Everything You Need To Know About Coronavirus

The outbreak of Coronavirus has begun form December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is a cousin of the SARS virus that has infected hundreds. This virus was decoded by Scientist Leo Poon, who concluded that the condition started in an animal and had further spread to humans. It causes Pneumonia and resistant to antibiotic treatment, which is a known fact about the virus.

Know The Virus Coronavirus

This virus is common among animals. In rare cases, which is called zoonotic by scientists. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that these viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Symptoms

The condition shows common symptoms as given below:

1. Moderate upper respiratory tract illness
2.  Common cold
3.  Runny nose
4. Cough
5. Sore throat
6. Headache
7.  Fever

People with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of severe effects as mentioned below:

1. Pneumonia or bronchitis
2. Diarrhea
3.  Fatigue
4.  Shortness of breath
5.  Respiratory distress 
6.  Kidney failure

Transmission

Coronavirus at Wuhan can spread from human contact with animals. According to WHO, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome started in camels and civet cats were blamed for the SARS virus. It usually transmitted when someone comes into contact with the secretions of an infected person. Depending on the virus, it can be transmitted through touch or by touching something that an infected person has touched. 

Treatment

The treatment for this condition is not specific. Usually, symptoms will go away on their own. At the primary stage, the doctor may prescribe medication of Pneumonia. According to CDC, a room humidifier or a hot shower can also help with a sore throat or cough. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and sleep as much as possible.

Prevention

Vaccination is not available for this virus. The risk of the infection can be reduced by avoiding people who are sick. Following are some common ways to reduce the risk:

1. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
2. Wash hands often with soap and water usually for at least 20 seconds
3. Stay home. Avoid crowds and contact with others while feeling sick
4. Mouth and nose shall be covered while coughing or sneezing
5. Disinfect the objects and surfaces before touching

Coronavirus And Pregnancy

In pregnant women, the infection of MERS and SARS coronaviruses are more serious. It can lead to a stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, maternal death, or critical maternal illness.

Cats, Dogs And Other Animals

This virus can be caught by pets and infection can be more severe. It can lead to feline infectious peritonitis in cats and dogs. None of the infected cats or dogs develop symptoms.

The feline Coronavirus is asymptomatic but can lead to mild diarrhea. This condition in cats shows flu-like signs for a cat, or sometimes can cause organ failure. FIP is not contagious and will not spread from animal to animal or person to person. Pantropic canine coronavirus is one of the viruses which can be fatal to dogs and doesn't seem to spread to humans.