Ever since the initial outbreak, the Coronavirus has spread rampantly to more than 100 countries around the world, affecting many thousands of people.
Despite all the painstaking methods adopted by several nations, none has been able to come up with a vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Researchers from all over the world are currently working on creating a vaccine specifically for the virus along with other potential treatments to combat COVID-19.
Even though the virus is most likely to cause symptoms in older adults and those with some underlying health conditions, it does not necessarily mean that the young will be spared.
People who develop symptoms of COVID-19 may experience:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
If you are wondering what are the current treatment options being explored for COVID-19 and what to do if you develop symptoms, read on.
Treatments available for the novel coronavirus
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against COVID-19 as of now. In fact, even antibiotics are ineffective considering that the COVID-19 is not bacterial but a viral infection.
If your symptoms get more severe, supportive treatments can be availed from a doctor or at a hospital. It may involve:
- Medication to combat fever
- An ample supply of fluids in order to reduce the risk of dehydration
- Supplemental oxygen in case of more severe cases
- People having a hard time breathing may need a respirator.
What is being done to look for an effective treatment?
Researchers all around the world are investigating vaccines and treatment options for COVID-19. To add to it, there is some evidence that certain medications may have the potential to fight in regard to avoiding illness or treating symptoms of the deadly coronavirus.
However, before potential vaccines and other treatments become available, researchers are required to perform randomized controlled trials in humans. Even though it may take several months or longer, it is worth the effort.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, here is what you should do:
Not everyone with the infection will necessarily feel ill. In fact, some people even contract the virus without developing symptoms. However, when there are symptoms, they are usually mild and come on slowly.
In case you think you are developing symptoms of COVID-19, follow this protocol:
- Check how sick you are: Think about all the times where you could have come in contact with the coronavirus. If you have recently travelled abroad, or live in a region that has had an outbreak, you may be at an increased risk of exposure.
- Ask your doctor: In case of mild symptoms, call your doctor. Many clinics are encouraging people to call or use live chat instead of coming to a clinic in order to reduce transmission of the virus. However, even if you are visiting the doctor’s clinic for a check-up, make sure anIR thermometer is used instead of the regular ones. It is a no-contact thermometer which retards the spread of the virus.
After evaluating the symptoms, your doctor will work with local health authorities and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so as to determine if you need to be tested.
3. Stay home: Be it the symptoms of coronavirus or any other type of viral infection, make sure you stay at home and get plenty of rest. Acquire safety medical products online from trusted online medical device stores such as Smart Medical Buyer to ensure better safety and protection. Stay away from people, practice social-distancing and avoid sharing items such as drinking glasses, phones or utensils.
How to avoid infection from the coronavirus
The novel coronavirus is primarily a communicable disease that is transmitted from one person to another. At this point, when the entire world is at war with the coronavirus, the only possible way to prevent getting infected is by avoiding being around people altogether, because you never know who has it until it’s too late.
Additionally, you can take the following precautions to reduce your risk of infection:
- The first step is to maintain cleanliness and sanitation, especially by washing your hands thoroughly with soap water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
- Touching your face should be avoided as much as possible.
Avoid going out. Practice social distancing and crowded places are definitely not your place to be at this point of time. - Steer clear of people who are sneezing or coughing. It is recommended to stand at least 6 feet away from anyone who seems sick.
- In case you think you are developing symptoms of COVID-19, get yourself checked. Avoid using a regular thermometer where contact is needed. The best thermometerat this point of time is the Infrared (IR) thermometers. They are used to detect the temperature in case of fever, which is one of the major symptoms of coronavirus. IR thermometers check the human body temperature by sensing the infrared energy radiated by the body.
Even though there are currently no vaccines to protect you from the deadly claws of the coronavirus, researchers from all over the world are exploring options and medications that may have the potential to treat COVID-19.
