What is coronavirus?

A coronavirus is a common type of virus that affects both animals and humans. The human immune system can cope easily with this virus that routinely affect humans. However, when it spreads from animals to humans, it becomes difficult to fight and to treat. These viruses can often be stopped from spreading because they don’t always pass easily from one person to another. However, serious infections such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) are caused by this type of virus.

How did the recent outbreak occur?

The recent outbreak of coronavirus has occurred in Wuhan, China which has claimed more than 100 lives and reportedly infected thousands. Most of the first people affected had links to a seafood and live animal market in the area. This strongly suggests that this outbreak started as an animal version of coronavirus. The reach of the virus has been reported from as far as the United States. 

Symptoms: Fever, Cough & Cold, aches and pains, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache.

Treatment: There is no cure for coronavirus as of now. A vaccine is being developed, but it will be some time before it is available.

What food to be considered?

WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of coronavirus are as follows:

  • Avoid cold drinks, Ice cream, kulfi, golas etc.
  • Avoid packed/canned foods, packaged milk and sweets that has been prepared 48 hours ago.
  • Raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided.
  • Raw meat, eggs or animal organs should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination and cook thoroughly.
  • Improve your immune system by including foods such as Garlic + Ginger + Turmeric tea (helps you ward off the common cold).
  • Keep yourself well hydrated.

What are the precautions?

There is no vaccine for coronavirus. To help prevent a coronavirus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are infected with cough and cold.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid travel if not well.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever.
  • Avoid close contact with live or dead farm or wild animals.