on suspected places.
• Observe personal hygiene by washing your hands after handling raw food or after going to the toilet.
• Use hand sanitizers to keep your hands clean.
• Avoid consuming raw foods (Especially meat)
• Avoid contact with animals, especially those that roam free. Any mammal/bird could carry the virus.
• Wear a surgical mask when going to public places or places with a lot of people (parties, social dancing, work etc.).
• Observe personal hygiene by washing your hands after handling raw food or after going to the toilet.
• Use hand sanitizers to keep your hands clean.
• Avoid consuming raw foods (Especially meat)
• Avoid contact with animals, especially those that roam free. Any mammal/bird could carry the virus.
• Wear a surgical mask when going to public places or places with a lot of people (parties, social dancing, work etc.).
ISOLATE
(I am sick or I think I am sick)
• If you have recently returned from China (especially Wuhan) or were present at places suspected to have infections, AND you are showing the symptoms above, please visit a hospital immediately.
• If you have the symptoms above please try to stay home and isolate yourself for at least 2 weeks. This is because a person can be asymptomatic up to 2 weeks after infection.
• Wear a mask even at home.
• Avoid contact with people AND animals, especially with exchange of fluids.
• If you have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes etc.), and you show symptoms above, please visit a hospital. Many of lethal cases involve people with compromised immune systems or have co-morbidities.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and wash your hands direct after you cough or sneeze into it.
• If you have recently returned from China (especially Wuhan) or were present at places suspected to have infections, AND you are showing the symptoms above, please visit a hospital immediately.
• If you have the symptoms above please try to stay home and isolate yourself for at least 2 weeks. This is because a person can be asymptomatic up to 2 weeks after infection.
• Wear a mask even at home.
• Avoid contact with people AND animals, especially with exchange of fluids.
• If you have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes etc.), and you show symptoms above, please visit a hospital. Many of lethal cases involve people with compromised immune systems or have co-morbidities.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and wash your hands direct after you cough or sneeze into it.
Stay tuned for an article on the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective viruses.
Stay healthy and alert. God bless you.
