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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

What is the 2019 Coronavirus?

In early 2020, a new virus began generating headlines all over the world because of the unprecedented speed of its transmission.

Its origins have been traced to a food market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. From there, it’s reached countries as distant as the United States and the Philippines.

The virus (officially named SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for millions of infections globally, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. The United States is the country most affected.

The disease caused by an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is called COVID-19, which stands for Coronavirus disease 2019.

In spite of the global panic in the news about this virus, you’re unlikely to contract SARS-CoV-2 unless you’ve been in contact with someone who has a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Doctors are learning new things about this virus every day. So far, we know that COVID-19 may not initially cause any symptoms for some people.

You may carry the virus for 2 days or up to 2 weeksTrusted Source before you notice symptoms.

Some common symptoms that have been specifically linked to COVID-19 include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • A cough that gets more severe over time
  • A low-grade fever that gradually increases in temperature
  • Fatigue

Less common symptoms include:

  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Loss of taste
  • loss of smell

These symptoms may become more severe in some people. Call emergency medical services if you or someone you care for have any of the following symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Blue lips or face
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Confusion
  • Excessive drowsiness

Symptoms of Coronavirus :

The best way to prevent the transmission of infection is to avoid or limit contact with people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or any respiratory infection.

The next best thing you can do is practice good hygiene and physical distancing to prevent bacteria and viruses from being transmitted.


Prevention Tips 

  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time with warm water and soap. How long is 20 seconds? About as long as it takes to sing your "ABCs".
  • Don't touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth when your hands are dirty.
  • Don't go out if you're feeling sick or have any cold or flu symptoms.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from people.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow whenever you sneeze or cough. Throw away any tissues you use right away.
  • Clean any objects you touch a lot. Use disinfectants on objects like phones, computers and doorknobs. Use soap and water for objects that you cook or eat with like utensils and dishware.

If you’re out in a public setting where it’s difficult to follow physical distancing guidelines, the CDCTrusted Source recommends that you wear a cloth face mask that covers your mouth and nose.

When worn correctly, and by large percentages of the public, these masks can help to slow the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

That’s because they can block the respiratory droplets of people who may be asymptomatic or people who have the virus but have gone undiagnosed.

Respiratory droplets get into the air when you:

  • Exhale
  • Talk
  • cough
  • sneeze

You can make your own mask using basic materials such as:

  • a bandanna

  • T-shirt

  • Cotton fabric

The CDC provides instructionsTrusted Source for making a mask with scissors or with a sewing machine.

Cloth masks are preferred for the general public since other types of masks should be reserved for healthcare workers.

It’s critical to keep the mask clean. Wash it after each time you use it. Avoid touching the front of it with your hands. Also, try to avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes when you remove it.

This prevents you from possibly transferring the virus from a mask to your hands and from your hands to your face.

Keep in mind that wearing a mask isn’t a replacement for other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing and practicing physical distancing. All of them are important.

Certain people shouldn’t wear face masks,including:

  • children under 2 years old

  •  people who have trouble breathing

  •  people who are unable to remove their own masks


Boosting your immune system against Coronavirus




Turmeric and Garlic

The bright yellow spice, Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts the immune function.
Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhances body immunity.


The ministry of AYUSH has recommended the following self-care guidelines as preventive measures and to boost immunity with special references to respiratory health.
  • Drink warm water throughout the day.
  • Practice Meditation, Yogasana and Pranayama.
  • Increase the intake of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander and Garlic.
  • Drink herbal tea or decoction of holy basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger and Raisin.
  • Avoid Sugar and replace it with jaggery if needed.
  • Apple Ghee(Clarified butter), Sesame oil or coconut oil in both the nostrils to keep the nostrils clean.
  • Inhale steam with Mint leaves and Caraway seeds.

While the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is fought by our health care workers, we can do our bit by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying indoors, social distancing, eating healthy, hydrating and following basic hygiene protocol.

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