Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses found in animals as well as humans. Being zoonotic, Coronavirus is transmitted between animals and people. Some of them can infect people and are known to cause something as basic as the common cold to even severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

What is the novel coronavirus?

Novel Coronavirus (CoV), also known as 2019-nCoV, is a new or a novel strain of Coronavirus that had not been previously detected in humans before its outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

The common symptoms of Coronovirus include cough, fever, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and other respiratory problems. However, in more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Preventive measures

• Wash your hands regularly with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• In case of fever, cough or/and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately
• When sneezing and coughing, do cover your nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact as much as possible with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness
• Don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water after touching animals and animal products
• Make sure to avoid any contact with other animals in the market like stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats, etc.
• Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. Consume meat and eggs only after cooking them thoroughly.

Coronavirus Myths Busted

Myth

Antibiotics are potent in preventing and treating the new coronavirus

Fact

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria do. However, if someone is hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, he/she may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Myth

Only children and old people are susceptible to Coronavirus

Fact

People of all the ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). But, children, elderly as well as other people who already have pre-existing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc. are more vulnerable to fall prey to this Chinese virus.

Myth

Vaccines used for treating Pneumonia can also safeguard against Coronavirus

Fact

Contrary to popular beliefs, vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) that is used for treating Pneumonia does not protect you against the new Coronavirus.