Corona virus has become a big hurdle to the medical field. It had already wiped off 425 lives in china. With this scenario, its important to know about the virus and prevent yourself from getting infected. This article can help you with it.

Corona viruses are spherical or pleomorphic enveloped RNA viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from common cold to severe conditions like SARS, MERS etc.Their envelope possess certain spikes which resembles the solar corona, hence the name corona virus. Corona viruses were first isolated back in 1937 from the birds suffering bronchitis.

The virus that hit china today is a new mutated form of corona virus. The organism is known as 2019 novel corona virus (2019-nCoV). Such a virus never occurred in human beings. As a cause, no particular treatment or vaccination are found so far. The virus is believed to be transmitted from some animals but the exact source is still unidentified. From reports, the disease was transmitted to about 24 different countries from china. In Order to prevent virus spread, airports are being strictly monitored.
How does the virus behave?
These viruses infect the respiratory system. The human corona virus were first isolated from nasal secretions of infected persons. The infectious period in humans occurs during winter season and at the beginning of spring . Symptoms can vary from mild fever, common cold to severe conditions like SARS, pneumonia and kidney failure, which can often lead to death. It takes about 14 days for the virus to exhibits symptoms and are hence known as the incubation period of the virus. Once infected, the person may experience fever and common cold for 2-4 days. The antibodies for corona virus does not exist for long in the person's body. As a cause, there is a chance for reinfection within 4 months of recovery.

Symptoms

The infected person may exhibit fever and common cold for 2-4 days. They may also show runny nose, sneezing, coughing,throat pain, fatigue and asthma. The person experience a difficulty in breathing. At the extreme condition, internal organs are affected, pneumonia can take place and death is likely to occur. The aged people and children are at high risk as their immune system is comparatively weak. In them, the virus can cause respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis etc.

How these viruses spread
Sneezing and coughing without covering your nose and mouth expels droplets containing viruses in to air, through which the virus find its way to spread. Direct contact with the patient ,giving them shake hands can also transmit the virus. Touching the surfaces containing virus, and afterward touching your nose and mouth can spread the organism. Rare cases of disease spread is reported through excretions. Once infected, the person must keep himself isolated in order to prevent further spread.

Treatment

The novel corona virus infection does not have any specific treatment or vaccination. Hence, taking certain precautions can help you keep the virus apart. Observe personal hygiene, avoid uncooked or half-cooked food, keep away from direct contact with animals(whether it be pets), stop yourself from taking long-distance travels and avoid direct contact with infected persons. These measures keeps you away from the risk of infection.
Once the infection is confirmed, the patient must be isolated immediately and can be provided with sufficient treatment. He/she should be warned from smoking and care must be taken to avoid exposure to smoke. Medication is based on these symptoms they exhibit. Usually drugs are provided for fever and pain. The patient must take enough rest. Moreover, the patient must take lots of water in order to maintain water content of the body.

How to prevent

Observing personal hygiene and domestic hygiene is important. Make a habit of washing your hands with soap and water, especially when you return from outside. Cover your nose and mouth with a kerchief whenever coughing or sneezing. Foods like egg and meat must be well-cooked before taking. Take good care while handling raw milk, meat and animal parts. Do not refrigerate both cooked and uncooked food like milk and meat together, as there is a chance of cross-contamination. Pay attention while dealing with your pets, because the virus can easily infect the animals. People Travelling long distances should avoid close contact with persons of respiratory infection.

(Writer is a microbiology research student)