Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection, Precautions & Test Centers for Families & Child

A new mysterious virus Coronavirus (2019 nCov or COVID-19) has an outbreak in China's Wuhan province. The Coronavirus and the infection which shares similarity with the deadly SARS virus (from Coronavirus family), has started to bring back memories of 2003 when hundreds perished across the world. Over the last few days, reports have again started coming of resurfacing of similar symptoms among Chinese in the city of Wuhan. Although the virus has not been identified yet, scientists examining the incident have found it to be similar to the dreaded SARS virus. The new virus has been identified as belonging to the Coronavirus family. This new virus would be the second virus from this family to infect humans after SARS. [Ask our doctors about Coronavirus risks and prevention].

Following Coronavirus news update in the limelight:

1. Celebrity Tom Hanks & his wife, Rita Wilson & UK health minister Nadine Dorries diagnosed with Coronavirus.

2. Thailand reports the biggest daily jump coronavirus,

3. increase in fresh coronavirus cases in India,

4. NBA suspends after a player tested COVID-19 positive & clouds over India's mega IPL etc.

Keep Watching Latest Coronavirus or COVID-19 Live Updates

What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (WHO: SARS-COV) is the name given to the infamous virus which infected thousands across China and the world and killed more than 700 of the infected in the year 2003. The majority of the epidemic was caused due to the fact that this infection was new and healthcare providers took some time to stop the infection from spreading. [Know More - How Coronavirus Infection Impacts Pregnant Women?]

However, there is still a difference of opinions among the Chinese and other scientists working on the matter. The symptoms of the new infection also show a pattern similar to the SARS virus. Experts also vary on whether the virus is capable of human to human transmission. nCoV/Covid-19 has been traced to possibly originating from bats or other wild animals. Thus, avoiding exotic meat will also be helpful. [Download - Easy to Understand Coronavirus Guide for the Child]

What is SARS-Coronavirus 2003?

SARS infection has symptoms similar to influenza and the infected patient may suffer from fever, malaise, myalgia, headache, diarrhea , and shivering.  However, the presence of these symptoms is not a sign of SARS infection. Family of coronavirus typically infects animals and few of them have the potential to infect humans; SARS and MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome). The best way to avoid the infections of this virus family is maintaining safe contact with animals. Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch any wild or street animals before touching your face and mouth. (Source: WHO - “SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome”). 

Novel Coronavirus Cases in India

While the death toll in China has crossed 100, more than 100 people have been under surveillance in India, including 3 in Delhi. Health Ministry of India has clarified that so far none of the suspected cases has been found to be positive. Meanwhile, WHO has been updating the guidelines for medical professionals and governments on the treatment and reporting of suspected cases. Also, Check Here Live Worldwide Coronavirus Cases Status 

Closest to our borders, Nepal and Thailand have confirmed one case each on nCoV, and the governments have been asked to remain vigilant at the borders. The Ministry of Health, India has confirmed 499 COVID-19 cases. Kerala, Maharashtra & Uttar Pradesh reported maximum cases across India. ~ (Updated: 24 Mar 2020).

India has tremendous capacity in eradicating coronavirus pandemic: WHO

READ: https://t.co/fXiQBJTPMA #CautionYesPanicNo #CoronavirusOutbreak #Covid19India #IndiaFightsCorona #StayHomeIndia #StayHome

— Times of India (@timesofindia) March 24, 2020

Coronavirus Sample Collection Tests Centers/Laboratories in India

Below is the list of COVID-19 laboratories & test centers across India. Check here

Coronavirus(COVID-19) Helpline #:

The government announced the following helpline number for all states & union territories (UTs). For any kind of help related coronavirus case, it is requested to report here

Delhi NCR: 011-22307145
Kerala: 0471-2552056

Also, people can eMail here: ncov2019@gmail.com 

Find Novel Coronavirus test centres near you, follow the link: Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Test Centers in India 

How to Stay Safe from Coronavirus Infection?

How cautious you need to be to stay safe, and avoid falling victim to both the disease and rumour? While the expert's debate, identify and argue about the nomenclature, it is important for us to stay safe. While the treatment is still developing precautions to avoid contracting the disease is the best way to go. The best safety measure against this kind of infection is to avoid contracting from already infected patients. For example, using protective breathing masks can be helpful while traveling in public transport. Other precautions include:

• Avoid seafood and non-veg from fish (source of the virus as identified for now)

• Ensure a clean home and wash/clean anything you bring from outside before use

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after a visit on the outside

• Avoid contact with people showing signs of flu, fever, etc

• Make sure to use only clean towels and wipes for kids

• Keep a hand sanitizer for quick use when out of options

WHO Advisory on Novel Coronavirus (2019 nCoV)

Although precaution and symptoms are still being discovered, few things are clear, and WHO has shared guidelines on the same. As per the latest updates, the virus can spread via droplets, contact and objects such as money, towel, dishes, toys and books among others. Additionally, the WHO warns about consuming poultry and meat without proper cooking. Maintaining hygiene is also very important to stop the virus from spreading. Since the virus can spread from other humans by touch, avoid close contact with the people showing symptoms of flu or similar infections. 

Also, as a matter of hygiene, the WHO recommends covering your mouth with an elbow instead of palms while sneezing or coughing. ~  (Updated: 28 Jan 2020). Source: WHO Advisory on Covid-19 for Public 

Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus(COVID-19)

Many myths have started going rounds on social media and the internet about coronavirus infection and prevention. WHO has released a list of these myths and the reality behind them. Make sure you are not falling victim to these myths and stay safe from coronavirus and other viral infections of the season. Here are 14 myths busted around coronavirus infection. Read below...

Myth 1: Can Cold weather & snow kill the virus?

Truth: No reason to believe so, no scientific evidence to prove this

Myth 2: Taking a hot bath can prevent disease

Truth: Hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, no correlation with infection

Myth 3: Can be transmitted through courier goods

Truth: Virus unlikely to survive the travel and exposure on the goods surface

Myth 4: Can be transmitted through mosquito bites

Truth: No evidence to believe so far

Myth 5: Hand dryers kill the virus

Truth: Hand dryers not effective in killing the novel coronavirus (Covid-19)

Myth 6: UV disinfection lamps can remove virus from the exposed skin

Truth: No evidence to prove so, also should not be used for sterilization as it may cause skin irritation

Myth 7: Thermal scanners can effectively detect the infection

Truth: But only if the infected person is suffering from fever and showing signs of infection which may take up to 14 days to appear after infection

Myth 8: Spraying alcohol or chlorine kills the virus

Truth: Not true but can be harmful to the membranes and clothes

Myth 9: Pets can spread the virus

Truth: No such evidence so far

Myth 10: Pneumonia vaccines can spread the virus

Truth: Pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine do not protect from coronavirus

Myth 11: Garlic consumption prevents Coronavirus infection

Truth: No evidence in the current outbreak

Myth 12: Antibiotics prevent & treat the virus

Truth: Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria

Myth 13: Regularly rinsing the nose with saline water can prevent infection

Truth: No evidence to prove so far

Myth 14: Older people are more susceptible

Truth: It can affect people of all ages, people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart diseases appear to be more susceptible

How to Protect Child or Adults From Coronavirus Disease Outbreak?

Novel Coronavirus Treatment Precautions or Advice

So, what is the treatment for Coronavirus(Covid 2019)? The nCoV is an entirely new virus and still under the study. Although there is no cure available for the nCoV, the individual symptoms can be treated. It is recommended that you consult a local physician for the treatment in case of flu symptoms.

Since the disease is still limited to a few geographies, it is unlikely that you may come in contact with anyone already infected. Though, if you are traveling to the following locations you may want to take precautions:

• Wuhan province in China (epicenter)

• Singapore (screening people visiting from Wuhan)

• Hong Kong (screening people visiting from Wuhan)

• Thailand (2 cases of infection)

The epicenter of the new outbreak has been identified as a seafood market in Wuhan and presently about 100 people are under a healthcare scanner for the infection. Many countries including Thailand, Japan, and even India have already started screening of passengers coming from Wuhan in China. Experts point to the fact that there is no reason to be alarmed at the current situation. However, everyone needs to be cautious to avoid a waterfall moment.

Precautions for Preschoolers, Daycare & Adults

So, it is suggested to take the following precautionary advice for your school-going child & office going adults as well.  

Always Be Coutious, Alert to prevent, protect & eradicate coronavirus(COVID-19).