On January 9, 2020 the WHO reported that a novel virus was identified by the Chinese authorities.The Novel Coronavirus is associated with pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.

Clinical Features

Fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and a history of travel from Wuhan City, China In the last 14 days before symptom onset.

Transmission

Human coronavirus is most commonly spread from virus infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as shaking hands / touching
• Touching an object or surface which has virus on it, then touching mouth, nose, or eyes before washing hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination

Recommendations for Testing

For detecting Novel Coronavirus infection, collection of three specimen types, lower respiratory, upper respiratory and serum specimens for testing is recommended. Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored.

How to protect yourself

Currently there are no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus infection. Risk of infection can be reduced by doing following:

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, nose with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with an infected or sick person hands

How to protect others

If you have cold-like symptoms, it is recommended to do the following

• Stay at home when sick
• Avoid close contact with other people
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, therafter throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for illnesses which is caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness recover on their own. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms

• Take medication for pain and fever (do not give Aspirin to children)
• Take warm drinks to ease a sore throat and cough
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Protein rich diet
• Stay home and rest

If symptoms persist for long, you should see your healthcare provider.

What to do if you’re planning to go to China

For those who have traveled to China in the past two weeks and have symptoms such as fever, cough or trouble breathing, it is recommended to seek immediate care, avoid contact with others, do not travel and practice good hygiene.

It is recommended to avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China.

This virus is spreading at the worst possible time of the year — when millions of people are traveling to or within China for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Incase travelling, it is recommended to visit a health care provider to make sure you have all necessary medications.

This article was first publishes on the website on 11th Feb 2020

Queries on Corona Virus answered by Dr  Manoj Kumar Goel 

1.How to differentiate if it’s a normal flu or corona?

Symptoms for Coronavirus and flu are same, however in some patients diarrhea occurs more commonly in Coronavirus. The diagnosis is confirmed only after the test. Patients with a history of travel to the notified countries is considered as a suspect . If a patient has history of travel history to such counties and shows symptoms of cough, fever breathing difficult, it could be Coronavirus

2.Is sending kids to school safe or not?

 Sending kids to school – if they have symptoms of cough , sore throat , fever they should be kept home. Otherwise they can attend the school regularly with following precautions- regular hand wash, not sharing food from same tiffin, covering of face with elbow before sneezing and coughing.

3.Would like to know if it’s safe to travel within India now , if not then when can we travel .

At the moment people need not panic. However one should only travel if essential. Non-essential travel should be avoided.

Travel plans for outside or inside of India should be avoided at the moment and no plans should be made for travel till end of March. It is only after a few days pass and the situation is assessed , any future plans of travel should be made

4.Is it safe to travel within India after exams? Mid March?

 At the moment people need not panic. However one should only travel if essential. Non-essential travel should be avoided.

Travel plans for outside or inside of India should be avoided at the moment and no plans should be made for travel till end of March. It is only after a few days pass and the situation is assessed , any future plans of travel should be made 

Any mass gathering should be avoided as in such places there are chances of getting in contact with unknown carriers

5.Is it only N 95 masks? If yes, should be one time use only ? Because many brands claim multiple usage! Surgical / single use masks offer any support or useless to wear?

Masks not required for personal protection. Only the suspected patient should wear a surgical mask

6.Do hand sanitizers sterilize our hands or only hand wash with water offer the cleansing of virus ? If yes , Which hand sanitizer to use ? What should be the alcohol percentage ?

Alcohol based sanitizers

6.Rumours about turning vegan for protection against Corona virus is doing rounds, is it true ?

Avoid unhygienic and raw food

7.What are the actual symptoms when one need to consult a doctor? And what kinds of tests are advised to rule out corona virus? Whether it is available in all hospitals ?

Flu like symptoms with recent travel to affected countries.

Throat swabs and blood tests. Tests to be done in suspects who have travel history only. Available at RML(Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital)

8.We can’t avoid crowded places altogether but what key precautions can we take when venturing out?

Avoid touching face and nose. Frequent hand hygiene with sanitizers. Do not cough and sneeze without covering your face with elbow

9.One of the statements in your article you have mentioned that most people suffering from this get cured on their own. Why are we hearing about so many deaths then?

No specific treatment, but supportive treatment is required

Helpline Number for corona-virus   : +91-11-23978046

Helpline Email ID for corona-virus  : [email protected]

Government of India Ministry of Health & FW Consolidated Travel advisory in view of COVID-19

For more details please refer to the  MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE