Prevention Is Better Than Cure, this is the universal truth which has always stood right all along. But this time of the year when deadly coronavirus is spreading the misery it’s time to take this more seriously, especially because there is no medicine which has been found to be curative till now.
CORONA “VIRUS”: This virus got its name because of how he looks under the microscope lens. The crown like projections on the surface of the virus made it be named as coronavirus. It is a relatively large virus and can travel to a distance of 3 feet and hence comes the first precaution. STAND ATLEAST 3 FEET AWAY FROM ANYONE WITH SYMPTOMS.
The full genome of the virus has been posted by Chinese authorities and been names “Novel coronavirus 2019 (mCoV-2019)”
The first cases of these were found in the sea market of Wuhan, China. Still the start of the virus is being speculated while some believing it to be coming from bats or Chinese krait or Chinese kobra.
SPREAD: the coronavirus is spreading all across the world at a rapid speed. Recently 1 case was reported in Kerala in a girl who was studying medicine in Wuhan, she is stable as of now. 9 out of dozen cases in Mumbai, which were quarantined(isolated), in the suspicion of having the virus were found disease free.
The government has issues safety policy and measured to prevent spread of this deadly virus in our country.
SYMPTOMS:
Coronavirus presents with flu like symptoms with cold, cough, headache, fever, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, fatigue.
Recently, American Academy of Ophthalmology issued report saying coronavirus can cause conjunctivitis.
STEPS FOR PREVENTION AS ISSUED BY WHO.
Washing hands is the most important even when you choose to wear a mask. Wash your hands with water and soap for atleast 20 seconds. In case soap and water is not available, use sanitizer containing atleast 60% alcohol.
Along with this in the places where cases has been found to test positive, choose to wear a mask. To know which mask to wear, we provide the following guidelines:
There are basically two types of masks
- TRIPLE- LAYER SURGICAL MASK: It is a standard mask designed to block liquid droplets and reduce the risk the risk of catching viruses from another person. The outer and innermost layers are made of non- woven fabric while the middle layer is made of special meltdown material.
- N95 RESPIRATOR: Gives better protection as designed to prevent 95% of small particles from entering nose and mouth. Its 3 layers are made of special material to block out smoke and microbes of less than 0.3 microns, ”but” viruses are smaller. Also they work only if fit properly and not suitable for children or people with facial hair. N95 is best for healthcare workers, and not for patients as they make it more difficult for a person to breathe.
TIMES OF INDIA
(01.02.2020), MUMBAI
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Om Srivastava said “Only people in healthcare settings who are constantly going to be around infected people need N95 mask”
Wear your mask the right way.