All You Need to Know about the Coronavirus Outbreak | Hakeem Dubai

Spreading across the borders of China, the contagious infection has alarmed many countries. The number of deaths has accelerated, with more than 2000 impacted, and this disease can be passed on to others before the person even becomes symptomatic. So what is the coronavirus and how can you prevent yourself from getting it?

What is Coronavirus?

The coronavirus has existed long before 2019. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (sars) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (mers) are coronaviruses caused by animals. However, the novel coronavirus is a new member of the corona family, and no vaccine has yet been invented. It is a respiratory tract infection that initially has symptoms of flu, and causes one to have a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and fever. As it grows, it affects the lungs and causes pneumonia. The individual then feels difficulty in breathing and requires immediate attention.

How can one get Coronavirus?

Since the virus is new, it has not been readily tested to provide those impacted with a cure. And because of it not being encountered before, the specialists aren’t sure of what exactly causes it. The difference between the common cold and this virus is that the person with the latter disease has a high fever and struggles to breathe. Even if the condition can be controlled, the person should be taken to the hospital for a thorough checkup. A person can get it if he/she has traveled to an affected country, has come in contact with a person who has been a confirmed patient of the virus, or has worked in a facility where patients with unidentified severe respiratory infections have been admitted. Most people once infected, have to have a strong immune system in order to fight off the virus.

How can Coronavirus be prevented?

A wise man once said that prevention is always better than cure. (And we don’t even have the cure yet!) It doesn’t matter if you’re miles away from where the virus first broke out. We live in a global village and the virus has already been found in other countries. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following s precautions. The prevention tips are similar to those of any respiratory disease:

·         Always cover your mouth with a tissue or your hand when sneezing and wash your hand right after.

·         Wash your hands for an extra ten seconds with soap to eliminate any chances of germs. If soap isn’t available, use a medicated hand sanitizer.

·         If your hands aren’t washed, don’t touch your face.

·         Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.

·         Avoid contact with sick people and avoid meeting people if you’re sick.

I am traveling to an affected place. What should I do?

You should postpone your travel but if that cannot be done, here’s what you should do:

·         Avoid contact with sick people.

·         Stay away from crowded areas.

·         Do not use public restrooms, subways, and vehicles.

·         Avoid contact with animals.

·         Avoid any form of uncooked meat.

·         Keep your hands washed at all times.

·         Disinfect your luggage.

·         If you feel difficulty in breathing, seek medical help right away.

If you feel that you or someone you know is infected, consult a specialist at once. The coronavirus is still a mystery and though the probability of you being impacted in Dubai is little as of now, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Recommended read: Coronavirus Vaccine in the UAE: Benefits, Side-Effects & Latest Updates