Health warning: new SARS virus twice as deadly

New virus from bats

There is a new SARS virus in town.

It is from the same family, the coronavirus.

Coronaviruses
frequently affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. The
symptoms are: runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, chills,
diarrhea or vomiting.

Spread of the coronavirus is by nasal secretions such as sneezing.

These
organisms were transmitted originally from civet cats, the feline
famous for the expensive coffee beans harvested from their poop.

Recent data shows that the latest coronavirus may be from bats.


No known treatment

The new virus is not as infectious as the 2002 variety. It is not passed easily from human to human.

So
far, there have only been two documented cases. One is a Saudi man who
died several months ago and another Qatari man in critical condition at a
London Hospital.

Although this new virus is not as contagious, it seems to be more deadly since it also causes kidney failure.

There is no known treatment for this virus. No vaccine is yet available.


How to prevent SARS

The best solution is still prevention and maintaining a strong immune system.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent spreading this virus:


1. Wash your hands.

Hand
washing is the simplest yet most effective way to avoid disease. The
Center for Disease Control (CDC) says, 80% of infections are spread by
touch. For a thorough wash, count up to 20 while scrubbing with water
and soap or a hand sanitizer.

2. Sneeze in your elbow.

Many
of us cover our nose and mouth with our hands when we sneeze. The hand
is the most hardworking part of our body. It picks up the phone, touches
the doorknob, faucet, computer and, yes, it shakes other people’s hands
too. By sneezing in your elbow, the transfer of disease ends there on
your sleeve not on somebody else’s hand.

3. Disinfect all busy surfaces.

According
to the Mayo Clinic, germs stay alive on surfaces and in stagnant air up
to 48 hours. It is wise to wipe with alcohol all areas that have heavy
handling such as TV remotes, telephones, computers and toys. All rooms
should be aired out to allow clean, fresh air inside.

4. Go disposable.

This
is one area where Mother Nature is not the priority. Saving the world
by using one hanky to sneeze on all day is not the wisest choice. The
virus remains viable in that piece of cloth and reusing it will only
increase your exposure. Use disposable tissue paper to sneeze on or to
blow your nose.

5. Build yourself up.

When
you’re down with the cold, make an effort to eat more healthy foods,
get at least 8 hours of sleep, reduce stress by not bringing home any
schoolwork or office work and don’t lock yourself indoors. Get out and
soak up some sun and crisp air.


***


Dr.
Diana Sarmiento is a mother of three, part-time doctor, and a full-time
wife and mother. The topics closest to her heart are women’s health,
parenting, and any new information that she can get her hands on. Read
more on her personal blog, Filipina M.D.

-condense from yahoo.com-