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Corona Virus Infection: Preventive Measures

  • January 27, 2020
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The outbreak of a new Coronavirus, in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has not only grabbed headlines of late, but has also put Indians especially frequent travelers in a state of alarm. There is no need to panic as we review the precautionary measures that help minimize chances of infections.

The coronaviruses get their name as they appear crown-like under the electron microscope. Almost everyone gets a coronavirus infection at least once in their lifetime! Some types are serious though as they infect the lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs) causing pneumonia. They include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, and the very recent 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Transmission is mainly via air-borne micro-droplets.

Although antiviral therapy has been attempted, the treatment of coronavirus infections remains symptomatic. There is no vaccine for coronaviruses. Traveling or otherwise, the likelihood of transmission can be reduced by practicing hygienic measures recommended by the CDC’s (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) Health Alert Network:

  • Practice routine hand wash with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and facemasks
  • Report possible known case of infection to appropriate health department
  • Avoid close contact with people who are infected
  • Do not travel unless dire

If you think you have been infected:

  • Seek medical attention and alert the clinic in advance about possible exposure
  • Avoid travel
  • Properly dispose contaminated items
  • Get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids

Whether WHO decides to declare ‘Wuhan pneumonia’, a public health emergency remains to be seen, In the meantime, proper isolation and quarantine measures practiced essentially at airports will keep the disease from rapid spread.

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Sources:

  1. Coronavirus Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus#1-2
  2. Preventing Spread of Disease on Commercial Aircraft: Guidance for Cabin Crew. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/air/managing-sick-travelers/commercial-aircraft/infection-control-cabin-crew.html
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