Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Dubey
Lucknow, Janaury 22-The corona virus is a type of RNA virus that was discovered in the year 1960. It spreads infection mainly in animals, birds and humans. Its infection is transmitted from one person to another by aerosol (droplets).
If an infected person or animal bird coughs or sneezes, then the virus could be scattered by the droplets in the air which the other person breathes. This way his body comes in contact with the virus and it starts showing its effects.
The virus mainly infects the respiratory system, digestive system and reproductive system and due to its nature, humans get exactly the same symptoms as those found in patients complaining of common cold. But if it is treated properly in the early stages then a person may become healthy again.
In order to contain the spread of the virus, it is very necessary to check if a person has traveled to a place from where the virus originated. To allay suspicions of infection, one can take Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Among its other uses, it detects pathogens in nucleic acid tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
If a person is infected with the virus, then one should be kept in complete isolation from others.
There are many preventive measures by which one can protect oneself from the virus.
Drink adequate amounts of water, eat vitamin C rich fruits, use foods that increase the body’s resistance, do not eat meat, fish, sea food and outside food, eat fresh food. You must wash your hands regularly, especially after coming home from somewhere. Always put a cloth on your mouth while talking or sneezing or better for you if you wear a mask. Avoid going to the public places and shaking hands. If a patient is there, do not use his clothes, utensils, bedding.
So far no vaccine has been made for this disease, nor has any particular medicine been discovered. Nevertheless, some physicians give antiviral drugs, the effect of which is not yet established.
At present, outbreak of this disease has occurred in China. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has issued an alert across the country that all passengers coming from China should be examined at the airport.
Follow the rules of cleanliness on your normal days. Always be healthy
(The writer is Medical Superintendent, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civil Hospital, Lucknow)
