Coronavirus — that started from China — has spread thick and fast across countries, has the world cornered. So far, 6000 [1] have lost their lives due to the disease, and the number of infected cases is only growing. Now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has sent individuals, governments and markets into a tizzy.
With the virus forcing lock-downs in several nations, Italy, for instance, health authorities and governments across the globe are leaving no stone unturned to curb its spread. Considering the severity of the situation, it will require a concerted effort by the global community to tackle and contain further transmission of the coronavirus.
Here are its symptoms, variants and treatment; that can help you tackle it effectively. Let’s get started:
Coronavirus variants
Coronavirus gets its name from the presence of crown-like projections on its surface. In Latin, the word Corona means ‘halo’ or ‘crown’. There are four different subgroupings of coronavirus – alpha, beta, delta and gamma.
The common human coronaviruses are:
- HCoV-229E
- HCoV-NL63
- HCoV-OC43
- HCoV-HKU1
- MERS-CoV
- SARS-CoV
- SARS-CoV2
229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 are the most common coronaviruses affecting people. Coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS, which infect animals, can also make people sick. The cause of the present pandemic is COVID-19.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus are like that of cold and flu. The symptoms set in after 2-4 days of infection, and are generally mild. The symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
Also, note that the coronavirus symptoms may vary from people to people and in severe cases, it may lead to an illness, which can prove fatal.
Coronavirus treatment
Precaution is better than cure
There’s no specific vaccine or treatment for coronavirus. However, you can take the precautionary measures mentioned below to ensure your safety:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser and avoid touching your mouth and eyes.
- Don’t rub contaminated hands on mouth and eyes as this increases the chances of transmission of the virus.
- You must use tissue or handkerchief while sneezing and maintain a distance of at least a meter from individuals sneezing and coughing.
- Avoid large gatherings as it increases the chances of getting infected.
- Avoid travelling to areas that are battling the threat of coronavirus.
It’s in your interest to follow the advisory issued by the local health authorities and the Government to stay safe.
If any of your friends and relatives have recently come back from an international trip, it’s best to restrict personal visits. In case you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to seek medical attention at the earliest. At the same time, if you are travelling to the workplace or otherwise, make sure to use masks.
Also, if anyone you know has contacted coronavirus, avoid all visits with the person unless he/she has completely recovered. It’s important to note that post coronavirus outbreak, a lot of rumours are doing the rounds, particularly regarding its treatment. However, you must not give in to them and follow advice strictly issued by the Government and the health authorities.