CORONAVIRUS- The Killer Disease-Onumara.J. U.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus known as CONVID-19 in China in January 2020, the Minister of health in Lagos State has confirmed its first case of CONVID-19 on the 27th of February 2020.

It was reported that an Italian Citizen from Milan, Italy who came to the country on 26th of February for a business trip, fell ill on the 26th of February and was transferred to the Lagos State Bio-security facilities for isolation and testing, later was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) that the patient has been infected with CONVID-19.

The epidemic of 2019 novel coronavirus (now called SARS-CoV-2, causing the disease Covid-19) has expanded from Wuhan throughout China and is being exported to a growing number of countries.

Thus several question has been asked on this killer disease, first, what is CONVID-19, the illness that originated in Wuham China?
It is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before, like other coronaviruses, it has come from animals.

Secondly, what are the symptoms of CONVID-19?
The virus can cause pneumonia, and those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties, also in severe cases there can be organ failure.
As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use, recovery depends on the strength of the immune system, and many of those who have died were already in poor health conditions.

And lastly, if I am affected or find anyone victim of this symptoms mentioned above what do I do?
• Stay indoor
• Please call Lagos State Emergency hotlines 08023169485, 08033565529, 08052817243.

Prevention Safety tips
• Always wash your hand with soap and water, use hand sanitizers(alcohol-based)
• Maintain at least 1.5metres (5feet) distance between yourself and anyone coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid Touching your eyes, month, nose or any sense organ of your body with unwashed hands.
• Avoid public place for now.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash can.
• Stay at home when you are sick
• Stay updated on latest development about CONVID-19 through official channels on TV and radio, Including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.

Here are self-check and tips that you can do daily:
• Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, discomfort, stuffiness or tightness, it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection.
• Ensure your mouth & throat is moist, never DRY.
• Take a few sips of water every 15 mins at least.
• Take water in abundance, better on empty stomach.
• Eat fruit and vegetables to strengthen the immune system, preferable avocado, nuts, protein, oats, and cereals.