The Coronavirus outbreak is now a global epidemic. Everyone, starting from everyday people like us to government officials, healthcare experts and international organizations like the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are worried about how to check this threat.

Coronavirus – updates from around the world

• On 9th February 2020, Chinese officials declared that 908 people have died from coronavirus since the first incident was reported in Wuhan province of China in January. 
• The coronavirus outbreak is now more deadly than the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of 2003 that claimed the lives of 774 people.
• 40,614 people have tested positive for Coronavirus in China. More than 6000 of them are in critical condition.
• 21% of the affected people have passed away which means the survival rate of Coronavirus now stands at 79%. However, 3,324 people who were diagnosed have healed completely and have been discharged. 
• World Health Organization has declared Coronavirus a ‘public health emergency of international concern’. This is a grave alarm and the WHO does not issue it unless there is an urgent need for international cooperation to handle the health crisis. 
• Researchers fear that the virus may mutate as it travels further and may affect a greater number of people.
• Coronavirus becomes severe in people with diabetes and heart conditions.

COVID -19 as a disaster of the 21st century seems harm all of as for a while more as new variants keep emerging. Though it can affect all ages, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable group. Despite many of drugs has been speculated as a treatment agent, only vaccines are effective modality.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Which countries have been affected by Coronavirus?

22 countries have been affected by the coronavirus. They are:

1. Japan
2. Singapore
3. Thailand
4. Hong Kong
5. South Korea 
6. Taiwan 
7. Malaysia
8. Vietnam
9. Philippines
10. India
11. Germany
12. The USA
13. The UK
14. Italy 
15. Russia
16. Sri Lanka
17. Spain
18. Nepal
19. Sweden
20. Belgium 
21. Finland 
22. Cambodia 

Though adults are the most commonly affected group; it can also be seen in newborns and elderly patients. Unfortunately, elderly patients are the most vulnerable group with higher mortality. Elderly patients, smokers and patients with comorbid conditions are most affected by the disease.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How is India dealing with Coronavirus?

• Until now, two confirmed cases of Coronavirus have been reported in India. All two people are from Kerala. Kerala has declared a state emergency to cope with coronavirus.
• International research has revealed that India ranks 17th when it comes to the risk of importing Coronavirus.
• New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is at most risk because it has the busiest international flight routes. 
• No foreign nationals travelling from China are being allowed to enter India.
• 5123 people in India are under surveillance for any sign of coronavirus. Screening wards have come up in Delhi, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram and Karnataka. 
• India has evacuated 647 Indian nationals from Wuhan province that is the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus causes 

Not much is known about how this condition is caused. It is believed that the virus originated from a wholesale meat/seafood market in China. The viruses can jump from one species to another and that is why humans have contracted the virus from animals.

What are the signs?

The signs are similar to that of the regular flu – runny nose, fever, coughing, body ache, sore throat and breathing difficulties.

The virus becomes deadly if it affects the lower respiratory system, as it can result in pneumonia.

How can you protect yourself?

In this context, it is important to learn about coronavirus precautions. Here are a few things you must do:

1. Keep a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet) between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. 
2. Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Cancel your travel plans to China.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, after using anything that others have touched like handrails in trains/buses or public toilet utilities.
5.  Avoid contact with animals, in case you did, immediately wash your hands with soap and water. 
6.  Practice hygiene measures when you visit live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets.
7.  Do not consume raw or undercooked animal products.
8. Wear an N95 mask. Do not touch the mask once you have worn it. If you feel you have symptoms of coronavirus, then see your doctor immediately.
9.  Do not touch the mask once you have worn it. Also, discard it after one use and wash hands immediately. 
10. In case of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical help and share previous travel history with a healthcare provider.
11. Do not travel if you have a fever and cough. Also, eat only cooked food when travelling.

The number of coronavirus cases is rising with every passing day. Take all the precautions mentioned above to protect yourself from the coronavirus threat.

Assess Your Risk of COVID-19 with Coronavirus Risk Assessment Tool

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.