Corona viruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The name Corona Virus comes from the fact that it has kind of a crown look to it. They are transmitted between animals and people. The new strain is called COVID-19 and produces acute respiratory disease (novel coronavirus), and it had no previously been identified in humans.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
This new virus appears to be spreading from person to person. It appears to be spread by respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, but it's unclear exactly how it spreads. This virus is new, so not much is known about it yet.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS VIRUS?
The symptoms can be mild to severe. Common symptoms and signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. A vaccine isn't currently available.
WHAT TO DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD?
The WHO and CDC recommend the following:
ü Wash your hands often with soap and water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
ü Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
ü Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean. This may be the main contributing factor to spread of the disease.
ü Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
ü Clean surfaces that you touch often. A bleach solution of 1/3 cup per gallon of water is recommended by the CDC
ü Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
ü Check with your health care provider if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and tell him or her about any recent travel.
ü Avoid eating raw meat or animal organs.
If you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had cases of the new coronavirus, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.
TREATMENT OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE
Basically there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Supportive treatments may be given and these may include:
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fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration
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medication to reduce a fever (Tylenol is best)
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supplemental oxygen in more severe cases
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those having a hard time breathing may need a ventilator
Other treatments that are being investigated include:
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Remdesivir, an experimental broad spectrum antiviral.
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Chloroquine, a drug used to fight Malaria and autoimmune disease.
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Lopinavir and Ritonavir sold under the name of Kaletra and used for HIV.
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APNO1, protect the lungs from injury due to respiratory distress.
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Flavilavir, approved by China to treat symptoms of COVI-19 such as nose and throat inflammation.
WHAT SHOULD WE ALL DO IF WE BELIEVE WE HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
It is important we realize some people may contract the virus and not develop symptoms! But can transmit it! This is very important to keep in mind!!
Now if you think you have symptoms, gauge how likely is that you have come in contact with the virus by traveling or living in a high risk region and if so:
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Call your doctor first and follow his instructions first and foremost.
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Stay at home! If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another type of viral infection, stay home and get plenty of rest. Be sure to stay away from other people and avoid sharing items like drinking glasses, utensils, keyboards, and phones.
WHEN DO YOU NEED MEDICAL CARE?
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Young and healthy patients with mild symptoms. Your doctor will advise isolation, good hydration, and limiting contact with others in your household, rest and check your temperature.
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Individual with higher risk (65 y/o or over, diabetics, COPD, immune compromised) should be more concerned and contact your doctor at your earliest symptoms.
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If your symptoms worsen with home care, it’s important to get prompt medical care. Call your local hospital, clinic, or urgent care to let them know you’ll be coming in, and wear a face mask once you leave your home. You can also call 911 for immediate medical attention.
SOME VITAMINS AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS TO CONSIDER.
There are some that recommend some product that may increase or improve immune response such as for example Vit.C, Vit.E, Vit B6, CoQ10, and Quercetin.
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