What do You Need To Know About Coronavirus Disease? Causes, Symptoms, & Precautions

Disclaimer: This article is just for informational purposes based on the author’s interpretation of the CDC and WHO’s guidelines. If you have any kind of problem please call your health care professional.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that typically affects the respiratory tracts of Birds and Mammals. They also cause illness in humans ranging from a common cold to severe respiratory issues.

Doctors associate Coronavirus with  SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle-East respiratory syndrome). Over the past years, Scientists have discovered that coronavirus can infect dogs, pigs, cattle, mice, rats, horses, and turkeys.

Sadly, these animals can transmit viruses to humans which are identified as the seventh member of the family (COVID-19). [1] Of late, this virus is spreading like a wildfire from person to person all across the globe, of which 80% of cases are identified in China, Italy, and Iran. [2]

In this article, we’ll explain in clear what is a coronavirus, it’s symptoms, precautions or prevention methods you need to follow, and everything you need to know about the fatal disease to keep it at bay.

Table of Contents

1. What is Coronavirus?
2. What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?
3. Can I get a Coronavirus?
4. Best preventive steps to get rid of Coronavirus
5. How to Wash Hands Properly?
6. COVID-19 Warning signs that need medical attention right away
7. How to make DIY Hand sanitizer recommended by WHO
8. When and How to Wear Medical Masks?
9. Travel Recommendations by WHO

1. What Is Coronavirus?

Lately, a new virus, (COVID-19) outbreak has been recognized in China which is now widespread all across several countries. It has been named as COVID-19.

“Corona means ‘Crown’, the viruses are in crown-shaped when looked under an electronic microscope said Dr. Bhanu Sud, a specialist at St. Jude Medical Center, California. [3]

Sud explains that Coronaviruses are usually harmless and most people will get affected by such viruses at any point in their lives. Whereas, people who get infected with these types of viruses like SARS and MERS are more serious and dangerous. [4]

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2. What Are The Symptoms Of New COVID-19?

According to the CDC, symptoms perhaps vary from person to person with COVID-19. The new Coronavirus causes few or no symptoms. Sometimes, it can also lead to severe illness or death. [5] Common symptoms of Coronavirus include:

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Body Aches
5. Chest Congestion
6. Sneezing
7. Running Nose
8. Respiratory Problems
9. Shortness of Breath

Recent research from the WHO (World Health Organization) has listed down more detailed symptoms in severe cases which include bone or joint pain, headache, pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. [6]

Whatsoever, the incubation period of Novel Coronavirus is 14 days. So, it takes 2-14 days for a person to notice the symptoms of Coronavirus infection.

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) suggests that the people who are more vulnerable to such infection or who have the highest risk of developing infection due to Coronavirus include: [7]

• Young Children (Below 10 years)
• People aged 65 years or older
• Women who are Pregnant
• People with chronic conditions like Diabetes, High Blood pressure, Asthma, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, and reduced immunity

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3. Can I Get A Coronavirus?

The most obvious answer is ‘Yes’, as it’s probably emerged from an animal source and now spreading from person to person in all parts of the world. Coronavirus is contagious as it can mutate effectively. [8]

According to the CDC, the infection spreads because of the following factors:

• The risk of the infection spread is higher for people who come in close contact with someone (less than 2 meters) known to have COVID-19 infection
• Also if you come in contact with a person who has recently traveled COVID-19 affected countries
• People who have recently traveled or lived in Coronavirus contaminated areas are at high risk for infection
• When the water droplets (due to coughing or sneezing) from a sick person enter your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Sometimes droplets from a sick person get transferred on things like door handles, remotes, gadgets, etc. If you touch them accidentally and then touching your face or rubbing your eyes will surely make you get infected with COVID-19
• Social gatherings, especially in crowded places such as Malls, Pubs, Theatres, etc, can spread the virus rapidly
• Touching or shaking hands with a person who has the virus can pass the virus
• Lastly, If you’re not a Quarantine until the virus spread diminishes, you’re most likely to get sick

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4. The Best Preventive Steps To Naturally get rid of Coronavirus

Coronavirus mostly shows adverse effects on the bodies with the weak immune system. Therefore, as the fast-moving epidemic grows, you must strengthen your immunity, stay healthy, and not fall sick. So, you must follow these preventive steps suggested by Experts and Ayurveda.

 

a. Gargle with warm water

There’s been a misconception all through the internet that drinking warm water kills the infection as it gets passed through the stomach and killed by acids produced in the abdominal area. However, according to the BBC, there has been no research and evidence-backed by science supporting warm water that can kill the virus.

There was further research on whether gargling with water might help to prevent respiratory infections. What they found was ironic. Over a 60 day period, people who gargled with warm water three times a day were less likely to report respiratory issues. [9]

You must gargle three times a day with Betadine Gargle & Mouthwash as prescribed by the physicians. 

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b. Keep your distance from other People

 

Social distancing is the best practice you could follow to not get caught up with COVID-19. Stay as a quarantine at home safely. Any kind of viruses get transmitted from a sick person to other individuals through the air, the things they’ve used, water droplets (while coughing or sneezing), and etc. So, coming in close contact with a sick person will make your body easily prone to infections.

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c. Strengthen Immune System

The onset of Coronavirus is amplifying and mainly targeting the people with a weak immune system. If you’re a Corona positive case and your body is not immune or doesn’t have enough resistance to tolerate the infection, that can even lead to even death. So, come on! Strengthen your immunity naturally by focusing on four pillars of health.

1. Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Studies have shown that, if you get to sleep less than 6 hours, it drops the natural killer cells by 50% that are responsible to protect you from COVID-19
2. Eat Healthy and the right way by munching on immunity-boosting foods such as citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, kiwi, green tea, poultry, sunflower seeds, and etc. [10]
3. Exercise to get rid of toxins from your body. Now, it’s the best time to do sit-ups, squats, or any cardio exercises at your home itself
4. Don’t engage in smoking and drinking alcohol. They increase your chance of having severe COVID-19. Over drinking can impair the white blood cells that protect you from COVID-19

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d. Antibacterial Sanitizers in rescue

Fortunately, people have noticed the importance of sanitizers to stay squeaky clean all the time. Gradually the racks of grocery stores and pharmacies are emptied. The lack of sanitizers will, of course, have a huge negative impact on the people in the present scenario.

So, I’ve thoroughly researched and listed down the sites where you can still grab a Hand Sanitizer. Check here. Also, check these Antibacterial Wipes and Hands Soaps.

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e. Must take a Multivitamin Capsule

Not getting enough nutrients can negatively impact your overall health and consequently result in chronic diseases. Moreover, you need to get your daily dose of vitamin C in order to strengthen your immunity. So, here are our top picks of Multivitamins for all age groups:

For Men: Rainbow Light Men’s One Multivitamin

For Women: Centrum Women’s Multivitamin

Ages 50+: Centrum Silver Multivitamin

Best for Whole Family (Age 6+): Garden of Life Vitamin Code Family

Best for Kids: Smartypants Kids Daily Gummy Multivitamins

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f. Gulp Down Raw to Detox your Body

Getting a daily dose of Nutrients is highly essential for a healthy body. Similarly, detoxifying your body once in a while is equally important to stay healthy and keep infections at bay. There’s an amazing Plant-based Detoxifying Cleanser by Raw to keep you healthy and fit. You can skip your three meals for a day and drink the Raw juices which come in different flavors. Please check them here.

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g. Spray Disinfectants

It’s not that you just use sanitizer and keep yourself clean. Also, make sure to keep your surroundings (home or workplace) virus or infections free. That’s because the virus can spread through the air. So, spray disinfectants for every 3-4 hours to kill the virus, bacteria, and other deadly impurities. We would recommend you to get hands-on Dettol disinfectant spray for Flu and Viruses.

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h. Anti Corona Tea

Anti Corona Tea mostly well-known as Flu and Cold Wellness Tea is made with wholesome ingredients to uplift your immune strength. This tea specifically is an elixir guaranteed to keep you healthy. Now, it’s time for your body to get a dose of this flu shot ASAP every day.

To prepare this tea you’ll need – Water, Lemon, Turmeric roots, Ginger, Cayenne pepper, Black pepper, and Honey. Firstly, add 4 cups of water into a pot. Then peel the skin of a lemon and add to the pot. Slice the turmeric roots and off goes into the pot or simply add a tsp of Turmeric powder. Similarly, slice ginger into chunks and toss them into the pot. Now, add a pinch of Cayenne pepper and one crack of black pepper. Bring the pot to simmer and let it cook for about 7 minutes. Finally, take the pot off the heat and add a juice of 1 lemon. Strain the tea into a glass, add some honey (optional) and Voila!

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i. Use a Tissue with no Issue

If you caught a cold and started sneezing, it’s better to wipe off your runny nose with a tissue rather than a cloth napkin. In the case of a cloth napkin, the virus perhaps transfers to other stuff while washing it. So, better stick to tissue and trash it into a closed bin.

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j. Get some Sunlight

According to WHO, getting 15 minutes of Sunlight on your hands, arms, body, and face a week is enough to relish the vitamin D benefits of Sun. For treating skin conditions, flu symptoms, improve mood, prevent cancer, and build strong bones you must catch some rays.

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k. Keep your hands away from your Face

You accidentally touch those things in your surroundings. Who knows that they contain bacteria or viruses? And what if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth? This is the time to be utmost cautious. Though it’s your habit of touching facial parts, avoid it immediately to stay safe.

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l. Be aware of the things you use

Load up your loo wardrobes with the toilet seat sanitizers. It’s time to keep yourself and your surroundings squeaky clean. Also, carry one in your handbags so that you could use it every time you pee in a public loo.

And don’t forget to clean the doorknobs, cell phones, remotes, laptops, and other gadgets with either soap water or disinfectant sprays. The study claims that perhaps it’s possible to transmit the virus by touching a contaminated surface.

Furthermore, change your pillow covers, quilts, sheets, towels quite often. A survey reported that a towel used more than three days contains bacteria and fungi that can even damage the liver. The new coronavirus can stay up to 7 hours on the clothes according to UNICEF guidelines. So, clean off such things with Dettol or such disinfectants.

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m. Ayurveda teaches how to clean Sinuses and Body Toxins

The ancient Ayurvedic techniques are the best natural remedies to keep your body in a good state. Sinus rinsing and Oil pulling are two of the best primitive practices which made people live a longer lifetime. Now, it’s time to start using these methods to combat COVID-19.

Oil pulling is a natural Indian remedy that involves swishing oil in the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. This way of washing your mouth fights off bacteria or infections in your body. Most experts recommend swishing with a tablespoon of Coconut oil ( the edible oil) in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouth, teeth, and body.

Another most popularly known technique the Neti pot sinus rinsing is an effective self-care method to help clear out the symptoms. When sinuses aren’t working mucus builds up which usually means the line of sinuses is swollen.  Rinsing inside the nose helps reducing swelling and moves dirt and dust out of the nose. Hence sinus rinsing is a religious practice of our forefathers.

Here’s how exactly you can rinse your sinuses with Neti pot. BTW, you can buy the sinus rinsing kit here. 

 

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n. Don’t go for Regular Health Checks

Until the outbreak stops you must be a quarantine. Heading off to hospitals for regular health checks is not an ideal thing to do now. If you’re concerned about testing for coronavirus, don’t worry! You will be affected by COVID 19 only when coming in close contact with a person traveled from virus-contaminated regions or when you travel to such places. If you still not sure when to take the COVID-19 test, check the video below.

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n. Immunity strengthening Diet plan

Fasting has been the best medicine to clean your body since it has the ability to heal by itself. That being said, most of the time, the body’s energy is used for digesting the food. If you follow intermittent fasting or give your digestive system the rest of 2-3 days, it could kill the virus.

Meanwhile, comprise your diet with mostly liquids such as coconut water, lemon water, warm water, or Giloy juice (known as the drink of immortality). Also, munch on seasonal fruits or light meals such as soups. Follow up with 15 minutes of Pranayama.

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5. How to Wash Hands Properly?

Here’s a guide to let you know the best possible way of washing hands advocated by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organisation).

 

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6. COVID-19 Warning signs that need medical attention right away

 

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7. How to make DIY hand sanitizer recommended by WHO

The WHO (World Health Organisation) endorses a sanitizer recipe to make at your home itself instead of waiting in the long queues.

What you need

• 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol or 96% Ethanol
• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• 98% Glycerol
• 1 lt Sterile Water
• Measuring Equipment
• A large Mixing Jar
• Wooden, Glass, or Metal Spoon or Spatula
• A Funnel
• Spray bottles
• Alcoholmeter to measure alcohol content

Instructions

The WHO provides you with two alternatives for using either Isopropyl Alcohol or Ethanol.

If you’re using Ethanol, combine 833.3ml of Ethanol, 41.7ml of Hydrogen Peroxide solution,14.5ml of Glycerol and 1lt Sterile Water.

If you’re using Isopropyl Alcohol, combine 751.5ml of Isopropyl Alcohol, 41.7ml of Hydrogen Peroxide,14.5ml of Glycerol and 1lt Steril Water.

Mix well by stirring with a wooden, glass, or metal spoon or spatula.

Now, measure the alcohol content with the help of alcoholmeter to ensure you meet the CDC’s recommendation of 60% alcohol content. Similarly, the ethanol concentration must be between 75 and 85 percent.

Divide up the well-mixed alcohol sanitizer into your spray bottles. Seal tightly and spray onto your hands or in the air whenever required.

Warning

Using large quantities of Alcohol content (more than the required concentration of 60% by WHO) is a fire hazard. Follow all the safety warnings and fire regulations.

 

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8. When and How to Wear Medicals Masks?

Wearing a mask doesn’t ideally protect you from the virus unless you know how to use it the right way. Here’s what the WHO( World Health Organisation) advocates while using a mask.

Moreover, if you do not have any respiratory symptoms you need not have to wear a mask. Instead, you can stay as a quarantine.

If you had to head out for daily necessities to the crowded places or contaminated areas you can use a mask but we’d urge you to watch out this video to get to know the proper way of using a mask in order to stay protected from COVID-19.

Furthermore, don’t touch elevators buttons, railings, or other things outside with your bare hands. Wear gloves to both hands and immediately trash them after every use by not touching the gloves. I mean remove the left-hand glove with the help of your right hand and remove the right-hand glove by placing your left hand’s index finger a bit inside the right-hand glove and take it off.

 

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9. Travel Recommendations by WHO

 

 

Up to the very end!

Staying safe is our utmost priority during the Coronavirus outbreak. Avoid social distancing and stay as a Quarantine as far as possible. Follow all the guidelines and regulations advocated by WHO to stay safe and healthy. Please let us know if you’ve any further questions by leaving a comment below.

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