People of all age groups can be affected by novel coronavirus. People who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and older people are more prone to get severely ill. The clinical findings include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and chest radiographs may show bilateral lung infiltrates. As new coronavirus is a virus, antibiotics that work against bacteria should not be used for prevention or treatment. However, if admitted antibiotics may be used if bacterial co-infection is suspected. Recommendations to decrease exposure and transmission
1. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing with flexed elbows or use a tissue. Discard tissue immediately in a closed dustbin and wash hands.
3. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, seek medical care and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.
4. Do not come in close contact with anyone suffering from cough and fever.
5. Avoid traveling if you have a cough and fever.
6. Avoid consumption of raw or uncooked animal products. Wash hands in between handling raw and cooked food. Wear safety gowns, face mask, gloves while handling animal or animal products. Avoid contact with sick animals or spoilt meat.
7. Avoid direct contact with animals in areas having cases of novel coronavirus.
8. Do not spit in public places.