Corona virus (CoV) is not a new pathogen to humans, these pathogens have been infecting humans since 1960. Once infected by corona virus mostly causes respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal infections and other symptoms may be like from common cold to severe respiratory infections and breathing issues.
Few other viral outbreaks are caused due to zoonotic corona viruses i.e. viral diseases transmitted from animals. The epidemic infectious scenarios which happened in 2003 cause of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) & Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. Detailed investigations by various bodies revealed that SARS Corona virus (CoV) was transmitted from civet cats to humans whilst MERS CoV was transmitted from camels.
The current outbreak happening since 2019 from Chinese state of Wuhan is named as Covid 19.
How to identify COVID 19?
World health organization WHO publishes the following symptoms from recorded cases around the globe. Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Prevention from the disease:
Currently there is no vaccination presently, the best way to escape from COVID 19 is prevention. Our body is though new to this COVID 19 usually human bodies immune system fights against such pathogens effectively. There are layers of immune defence mechanism via which our body protects itself such as innate immune system and adaptive immune system. When a pathogen enters our body, initial action will be from innate immune system which is present with all living organisms like plants also. After the encounter of innate immunity and pathogens, if pathogens manage to evade action by innate immune system next level immunity is triggered which is adaptive immune system. Further adaptive acts against the pathogens and its mode of actions are stored in its memory for future references and action.
So on of the effective methods will be to boost the immune system. Increase the intake of following immune boosting foods and herbs.
- Vitamin C rich foods Amla, Chywanaprash, Citrus fruits proven to increase immunity.
- Use a lot of pepper, garlic, dry ginger these bases of spices for immunity
- Use decoctions of Nilavembu kudineer which has proven track records in dengue fever and endorsed by Tamil Nadu Health Department.
- Consume warm foods always.
- Include a lot of turmeric in food.
Advice from World health organization:
Clean your hands often
- Use alcoholic hand sanitizer use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
- If sick isolate yourself stay back home.
- Wear a face mask
- Cover face while sneezing
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
- Use disinfectant with 70% alcohol to spray for disinfection.
- Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
-
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR - 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against corona viruses when properly diluted.
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