The Wuhan virus

 

All of us know about the widespread of the deadly coronavirus. Taking birth in Wuhan, china explains why it is also known as the Wuhan virus or the Chinese virus. This infectious disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2). The pandemic has already affected 188 countries with more than 723,000 recorded deaths . These zoonotic transmit through respiratory droplets produced by a human being. These groups of related RNA viruses are so powerful they have now become a significant global concern.

People in proximity with an infected person are more likely to catch the virus, via small droplets produced while coughing, sneezing, or talking.  Common symptoms of the disease include fever, dry cough, and/or tiredness. While having a sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis or headache comes under the less common symptoms.  The virus can even lead to conditions such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and septic shock. In severe conditions, the virus may even lead to death. Symptoms in an infected person can be noticed within two to fourteen days after the person got infected. 

Now that we know how deadly the virus can be, protection, and staying healthy should become our number one priority. to promote this idea further, countries across the globe have ordered complete lockdowns because putting a stop to community transmission of the virus can provide tremendous help in containing it. The first nationwide lockdown our country witnessed was on the twenty-fourth of March 2020. It was a 21-day lockdown limiting movement for the whole population of India. As the end of the first nationwide lockdown came nearer the government decided to extend the lockdown till first May and then again till seventeenth May. After such repeated extensions of the lockdown, the government finally decided to divide all districts into three zones based on the spread of the virus- the green zone, the orange zone, and the red zone. Concerning the zone, the district came under the government to apply the lockdowns.

Till date there is no vaccine or medicine for the coronavirus although Research is still underway. As of now the only treatment available is to manage the symptoms. There are still many ways to diagnose the disease, such as real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, this test is only done with the clinically obtained nasal secretions of a person. Blood tests can also be a way to test the patient but for that, we require two blood samples taken 2 weeks apart.

Even without vaccines or medicines, we can get infected.  Social distancing in addition to being the safest method is also an easy one. If an emergency ever arises we should always wear a mask before stepping out. Using hand sanitizers and washing hands regularly will also protect you from the virus. all that is to be done is to stay home and stay safe!