The world is under the clutches of deadly disease Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) which has claimed hundreds of life in past few weeks.As per information,the lethal disease has originated from China.The National Health Commission of China informed about the total people affected from the corona virus infections in the country. As per information,the confirmed cases now stands at 7,711 vs about 6,000 on January 29; deaths 170 vs 132 yesterday; suspected case 12,167 and 81,000 people under observation.
The Health Ministry of India  is constantly reviewing the evolving scenario working closely with Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of External Affairs, Deptt. of Health Research and the Indian Embassy in China. WHO is being consulted for updates on technical inputs. Series of meetings have been taken to review the evolving scenario, preparedness in terms of disease surveillance, laboratory support infection prevention & control, logistics, risk communication and in particular, hospital preparedness and need for coordination and collaboration with other Ministries.
What are coronavirus infections?
Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses. They are named for the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Some coronaviruses only affect animals, but others can also affect humans. Most people get infected with human coronaviruses at some time in their life. This usually causes mild to moderate upper-respiratory infections, like the common cold. But they can also cause more severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
How are coronavirus infections spread?
Human coronaviruses usually spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing.
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands, feces.
Who is at risk for coronavirus infections?
Anyone can get a coronavirus infection, but young children are most likely to get infected. Infections are more common in the fall and winter.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus infections?
The symptoms depend on the type of coronavirus and how serious the infection is. If you have a mild to moderate upper-respiratory infection such as the common cold, your symptoms may include- Running nose, Headache, Cough, Sore throat. Some coronaviruses can cause severe symptoms. The infections may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia, which cause symptoms such as Fever, which may be quite high if you have pneumonia, Cough with mucus, Shortness of breath, Chest pain or tightness when you breathe and cough.
Severe infections are more common in people with heart or lung diseases, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.
What are the treatments for coronavirus infections?
There are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections. Most people will get better on their own. However, you can relieve your symptoms by taking over-the-counter medicines for pain, fever, and cough. However, it is suggested to not give aspirin to children. And to not give cough medicine to children under four.
Can coronavirus infections be prevented?
Right now, there aren’t any vaccines to prevent human coronavirus infections. But you may able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection.
The Ministry of AYUSH has issued an advisory as preventive measure and not claiming to be a treatment advice for the Corona virus infection. The Research Councils under Ministry of AYUSH are involved in various public health activities and provide lifestyle advocacies time to time for the general public.
As per the Ayurvedic Practices the following Preventive Management Steps are suggested.
- Drink Shadang Paniya (Musta, Parpat, Usheer, Chandan,Udeechya & Nagar) processed water (10 gm powder boiled in 1-liter water, until it reduces to half). Store it in a bottle and drink it when thirsty.
- Prophylactic Measures/Immunomodulatory drugs as per the Ayurvedic practices.
- Measures shall be taken to strengthen the immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle practices.
- Agastya Harityaki 5 gm, twice a day with warm water.
- Samshamani Vati 500 mg twice a day.
- Trikatu(Pippali, Marich & Shunthi) powder 5 gm and Tulasi 3-5 leaves (boiled in 1-litre water, until it reduces to ½ liter and keeps it in a bottle) keep taking it in sips as and when required.
- Pratimarsa Nasya: Instill two drops of Anu taila/Sesame oil in each nostril daily in the morning.
As per the Unani Practices the following Preventive Management Steps are suggested.
- Prepare decoction by boiling Behidana (Cydonia Oblonga) 3gm, Unnab Zizyphus (Jujube Linn) 5nos, Sapistan (Cordia Myxa Linn) 7nos in 1 litre water until it reduces to half. Store it in a bottle and take sips as and when required.
- For prophylactic measures immune system need to be strengthen for this purpose Khamira Marwareed 3-5 gm once a day may be taken.
This advocacy is for information only and shall be preferably adopted in consultation with registered Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani practitioners.
