At the end of 2019, Coronavirus, which was first referred to as 2019-nCoV, slipped in. Ever since then, the world has been battling it.
First cases of Coronavirus were reported in Wuhan, a location in China that is now almost synonymous with this deadly disease.
Sadly, the early cases were linked to a large seafood and live animal market (also known as “wet markets”). It was an animal-to-person situation.
Interestingly, this discovery solved the doubts about where this disease is coming from.
Ever since then, experts have been on their toes trying to solve this puzzle.
The 2019-nCoV is a betacoronavirus, like MERS and SARs, all of which have their origins in bats.
You remember SARs right?
Fortunately, Chinese authorities have successfully sequenced the genome of the virus, allowing for effective detection.
In far away United States, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the same genome in its first two cases.
The situation is growing out of proportion, after it became clear that human-to-human contact is able to spread the virus.
Months after the first case was reported, the World Health Organisation named the disease COVID-19.
While the virus spread to different nations, Nigerians have been praying that Coronavirus should not get to the nation.
Sadly, however, on Thursday, February 27, the first case of the virus was reported in the most populous nation in Africa.
Lagos, the nation’s commercial city, reported the first case.
This case of Coronavirus was announced by the Ministry of Health in a statement.
While the nation battles to contain this deadly virus, here are few things you should know about it.
How Coronavirus Spreads
- Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others 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
- Rarely, fecal contamination
- When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Remember that spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.
Please, note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.
Symptoms Of Coronavirus Infection
Patients with COVID-19 infection often present a wide range of symptoms.
Most seem to have mild disease, and about 20% appear to progress to severe disease, including pneumonia, respiratory failure and in some cases death.
Over 24,607 cases of the disease have been confirmed globally, with over 24,391 of these cases confirmed in mainland China.
Treatment
According to the US CDC, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the novel coronavirus infection.
People infected with COVD-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
For severe cases, treatment often include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to coronavirus are also advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Number Of Deaths
The virus has now been confirmed in over 30 countries including Nigeria.
There are over 494 confirmed deaths, with the first death outside of China reported in the Philippines.
Chances Of Survival
Out of the over 24,000 infected persons over 998 patients have been reported as having recovered fully.
What To Do
Often, our body is able to withstand diseases, but it must be fortified enough to stand-guard.
Fortunately, Nigerians are blessed with different kinds of fruits and vegetables. These help us stay strong and fit.
It is now time to build your immune system up to resist diseases.
This is one way to at least have an assurance that your body immune system will try its best, should there be any contact.
We do not pray that this disease spreads, but we have to play our role to stay fit.
Add fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C – citrus, and those that have antioxidants – cabbage, carrot, red kidney beans, butternut, goron tula, pomegranate, beetroot, banana, and others to your diet.
Have you read: 11 Diseases You Never Knew African Velvet Tamarind Could Treat
Also, it is time to add garlic and ginger to your meals and ensure that you discard that your concern for the odour.
These vegetables also have antioxidants that will help your body fight free radicals that damage cells.
You should also follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health if you are in Nigeria.
CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINE FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Maintain at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
- Make sure you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please, call NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) toll free number, which is available day and night, for guidance: 0800 790 0000-0010. Do not engage in self-medication.
- Stay informed on the latest development about COV?ID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
We all have to be alive for the task ahead of us is enormous.
Kindly share with you friends and loved one to enable them know what to do now that coronavirus case has been reported in Nigeria.