pandemic is rapidly turning into a severe emergency. With over 70,000 infection cases and 3000 lives lost so far, coronavirus remains to be one of the deadliest infections which is spreading fast. As of yesterday, two fresh cases have been recorded in India, with one reported in Delhi and the second in Telangana. The United States too recorded its first Coronavirus related death on Sunday (March 1).
While it is extremely important to guard yourself against the deadly risk, it is absolutely possible to fall prey to rumours. What makes coronavirus infection actually dangerous is that the symptoms can appear in the form of a minor cold and manifest into something as severe as respiratory disorders. We give you a brief explainer of the same to protect yourself from infection.
What are the symptoms?
Coronavirus infection affects different people differently. According to World Health Organisation, COVID-19 spreads from one infected person to another through coughing, sneezing or direct contact and even through direct infectious droplets, which spread when people cough or exhale.
Reported infections have so far been categorized from mild to severe. In some cases, symptoms may take up to 2-14 days to fully develop post the exposure risk. However, by far, these have been the most commonly recognized symptoms in patients:
-Cough and cold
-Fever (lasting for a minimum of 2-3 days)
-Shortness of breath
-Runny nose, scratchy throat
-Upper respiratory tract illness
The risk of transmission is fairly high, often getting transmitted by coming in contact with an infected person or exposing yourself to fecal waste, according to guidelines released by the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In more severe cases, the infection can also lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), kidney failure and even death, in rare cases. According to the CDC, symptoms of coronavirus infection are very similar to that of a seasonal flu infection. Recent reports also indicate that people infected with COVID-19 may suffer from infection even before they start showing significant symptoms.
The infection seems to be more severe in older people and those with significant existing medical conditions including diabetes and heart conditions.
As of now, there are no clear scientific reports which state that coronavirus infection risk runs high for pregnant women and children. They may experience immunity-related changes or certain related physiologic changes which make them more prone to viral infections.
People are being urged to rush to get help or talk to healthcare professionals at once when they start exhibiting early symptoms of a possible Coronavirus infection. Early screenings, quarantine and treatment as well as practising necessary precautionary measures are the key to easy recovery.