For Travelers: Everything You Need To Know About Coronavirus And How To Prevent It
You all know that there is no cure for deadly Coronavirus (CoV). The virus that originated in Wuhan China has infected more than 7,711 people in China.
On January 30, it was recorded that CoV caused 170 deaths. This virus spreads rapidly to other countries. In the US there are 5 cases reported, besides that 14 cases were found in Thailand, 8 in Hong Kong, 7 cases in Japan, 5 cases in Taiwan, Australia and Macau, 3 cases in Canada, 2 in Vietnam. In contrast, one evidence was found in Nepal, Cambodia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. The World Health Organization declared Wuhan Coronavirus a global health emergency.
What is Coronavirus?
CoV or Coronavirus is a group of viruses that attack the respiratory system and decrease immunity. Coronavirus usually causes respiratory diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The World Health Organization calls the strains of the Coronavirus to have become a global health problem called 2019-nCoV.
Wuhan Coronavirus is classified as a new virus that has never attacked humans before. These viruses are carried and transmitted from animals to humans. Allegedly, this virus originated from animal markets in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
Common symptoms that appear in people infected with Coronavirus are very similar to the symptoms of the common cold. Such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In more severe conditions, the symptoms develop into more acutely, such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and SARS.
CNN reports that several biotech companies are struggling to treat the deadly coronavirus symptoms.
Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, released Remsidivir to treat Ebola, trying to influence the drug in patients infected with CoV in China.
Gilead Science said that their artificial Remsidivir had shown some success when treating MERS and SARS, the two viruses had similarities with Wuhan Coronavirus.
Until now, the Coronavirus has killed 360 people in China. Gilead is not the only biotech company looking for a formula to cure coronavirus infections. Big Pharma, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are also making vaccines for the Coronavirus.
Another large biotech company, AbbVie, is optimistic about seeing promising results for treating Wuhan corona infections by mixing two HIV drugs and Tamiflu. They worked with Thai pharmaceutical giant Roche and Chugai Pharmaceutical Japan.
How To Prevent Coronavirus?
There is no vaccine that can cure Coronavirus, therefore WHO publishes measures to prevent infection with Coronavirus.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfectants.
Washing your hands with alcohol and water-based soap will kill the viruses that stick to your hands.
- Keep a distance from the suspected virus carrier.
Maintain at least one meter between you and others, especially if they cough, sneeze, and have a fever.
If someone is infected with a virus, coughing or sneezing will project the virus through small droplets into the air. If you get too close, you will unconsciously inhale the virus.
- Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth of the sufferer.
If you touch that part, you will be contaminated with a virus, thus allowing the virus to move to your body.
- Avoid visiting the Coronavirus Epidemic Country.
It is strictly forbidden to visit infected areas. If you have traveled in China, especially in areas where CoV is reported, you are required to report yourself to a health facility.
- Perform general cleaning when visiting animal markets, or animal product markets.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with animals and animal products; avoid contact with sick animals, wild animals such as cats, dogs, rats, bats.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat.
Carefully treat raw meat, milk, or animal organs to avoid contamination from other fresh food ingredients.
How to treat it?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states there is no specific treatment recommended to cure the 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with Coronavirus must receive treatment to relieve symptoms. People who feel they affected to the Coronavirus should contact the nearest healthcare provider.
The CDC advises tourists to avoid all unnecessary trips to China. You must postpone travel to and from China until the Corona outbreak is declared protected status.
What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?
If you have to travel to China, make sure you follow the following safety instructions:
- Avoid contact with sick people. Try to discuss your trip with a health care provider.
- Please avoid contact with animals, whether they live or die. Avoid contact with animal products such as raw meat on animal markets.
- It is indispensable to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing or sneezing. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol.
- Consult with a medical advisor while you are travelling to China. Don’t go when sick.
- Cover your nose with a handkerchief, tissue or medical mask to avoid the deadly virus.
