Published 31st Jan 2020.
Update1.

Corona Virus are a large family of viruses, that can cause as simple as common cold to more severe infections like pneumonia leading to respiratory failure and death.

A Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new stain of virus that has not been previously identified.

That is why limited information is available of clinical illness associated with 2019-nCoV. No vaccine or specific treatment is available; care is supportive.

Risk of death among infected with Corona Virus is 2%. That means out of 100 infected patients, 98 will recover completely, and 2 will die. Usually healthy individuals who don’t have any underlying problems recover completely. Thus, it is very important to know if you have any underlying conditions that can be prevented by doing routine check ups.

Are we at risk?

As China is our Northern neighbor, there is a larger potential risk of infected person who doesn’t have any symptoms to travel into Nepal. Once that person starts getting symptoms of cold and start coughing and sneezing will start spreading the viruses. Then the chain reaction starts, which will ultimately lead to epidemics.

With the last years’ experience with Dengue epidemics in Nepal and Kathmandu, we now know that our government is helpless to fight against any epidemics. Because of this, WHO has now declared new Corona Virus as Global Health Emergency. Not because what is happening in China, but what might happen in other countries with weak health systems like Nepal.

Fortunately, China has done a wonderful work, by taking all necessary precautions to contain the virus and not allowing it to spread widely. Hopefully these measures are sufficient for preventing wide spread epidemic or pandemic.

Symptoms:

Fever with cough and difficulty in breathing.

Treatment:

Supportive treatment only.

Prevention:

There is no preventive medicines or vaccines for Corona Virus.

Wear mask. Wash hand frequently. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cough and fever.

If you start getting symptoms of common cold – be responsible citizen and stop spreading the virus, by wearing mask, avoid crowded places, keep yourself isolated, cough and sneeze by covering your mouth and nose and wash hands frequently. Don’t rush to hospital or clinics, if you don’t have fever.

Avoid eating raw and uncooked meat.

If you have fever, cough and shortness of breath, then by taking above precautionary measure, you must see a doctor.

If you had plans to travel, and start experiencing symptoms of cold and cough, you should postpone your travel.

Can pets at home spread new coronavirus? No. However wash your hands with soap and water after touching the pets.

Does antibiotics work in prevention and treatment of coronavirus? No. Antibiotics can only kill bacteria and does not work for viruses.

Am I at risk?

Even if you get infected with Coronavirus and you don’t have any health issues, you undergo routine check ups regularly and all your health is in good condition, then you will recover completely. But if you have underlying illness, (sometimes even unknown to you), chronic lungs diseases, heart disease, kidney or liver diseases, then you are at risk for complications. You need to take extra precautions. Make sure you undergo annual health check up and keep your health under your control. Click here for annual checkups information.

Don’t Panic and Stay Calm.