China Flu Virus Outbreak : Symptoms, Danger and Precautions

Recent outbreak of coronavirus "2019-nCoV" in China  has killed 26 people and infected around 830 people till 24 Jan 2020. Very first case of the flu caused by this new strain of coronavirus was reported during December end in a seafood market in Wuhan. On 23rd Jan all types of travel in and out of Wuhan have been stopped, to prevent the further spread. This preventive measure taken by China has made people of other countries, a bit fearful and eager to know more about this virus and what they can do prevent themselves.

Good thing is that  WHO is keenly looking into this matter and described the travel ban as "very strong" measure to prevent the outbreak.

What is Coronavirus ?

Coronavirus is a flu-virus that causes common cold, but this new strain named "2019-nCoV" is latest one which is never observed before. Prior to this outbreak in 2000s, another coronavirus named "SARS" (severe acute respiratory syndrome) killed around 800 people around the globe. Thats why China want to end this epidemic with least mortality.

Cold virus can't survive more than 24 hours outside human body, so if you have got a package arriving from China then you may rest assured that it won't infect you.

Origin of Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

As told earlier, this virus outbreak strarted from a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Current research suggest that 2019-nCoV came from an animal, possibly snakes. Previous coronavirus SARS also originated in China from bats and civet cats.

UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) says  "You should also avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)". Apart from other precautionary measures this advice should also be followed. 

Symptoms of Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

This virus infects lungs and infection usually starts with fever and cough. It can cause breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. CDC believes that symptoms of infection may become visible within 2 to 14 days of exposure to this coronavirus. Once a person has successfully recovered from
these symptoms, he/she should not be considered as a possible threat to infect others.

Treatment of Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Infection

There is no vaccine to prevent you from this virus. Just like any other viral infection, treating the symptoms is common in treating any viral infection. Researchers across the globe are already researching this new strain, but it may take some time to make a preventive vaccine.

Precautions to stay safe

• Wash your hands regularly
• cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing
• Use thoroughly cooked meat and eggs
• Close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness should be avoided

Wearing a face mask may save you from direct hit of sneeze, but it doesn't secure your eyes from possible exposure. Similarly a normal surgical mask don't protect you fully from the air coming inwards from sides of mask. 

We hope that this coronavirus won't spread further and strong steps taken by China will help other people around the globe in staying safe.