Coronavirus is a virus that has originated in Wuhan China. It has affected nearly 8,000 people worldwide and already caused about 180 deaths.

There are many different types of Coronavirus as per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Some viruses are mild and cause only a mild cold and cough but there are some viruses that cause severe illness.

Coronavirus spreads from one infected person to another via respiratory drops. These drops get transmitted from one person to another while coughing and sneezing. Therefore a close contact with an infected person like touching, shaking hands, or touching a surface that has been contaminated with the drops and then touching your own nose mouth or eyes can transmit the infection.

The commonest symptoms with Coronavirus are fever cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can start any time from 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the person with the infection and they can cause a mild illness to severe form of illness

Impact Of Coronavirus In pregnancy

Women during pregnancy are immunocompromised and therefore more susceptible to infections and their complications.

General Recommendations For Pregnant Women To Avoid Coronavirus

  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Avoid crowded areas where air circulation and ventilation is not appropriate
  • In crowded places, it is advisable to wear a face mask
  • The virus is not likely to affect the foetus as it does not cross over the placenta.

Management Of Coronavirus

  • It is managed like any other viral cough cold sore throat and fever.
  • Plenty of rest and fluids.
  • Steam Inhalation
  • Salt-Water Gargling
  • Warm fluids to drink can be soothing to the throat.
  • Over the counter medicines are safe.
  • There is no vaccine available for the mother.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

MERS is an illness caused by a coronavirus called Middle East Respiratory.

Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS patients develop severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people also had diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. In severe cases, there can be pneumonia and kidney failure.

People with a pre-existing medical condition that weakened their immune system are more likely to get sick or have severe illness e.g. diabetes cancer chronic lung disease chronic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

There is no specific antiviral treatment.

Patients are given supportive treatment for their vital organs.

In case you have a sore throat, cough, cold and fever….then please take the necessary precautions and report to the physician so that any complications can be recognized without delay.

Of course, it is advisable to avoid travel to countries where there is high prevalence.