Coronavirus: Symptoms and Prevention

At least 132 people have died victims of Coronavirus, and nearly 6000 new cases have been reported in China.

Today, the American government has confirmed five cases: two in California, one in Arizona, one in Washington, and one in Illinois.

With the growing rates and possible risk of the outbreak, we will share with you all you need to know about the new Chinese virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

These viruses were originally transmitted from animals to people. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), was reportedly transmitted from civet cats, while the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was blamed on camels.

Coronavirus is believed to have originated at the seafood market of Wuhan and nearby cities in Hubei province, and it has been mostly associated with bat meat consumption.

As stated by the World Health Organization, Coronavirus symptomatology includes:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Pneumonia.
• And in severe cases, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Symptoms of milder coronavirus cases can be “somewhat indistinguishable” from the flu. However, experts say travel history plays the biggest role in determining whether you have flu or cold-like symptoms versus the coronavirus. If you haven’t traveled to Wuhan, China, or if you have not been in close contact with someone from Wuhan, China or its nearby areas, you’re likely in the clear.

There currently is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus, however, experts say the best way to prevent the spread of illnesses from respiratory viruses is the same measures used to prevent other viral diseases like influenza. 

Prevention measures include:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
• If traveling to China, avoiding animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Remaining at home when individuals have symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, diarrhea and chills.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Remember, prevention is always the best way of caring. 

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