How to Navigate Novel Corona Virus

How to Navigate the Corona Virus

Sharing useful information from the Wall Street Journal

Edited and summarized by Khalid Rehman. MD

How to Navigate Corona Virus was published in the Wall Street Journal on Friday March 13, 2020. I found the information accurate, clear and timely and have summarized it here.

What is Corona Virus and where did it come from?:

The scientific name of this new (novel) virus is SARS-CoV-2 and the illness it causes is called COVID-19. It belongs to the Corona Virus family. SARS and MERS viruses are the other notable members of this family. It generally infects bats and small mammals. It is believed to have been transmitted to humans from a small mammal in the city of Wuhan in China. It is highly infectious and is transmitted through particles spread during coughing and sneezing.

How do you know if you have it?

The virus can cause mild flu like symptoms as well as lower respiratory infection like pneumonia. The early symptoms are sore throat, cough, fever and body aches. When it reaches the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath. If you think you may have the virus, stay home, contact your health care provider or the local health agency and follow the instructions.

What is the incubation period?

Once someone catches the virus, the symptoms may appear between 2-14 days. Most people will develop symptoms in 5-7 days. In one case it took 27 days for the symptoms to appear after exposure.

Who is most at risk?

Older people and those with diabetes, heart and lung disease and those who’s immune system is suppressed. Children seem to be less prone to become very sick.

How is it tested?

The most common way is to take a nasal swab and send it to the lab. The laboratory uses (RT-PCR) technology to look for the RNA of the virus. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be cultured. The RT-PCR test is run manually or in an automated machine and the results can be available in as little as a few hours.

Why aren’t enough testing kits in the USA?

When infection was detected in China, the laboratories at the World Health Organization developed the test and sent it out the kit to the countries that asked for it. The CDC, here in the USA wanted to use its own test. Some of the initial kits made by the CDC were defective. Additionally, early on testing could only be done at CDC or though its approved public health labs. The problems with the test kits have presumably been fixed. The CDC and FDA have now relaxed the rules and allowed private and the State Health Departments labs to perform the tests. This will increase the testing capabilities.

How deadly is it?

The death rate from it varies between 2-4 % (average 3.4%).

How is it treated?

There is no medical cure for the virus. Those with mild illness, get better by themselves. Those who are more seriously ill, need hospitalization. They may need intravenous fluids, oxygen and in worst case scenario, breathing support from a machine called the Ventilator.  If they also have a bacterial infection, they will need intravenous antibiotics.

Research is underway to see if any of the FDA approved anti-viral drugs will work against this virus. Vaccines are being developed to protect us in the future.

How do we prevent ourselves?

The virus can survive indoors on surfaces for a day or two. It, however dies within minutes when exposed to the sun. The most important preventive technique is thorough (at least 20 seconds) hand washing with soap and water. Hands must be dried completely after washing. The virus has an envelope made up of thin layer of fat. The soap dissolves the envelope, killing the virus.

If soap and water are not available, alcohol (at least 60% alcohol) based sanitizers can be used. With the hand sanitizer in short supply, some chemist has suggested mixing 2 parts Aloe Vera gel with one part 71% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to make your own sanitizer.

The next best option is to wipe the surfaces with disinfectants and dry them as often as possible. To ensure that “Disinfectants” sold in the market are effective, look for the  official EPA registration number on the container. Disinfectant can also be made at home by mixing one quarter cup bleach and one gallon of water. Use disinfectant wipes for doorknobs and handles. While outside, use a tissue to turn the knobs and handles and then toss out the tissue.  

The ordinary surgical masks if worn properly may protect you from inhaling the droplets of someone close to you (within 6 feet). The maximum protection is through the N95 masks. Wearing the ordinary (surgical) masks is not recommended all of the times.

Social Distancing is the new buzz word. It means to avoid crowds, keeping distance between yourself and others and avoiding hand shaking.

Handle cash (particularly paper money) with care as it has touched many fingers.

Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. The virus enters through these orifices and then finds its way into the respiratory system. (the eyes drain in the nasal cavity through tear ducts).

Worrying and stress releases steroid hormones that reduce your immunity. Relax, meditate, talk walks in fresh air and carry on mild exercise.

To keep your digital devices clean, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use bleach. A soft cloth lightly soaked in mild soap solution will do. Wash hands with soap and water after using the device.

Wish that you stay well and healthy.