Since the week just before the festivities of Lunar New Year 2020 started, the term “Coronavirus” has been flashing in all media platforms – newspapers, news channels, social media platforms and so on. According to news reports, more than 50 people in China are dead. More than 2000 cases have been confirmed in mainland China alone. Over 60 million people have been affected by the Government’s efforts to stop this virus from spreading across other nations. People have been stranded in airports and not able to return to their destination. So, what exactly is this “coronavirus” that has taken the entire world by shock?
How did this virus spread?
Coronavirus is a kind of virus that spreads from animals. So, how did this virus start causing illness in Wuhan? Viruses usually originate in animal hosts just like how Ebola and other kinds of flu do. Since the food habits of wild animals are usually bizarre, we can in no way ensure that they are disease-free. It is because of this that health campaigns in Africa warn people against the consumption of wild animals as it leads to countless diseases including HIV/Aids.
This crisis that originated in Wuhan can be linked perfectly to the previously mentioned statement about “wild animals”. The Huanan seafood wholesale market in China sold live as well as newly slaughtered animals. People who worked or frequently shopped in this market started getting affected by this “deadly” coronavirus.
The Symptoms
Those who have been affected by the virus are reported to suffer severe coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. The virus also causes chronic pneumonia. In the worst cases, it can even lead to organ failure. The usual antibiotics that we use against the flu will not work for coronavirus. People with a very weak immune system tend to get easily affected by this virus. Many of those who have died of coronavirus have been already in poor health. In the current scenario, if you sense any sort of abnormality in your body, it is important that you check with a doctor immediately.
How is this virus spreading so rapidly?
According to China’s National Health Commission, the virus has been spreading at a brisk pace mainly through human to human transmission. Apart from its epicentre, the virus is said to have affected several nations across the globe. Some examples of how this virus has impacted the world include France confirming three cases of coronavirus on January 24th, marking it as the first confirmed diagnoses in Europe. Australia and the United States also reported similar cases on January 25th. From then on, travel bans have been extended in different parts of China. The temple fairs and festivals that are usually part of the Chinese New Year celebration have all been put to a halt to avoid large public gatherings where the virus could possibly spread.
The crisis and the after-effects
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a special Government meeting, said that the spread of the deadly virus is accelerating. As a result, train stations in several cities have been shut down and the residents are having their temperatures frequently checked for signs of fever. In Hong Kong, the highest level of emergency has been declared and holidays have been extended for school students. Depending upon the impact of the virus attack, each and every nation is taking suitable steps to stop the coronavirus from further spreading. People have been asked to wear face masks to cover their face and nose. However, in many areas of China, most of the masks have been sold off. With limited supplies, the prices of the remaining masks have been increased severalfold.
Lessons we need to learn!
“Prevention is better than cure.” Most of us visit a hospital only after our health has worsened. But we need to make sure that our health is always kept in check. Even if we feel slight discomfort, it is important that we get our health checked. In the world that we live in, you never know what health issues can spring up and bring our entire immune system down.
It is therefore important to have thorough body checkups done periodically. We also need to urge our parents to take up body checkups once every six months, just to err on the side of caution. One more thing we need to keep a check on is our diet. The food that we consume today can turn poisonous to our body tomorrow. We need to make sure that we add fruits and vegetables as part of our daily diet plan. A healthy balanced diet will keep your immune system under control and drive away any possibility of getting infected by viruses.
Let us all pray for the speedy recovery of the people affected by coronavirus and wish that the residents of China get back to their normal lives as soon as possible. Let’s also make contributions to people in need during this grave period through registered organisations. Our small efforts can mean a lot to the people in need!
*Images taken from The Straits Times, Saturday, 25 January 2020.
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