Corona virus infection : Is it necessary to get panic

Dr. Aparna Khulbey

Corona virus belongs to large family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease such as severe acute respiratory syndrome especially in vulnerable population.

COVID 19 is the new strain of virus not previously identified.
Corona virus are zoonotic meaning they are transmitted between animal and people.

Common Symptoms 

Fever, sore throat, cold, cough, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty
Severe cases present with Pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, acute cardiac injury, kidney failure and even death.

Incubation Period For Virus :

The time between catching the viral infection and showing symptoms of disease. It is between one and 14 days for corona virus

Courses of Illness :

Current mortality rate due to viral infection is approximately 1.4 to 2% among people those who are tested positive. Many patients are aymptomatic and also have mild symptoms. The course of illness is more similar to severe seasonal inflenza.

The morbidity and mortality is high among elderly people and patients with co existing disease.

Safety Measures :

• Avoid handshake. Follow the culture of Namaskar.
• Wash hands frequently with soap water
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Use hand sanitizer
• Follow cough etiquette
• Maintain safe food practices i.e. eat well cooked hygienic food
• Avoid travel to farm, live animal markets and slaughter house
• If in doubt contact nearest government centre

Facts Of Corona Virus Infection

Corona virus do not sustain on objects for long period of time. The virus survives for 48 hrs.
It is transmitted by unsanitary meat products. Direct contact with pets does not cause the viral infection.
No specific treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infection
There is no vaccine yet available for corona virus infection.
Mortality rate is around 2% in the epicentre of outbreak i.e. Hubei province of China and even less than that elsewhere. Seasonal flu has a mortality rate nearly 1 to 2%.

It is important to take precaution. Do not get panic and do not try to spread rumours.