All You Need To Know About Coronavirus


There is a new epidemic in town and everyone need to stay safe and avoid being infected by this virus by taking note of some crucial preventive measures.

Novel coronavirus is a deadly virus that hits its victim and result in death of the victim within a very short period when not detected on time or adequate care is not given immediately.

That’s why many people are scared and they are right to be terrified. With cases already being observe in the whole of Asia, there’s a serious course for concern.

This new coronavirus was initially identified on December 31, 2019, in Wuhan city China as a new strain. It now goes by “2019-nCoV” as a temporary name till further research is available on it.

Here, we discuss the new strain, including how it spreads, its symptoms, where it comes from, how to treat it, and what is being done about it.

What Exactly Is A Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses were first identified in the 60s and named for their crown-like shape. They infect both humans and animals, which has made it challenging to determine where they originate. Coronaviruses are from the same family as MERS, SARS, and the common cold, which means that they cause respiratory diseases.

Bronchitis and pneumonia are common respiratory tract illnesses caused by coronaviruses.

How Does It Spread?

Coronaviruses spread through infected air and fluid droplets, and as such, are easily transmitted by sneezing and coughing.

Even touching things like doorknobs infected persons have used, and skin contact with them will get you infected.

CDC lists the transmission methods as:

Air through coughing or sneezing
Object infected with the viral particles
Close contact with an infected person
Fecal contamination
Where Did the Epidemic Start?
So far, all indications are that the new virus originated from a seafood stall/restaurant in Wuhan China sometime in December. Since the first case was reported within the city on December 31, and many more cases shortly after within the same city.

While initial reports from officials were that it hopped from an animal, researchers have shown that to be false. In a detailed Virology journal, they successfully used comparative genetic analysis to prove snakes to be the most likely culprit.

With two types of snakes (Chinese cobra and many-banded krait) originating from SE-China, any one of them could have been responsible.

In all indications, though, there is no substantial evidence that the virus did come from the snakes.

How Far Has the Virus Spread?

This question is a lot more challenging to answer than all the ones above. From news reports and government press statements, the USA, Taiwan, Australia, France, China, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea have all confirmed cases.

Evidence points to the fact that all reported infected have so far been to China during the Yule celebrations.

In truth, though, there is no way to know how far the virus has spread and is spreading. Most likely, anywhere a recent china returnee resides could be a potential hotspot. With all these said, the infection has been confirmed in North America, Europe, and Asia.

How Is It an Epidemic?

For the WHO to categorize a virus as a pandemic in humans, certain conditions must be met.

The virus must be able to infect humans efficiently
It must have the capability of replication within a human host
The virus must be able to spread quickly and rapidly among humans
For the moment, not much is known about 2019-nCoV beyond its high virality. Thus, CDC is claiming its transmission is limited in humans, but investigations are still ongoing to confirm with finality.

How Do You Know You Have It?

The word of the day is “vigilance.” Coughing, difficulty in breathing, and fever, among others, are some of what infected people experience. While it is similar to SARS in some symptoms, CMU Beijing says that sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and intestinal symptoms of SARS were not observed in most victims.

If you experience common cold symptoms like these and suspect you may have come in contact with a china returnee of recent, visit a hospital immediately.

How Do You Treat 2019-nCoV?

For most coronaviruses, including 2019-nCoV, there is no specific treatment. Most infected people will eventually recover from it without treatments of any kind. According to the CDC, resting and medication to relieve the symptoms are all the treatment an infected person needs.

Taking a hot shower to relieve both the cough and sore throat, and drinking enough fluids to keep hydrated will help. The primary advice by CDC, however, is to visit a professional.

Note: this treatment is for all coronaviruses and not 2019-nCoV in particular. If the CDC releases any new information about treating the new novel coronavirus, we’ll let you know.

There is extensive research ongoing about finding a cure to coronaviruses, with “Regeneron” having a leg up according to recent news.

What Is the Government Doing?

Australia, The US, and many other affected countries are now conducting an extensive screening of incoming airport passengers. CDC has also recommended that nonessential travels to Wuhan China be avoided for the moment.

The export of facemasks has been banned in Taiwan in preparation for any epidemic.

What to Expect

A lot more cases will likely be identified, and the infection will spread some more in the coming days. There will also be an increase in scrutiny for new airport arrivals, especially for those from China.

Protecting Yourself and Others

If traveling to Wuhan or anywhere else where the virus is pandemic, avoid direct contact with dead/alive animals, sick people, and animal products. Ensure to wash your hands with water and soap regularly for at least 20 seconds.

If you are already infected, wear a facemask, wash your hands regularly, and isolate yourself. If you are experiencing the symptoms after a recent trip to any hot spot, contact a professional immediately.

Thank you

Thanks for the info man.

But on a more serious note, Nigeria has never faced a grand scale epidemic before... I hope we don't have to face this.. Or else....

Sopona - deity that governs over the principality of all diseases, virus and ailments. Appeal to it for cure, solution and rid. The oracle has spoken!

Veryfoolishboy:
Thanks for the info man.

But on a more serious note, Nigeria has never faced a grand scale epidemic before... I hope we don't have to face this.. Or else....

It almost during the dreadful Ebola strain, the onisesé folks with collective efforts invoked its name in the NPR and wade it off, and so in reality it left like it never came and while the West were dazzled as to how the fvck could a so-called nation as corrupt as zoogeria can battle it off, the then govt. took credit via the ineffective ministry if health. Had it been the vector origin of the ebola virus emerged in the north where onisesé are no more, it would have turned epidemic were thousands would have been ravaged. Yes, the same islamists/Boko+-Haram jihad-loving north who love killing medic& aid workers and vaccine givers.