Coronavirus Symptoms in Humans: Prevention and Home remedies

coronavirus
Coronavirus is a contagious infection and adequate measures should be taken to prevent its spread and treat. Here we provide you complete details about coronavirus symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is a Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a type of virus that affects mammals; it is seen in humans, camels, bats, cats, dogs, etc.

Coronavirus definition: a group of RNA viruses that cause a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. “corona” comes from the crown-shaped structure of the virus.

Coronavirus infection can be seen in the form of a common cold. It is responsible for causing both SARS and MERS infection in humans. The coronavirus antibodies do not last long in the blood; hence one can expect the coronaviral infection again.

People are likely to experience another coronavirus attack in 4 months. It causes infection in the nose, throat, and sinuses. There are about 7 coronaviruses that can infect humans. Most of the strains of coronavirus are not dangerous.

As mentioned coronavirus can affect mammals also, it can be seen in our pets, cats, and dogs. Coronavirus in cats is also not uncommon. It is unlikely for humans to get coronavirus infection from cats.

The coronavirus in cats is transmitted through oral contact with the infected feces or airborne contaminants. It is common in young cats and also cats with a weak immune system.

Coronavirus causes feline infectious peritonitis. Coronavirus in Cats is of two types wet and dry. In most cases, the infection fades-off with time as the cats develop antibodies against it.

Coronavirus in dogs is an infectious intestinal disease that affects dogs all around the world. It affects the small intestine and lymph nodes. The coronavirus symptoms can be seen in the form of vomiting and diarrhea.

It affects the worst in puppies with serious complications, protracted diarrhea, and dehydration. It also causes severe enteritis in puppies. Coronavirus in dogs remains asymptomatic in adult dogs and does not require any treatment.

Coronavirus in dog is presented with severe symptoms such as enteritis, respiratory problems, or blood, they may need antibiotics. There is a vaccine for coronavirus in dogs to prevent the disease.

In pets, it is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of contagious disease.

 What are Coronavirus Symptoms?

Coronavirus Symptoms in Humans are similar to upper respiratory tract infections or flu. It can be characterized by running nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, and lethargy.

The infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract. It can result in pneumonia or bronchitis in people with a weak immune system, infants, and the elderly and people with heart diseases.

The severe form of coronavirus infection includes additional symptoms such as cough with mucus and tightness in the chest when you breathe or cough.

The most common coronaviruses include 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 that produce mild to moderate upper respiratory tract diseases. It will be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of coronavirus and rhinovirus that also show cold-like symptoms.

MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV produce severe disease symptoms. People affected with MERS have shortness of breath that progresses to pneumonia.

The mortality rate in people with MERS is about 40%. SARS symptoms include fever, chills and body aches that gradually progresses to pneumonia.

Coronavirus diagnosis can be done by the collection of respiratory specimens and serum. The lab tests are also performed on nose and throat cultures. The travel history should be taken into consideration if MERS infection is suspected.

How Coronavirus transmitted in humans?

Coronaviruses are Zoonotic, Zoonotic transmission can occur by a spillover event from an animal to a human. It is found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Corona Virus) from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

How is Coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus infection is spread through direct contact with an infected person. The infectious fluids from mouth, nose or eyes can get deposited and spread to the other person. The infection is spread through

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Personal contacts by handshake or touching
  • Use of infected utensils
  • Feces 

How can people protect themselves?

There is no vaccine available for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infection. People should use a breathing mask to protect from viral infection.

Certain measures can help you in reducing the risk of infections. The symptoms of coronavirus infection are often misleading, pain, fever, headache, running nose and cough can indicate common cold.

Do’s:

  • Stay at home to prevent further worsening of symptoms
  • Cover your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of infection
  • Throw used tissues and wash your hands each time
  • Maintain cleanliness
  • Disinfect the used articles and utensils
  • Wash your hands with disinfectant for at least 20 secs
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Take adequate rest
  • Keep the mask on people’s face to cover nose and mouth

Don’ts: 

  • Do not contact people infected with coronavirus
  • Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth with dirty hands
  • Do not smoke or avoid smoking areas
  • Do not take alcohol, coffee or caffeinated drinks

Coronavirus Treatment: 

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus infection. The infection many times remains asymptomatic and do not require any treatment. If the symptoms persist then the symptomatic treatment is prescribed by the doctors.

  • The symptoms of pain, fever, and sore throat can be treated with OTC medicines. Pediatrician takes special precautions to control coronavirus symptoms. Aspirin and certain medications are not prescribed in children
  • Hot showers can help to get relief from pain
  • Room humidifiers can also be used instead
  • Gargle with warm water, it relieves sore throat
  • Take good rest as it can help in quick recovery
  • Drink lots of fluids

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider to identify the cause of the symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe antiviral medications to control the disease.

Coronavirus in India:

In January 2020, there is an outbreak of coronavirus infection in China. The increased spread of coronavirus infection in China is a threat to people traveling to India from China. There is a scare of novel coronavirus (nCoV) in India.

The health ministry in India has taken all necessary steps to deal with the emergency. The union ministry has issued an advisory for its citizens in China to seek immediate medical attention for fever and cough.

While coughing and sneezing cover your mouth to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection.

There is no spread of coronavirus in India, but about 100 people are under observation in Indian states of Kerala and Maharashtra.

Home Remedies for Coronavirus Infection:

1. Juices:

juices such as warm lemon water with honey, it can help you relieve nasal congestion and also provide hydration to the body. Honey possesses antiviral properties and the addition of vitamin C helps build immunity.

2. Saltwater Gargle:

dissolve about a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use this to gargle. It gives you temporary relief from a sore throat. Sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy.

3. Saline Nasal Drops:

The nasal stuffiness can be reduced by using Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays. Saline Nasal drops can be used in both adults and children

4. Soups:

Drink warm liquid to get warmth as it helps in controlling cough and cold, eases mucus flow and provides relief from congestion. Include tea, coffee, chicken soup, etc in the daily routine.

5. Echinacea Products:

It prevents cold and relieves nasal symptoms. Echinacea is available as a food supplement in the pharmacy or as herbal tea.

6. Garlic:

It has antimicrobial properties (antibacterial and antiviral). One can take a couple of fresh garlic cloves early in the morning or take the garlic supplements present in the market.

7. Menthol:

It is a component present in various formulations to relieve cough and cold. Add menthol in the hot water and perform steam inhalation, it relieves coughing and nasal congestion.

8. Vitamin C:

Take vitamin C supplements to improve immunity. Vitamin C rich foods are avocados, berries (Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) and citrus fruits.

Coronavirus infection can be diagnosed by the analysis of the serum or swabs from the nose and throat. Certain forms of coronavirus are deadly and need immediate medical attention.

The disease is contagious and spread through direct contact with an infected person. OTC medicines, saline nasal drops, saltwater gargle and food supplements (Echinacea, garlic, Menthol, Vitamin C, etc.) help you get relief from cold and fever.

Take adequate rest, stay hydrated and avoid contact with an infected person. In 2020, there is a threat of coronavirus infection in India, people should take adequate measures to prevent the disease and stay healthy.

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