Coronavirus: Symptoms and Preventive Measure
The virus which is known for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease. “CO” means corona and “VI” means the virus. This virus is from the same family of the respiratory syndrome and some type of common cold. Coronavirus is declaring as a Public Emergency of International Concern (PEIC). Now, this virus is spreading to almost all countries and territories. This virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of infected from touching an infected object or touching their face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Precautions are necessary to prevent from spreading from people to people. This virus does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, gender, or age.
The best way to prevent ourselves and slow down transmission is to be well informed about this virus. We should know about the disease its causes and how it spread. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands, using sanitizer, and not touching face frequently. Until now there are no specific vaccines or treatments for coronavirus. But there are many ongoing experiments and clinical trials for potential treatments. Stay updated with the World Health Organization (WHO) where they provide educational material and others updated about COVID-19
Most people with good immunity power will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without any treatment or ventilator. But those people who have other medical problems then the virus will attack faster and more likely to develop serious illness. COVID-19 is most likely to spread when infected person sough or sneezed. So, for the proper prevention always use a mask
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. In more serious conditions, an infection can cause pneumonia or difficulty in breathing. These symptoms are similar to flu (influenza) or common cold which are a lot more common then COVID-19. So, until testing, we will not know if we have a corona infection or not.
Common symptoms:
- fever.
- dry cough.
- tiredness.
- aches and pains.
- sore throat.
- diarrhea.
- headache.
- loss of taste or smell.
Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- chest pain or pressure.
- loss of speech or movement.
Prevention
However, there is no treatment until now but we have to take care and follow preventive measures to stop getting infected. There are several clinical experiments of COVID-19 but until now there is no authorized vaccine. To stop getting an infection and slow transmission of COVID-19, here are some points to follow
- Wash your hand with shop frequently or clean with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid touching face especially when you are going out of the home.
- Maintain a 1-meter distance between peoples.
- Stay home id you feel unwell.
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing.
- Always do exercise of your lung and do not smoke.
- Dispose of used tissue immediately.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
How to test a virus?
Generally, there is two way to taste the coronavirus, they are molecular or serological tests.
Molecular tests
Molecular tests are done in signs of an active infection. They usually involve taking samples from the nose or throat with a cotton swab. Then, the doctor sends the sample for further testing. Then the sample will undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PCR test will detect victims’ signs of virus genetic material.
The PCR test will confirm the analysis of COVID-19 of it recognizes two specific SARS-Cov 2 genes. If it identifies only one of these genes then the result will be produced indecisive. The molecular test only diagnoses the current COVID-19 case but cannot tell whether someone has had an infection and since recovered.
Serological tests
The serological test detects the antibody which is producing by your body to fight the virus. This antibody will be there in anyone who had recovered from COVID-19. There can be found in blood and tissue through the body. So, the serological test will be done by taking blood samples. This test is done for detection cases of infection with mild or no symptoms. The samples will take approximately 21 days after symptoms first developed.