What you need to know about the coronavirus

With the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China, the Ministry of Health has announced that to prevent its spread in Ghana, passengers coming into the country from China will be screened at the airport.

Also, health facilities are preparing to manage reported cases of the virus in Ghana, citizens have been advised to report to the nearest facility for needed attention if they suspect they have contracted the virus.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus is a large group of viruses that is common among animals and can be transmitted to humans.

The World Health Organisation says Coronaviruses (CoV) cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

The virus is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted between animals and humans from human contact with animals or the discharges of another human who has been affected.

Other ways the virus is spread are through

- The air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
- Fecal contamination

What are the symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms include the following:

- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties

The virus can also cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, usually in people with cardiopulmonary disease, weakened immune systems, toddlers, and older adults.

The WHO adds that the virus can cause kidney failure and even death in more severe cases.

Prevention and Treatment

Even though there vaccines are not currently available to protect you against human coronavirus infection, you can reduce the risk of infection by following the tips below

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough and sneezing
- Thoroughly cook meat and eggs

To avoid spreading the disease, here are somethings you can do if you feel sick

- Stay home
- Avoid close contact with others
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces

Just like the prevention, there is no specific treatment for the virus and symptoms usually go away on their own.
Taking pain and fever medications can help relieve you of the symptoms.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advices the following

- Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Stay home and rest

If symptoms get worse, see your doctor.