Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. The outbreak that is sweeping across China and the world can be traced to a city called Wuhan where a market selling live and recently slaughtered animals such as bats and snakes has been fingered as the source. There are several coronaviruses circulating in animals that have not yet crossed over to humans. With 81 people confirmed dead in China, 3,000 infected, and cases being confirmed in several countries, everyone is looking for more information on the virus. India is no exception, especially given our proximity to the epicenter of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the seventh coronavirus known to affect humans.
1. What is coronavirus?
The new coronavirus has been named novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). By labeling it a ‘novel’ virus, it implies that it is a member of the coronaviruses that has never been encountered before now. A great number of the people that were initially infected worked in or visited the Huanan seafood market. Other coronaviruses that have affected humans before include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (Mers).
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2. Presence in Delhi NCR + Symptoms.
The Wuhan coronavirus causes pneumonia and common symptoms exhibited by those affected include:
- Fever
- Coughs
- Difficulty breathing.
Being a viral pneumonia, the coronavirus doesn’t respond to antibiotics and recovery will largely depend on the strength of the patient’s immune system. Doctors can only provide support for the lungs and other organs as well as administer fluids. Passengers are being screened at seven Indian airports with over 29,700 having gone through the process. The country is on high alert and measures have been put in place to evacuate Indians in Wuhan. Reports indicate that approximately 100 people are being kept under observation in Kerala and Maharashtra. In Mumbai, there has been a fourth incident involving the admission of a person into the isolation ward on suspicion of possible exposure.
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3. Relevant medical test?
One should not ignore the initial symptoms like cough, fever, headache, which in some instances can be accompanied by other serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pains, or generally feeling unwell. Meddo doctors can help you get access to tests for the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) which may include laboratory tests on respiratory specimen and serum.
Get tests for coronavirus in Meddo clinics
We give patients access to a network of reputable doctors across Delhi and Gurgaon, making it easy to get tested and get all the necessary advice on how to best protect yourself and loved ones from this ravaging virus. Book an Appointment today or call us at 8752005200. You can also email us at contact@meddo.in and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
