Corona virus – Here, there and everywhere

One could not imagine a beautiful-looking Corona virus would turn out to be a pandemic. It’s become famous like an overnight sensation traveling around the globe as though on a ‘world tour’. This has led the WHO (World Health Organization)  to declare a global emergency as the outbreak continues to spread far and wide.

Corona virus belongs to a large family of viruses causing illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several Corona viruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.

Social media is an integral part of our lives, today. Nowadays we are bombarded with information on all the popular platforms: whats app, Facebook, Insta, Twitter et all. Simultaneously, it is becoming rather difficult to identify trustworthy sources and reliable information. More often than not the unreliable and/or unofficial sources make the loudest noise. It is thus necessary that we take everything with a pinch of salt or we might end up ruining the taste of our meal. Similarly, we must be careful about what information we really want to believe, otherwise it might impact our health and ruin our mental peace. It is equally important that we understand and make sure that everyone can access credible and accurate information and share them.

There were many messages that I found untrue or were unrelated to the illness. Let me highlight a few of the myths:

• A whats app forward mentioned drinking water would kill the corona virus. This is a myth. Having said that, drinking water has other proven health benefits, so you can get your children and elders to drink more water.
• Vitamin C will protect you from virus. There is no scientific evidence to back this up yet, so please don’t take this supplement because of some social media frenzy forward unless you were prescribed by a medical authority/doctor. Eat fruits instead, they are good for you.
• Hand dryer or UV lamps will kill the virus. This is a myth. Following good hygiene, by regularly washing hands with hand wash or soap would protect you from any possible infection.
• Garlic can prevent corona virus. No, it will not protect you against this one, though it is proven to help when having a common cold.
• Rinsing mouth with mouthwash would not protect you from the virus which can attack you through other means. This is false as well.
• Alcohol kills microorganism but then bathing in alcohol will do you no good. You might end up starting a fire by doing this. Refrain from such activity.
• Virus does not survive hot temperature. The virus has shown that it can multiply in a healthy human body which is at 37 degrees C. Doesn’t mean that you should not go out, getting some sun is good for you in many ways. Do not turn on the heater in your rooms hoping to kill the virus.

Now taking you down memory lane. There were many viruses detected before corona came into picture, which proved to be even more deadly than corona. A few from the year 2000 on wards are:

• 2001- Anthrax
• 2002- West Nile Virus
• 2003- SARS
• 2005- Bird Flu
• 2006- Ecoli
• 2009- Swine Flu
• 2014- Ebola Virus
• 2016- Zika Virus
• 2018- Nipah Virus
• 2020- Corona Virus

Do not panic, do not fret. Do not let fear kill you. Follow a balanced diet to remain healthy and to have a better immune system. You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

1. Avoid crowded places and unnecessary travel. Now is good time to stay home and spend quality time with your near and dear one’s.
2. Wash your hands when you come from outside, after going to the bathroom, before/after eating, after blowing your nose/coughing/sneezing. 
3. Do not touch your nose, mouth, eyes with unclean hands.
4. If you have cold/cough use a tissue and throw it into the dustbin after use.
5. Keep yourself and your surroundings clean and hygienic.
6. Don’t spit on the road. In fact, don’t spit anywhere except in the bathroom sink.
7. If you have a fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing then immediately call your nearest hospital. Get professional advice before you visit the hospital, you don’t want to get infected if you don’t have it or unwittingly infect others. The faster you get help the more chances of survival for yourself and for others around you.
8. Most important, relax and enjoy your life.

Some of the most trusted site with more details and information-

• CDC–https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index. html
• WHO–https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. html
• INFOGRAPHICS-https://infographics.channelnewsasia.com/covid-19/map.html. html