CORONA VIRUS

by VIVEK KUMAR GUPTA on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in PHARMACY

CORONAVIRUS causes infection in nose, sinuses, or upper throat. It was first identified in the 1960s. It was named so due to its crown-like shape. It can infect both animals and humans. Most corona viruses are not dangerous but some of its types are serious, though.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of most corona viruses are same as of Upper respiratory infection like runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes fever. In most cases, it’s difficult to identify between corona virus or a different cold-causing virus, such as rhinovirus. It can also cause middle ear infections in children.

In older people, people having heart disease or with weakened immune systems it can cause pneumonia, if it spreads to the lower respiratory tract i.e. to air pipe and lungs.

Most Corona virus spreads the same way like other cold-causing viruses that is by touching or using the things of infected person or by coughing and sneezing.

DIAGNOSIS

Various lab tests, including nose and throat cultures and blood tests can be done to find out whether it’s a normal cold infection or Corona virus infection.

TREATMENT

Till date there is no vaccine for Corona virus. To help prevent Corona virus infection precautionary measures can only be taken like:

1. Properly washing hands with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Avoid contact of dirty hands with eyes, nose and mouth.

3. Avoid close contact with infected people.

4. Take rest

5. Stay hydrated

6. Over-the-counter medicine can be taken to relieve sore throat and fever

7. To ease sore throat humidifier or steamy shower can be taken.

NEWS

In 2012 in Saudi Arabia, around 858 people died from Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) after that in other countries of the Middle East like Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In April 2014 in Indiana the first American was infected by MERS and another case was reported in Florida. They both have returned from Saudi Arabia.

In May 2015 in Korea MERS was reported and it was the largest outbreak outside the Arabian Peninsula.

In early 2020 in China was infected hugely reports of infection came but it was of an new novel type Corona virus identified by World Health Organization (2019-nCoV).

You tube Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aerq4byr7ps&feature=youtu.be

AUTHOR:

Ms. Simran Girdhar

(Assistant Professor, Geeta Institute of Pharmacy)