More than 100,000 people have been infected with the new coronavirus and 3,460 have died.  About 80% of cases and deaths are in China

Common Symptoms Guide: COVID-19, What Is It? And, When To See A Doctor?

COVID-19 is primarily caused due to a virus. This is virus has come from animals and most of initial infected people were those who frequently shopped seafood in wholesale market in center of Chinese city.  Some of common symptoms of infection are cough, fever and breathing difficulties. In some unfortunately severe cases, organ failure is been reported. There is no antibiotic or cure to this disease but in latest reports WHO has joined hand with China in search of an antidote. For now, recovery from COVID-19 depends on strength of immune system.

Confirmed Cases and Deaths by Country, Territory, or Conveyance.

Death Cases By Country

When should I see a doctor?

It is advised that if you have recently traveled from areas infected by coronavirus then: –

1. Avoid contact with people, stay indoors, and avoid public places
2. You can seek medical help from your doctor if you have mild fever

Remember, this virus is confirmed to communicate via human-to-human transmission. As of March 5th, over 93k+ people have been infected and 3k+ death tolls have reports across 80+ countries. In China, 80k+ people have been infected and it is nation’s worst hit by an outbreak. Fortunately, 44k+ people have recovered from COVID-19. 

Worse Than Normal Influenza

Many experts are worried as complete danger of this new coronavirus is still unknown. Currently, its mortality rate is around 2% in epicenter of outbreak, Hubei, and less in other places. For comparison, other viruses and seasonal flu typically have mortality rates below 1% and have 400k death tolls each year globally. Another factor of concern is how contagious coronavirus is? For a start it is unlike another flu, there is no vaccine and therefore it is hard to protect yourselves from it. It is highly recommended to wash your hand regularly and avoid meeting unwell people. 

Are there any other coronaviruses?

Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (Mers) are two coronaviruses that came from animals. Sars spread virtually unchecked in 37+ countries back in 2002 and infected 8k+ people taking lives of 750+. Mers on other hand killed 35% of about 2500+ people. 

Cases

Should We Panic?

No, spread of viruses outside china is worrying but not an unexpected development. Recently, WHO has declared outbreak as international concern. A major issue is that it is transmissible between people and major proportion of them are infected and hospitalized. Generally, coronaviruses are less impactful and appear to hit harder on old people as compared to young and children. 

Final Words

Follow precautionary safety rituals and wash your hand periodically during days. If you have cold and cough then use handkerchief to cover nose and mouth area. Avoid using public toilets.