Starting 2020, the world was surprised by the discovery of a new disease that originated in Wuhan, China, and began to spread to surrounding countries. The spread of the corona virus is growing rapidly and has made the World Health Organization (WHO) appeal to Asian countries, including Indonesia, to always be vigilant.
This disease is caused by a new type of coronavirus called the 2019-nCoV virus. According to the latest data obtained by WHO, this disease has caused fatalities, while dozens of others infected are still under surveillance and intensive care.
Here are some facts about this new disease:
- The 2019-nCoV virus was identified on January 7, 2020, about a week after the first cases appeared in the city of Wuhan, China.
- The 2019-nCoV virus belongs to the same group of viruses as the causative virus severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
- Several Thai and Japanese citizens have reportedly been infected with the 2019-nCoV virus.
- It is not yet known for sure the origin and mode of transmission of the 2019-nCoV virus. However, this virus is thought to have originated from animals and can be transmitted between humans.
- There has not been found a way or drug as a specific management program to treat this condition.
In response to this situation, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has tightened entry routes for Indonesia, such as airports and ports. The government appealed to airports and ports to carry out body temperature scans on every passenger, especially for those who came from infected countries.
Recognize the Symptoms
Corona virus attacks the human respiratory tract. Therefore, people who are infected with the Corona virus can experience symptoms that are similar to flu. Even so, the initial symptoms of this mysterious disease are similar to those of SARS and MERS, namely fever and cough. Some sufferers are also reported to experience shortness of breath, accompanied by the formation of fluid and infiltrates in the lungs.
In some cases, patients even experience liver failure and kidney failure. Even so, until now, no specific symptoms have been found that can be used as a reference to identify this disease.
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
SARS and MERS are both conditions characterized by serious infections of the respiratory tract. These two diseases have spread throughout the world and caused tremendous fear.
In 2002-2003, at least 774 people died from SARS. Meanwhile, WHO records in 2019, stated that more than 800 people died from suffering from MERS.
Although it is caused by a virus of the same class, infection with the 2019-nCoV virus is not expected to spread and cause death as quickly as SARS and MERS.
If you have symptoms, have risk factors, or have recently traveled to a country infected with the Corona virus, such as China, South Korea, or Italy, you can try to detect your risk by clicking on the image below.
However, everyone is still encouraged to take preventive measures and immediately consult a doctor. However, this mysterious condition can be fatal if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Prevent the Spread of Corona Virus from Now
WHO recommends every country to implement a travel or trade ban in China. This measure was taken to prevent the spread of the corona virus from getting worse.
Although there have been no reports of transmission of the 2019-nCoV virus in Indonesia, it is important for everyone to take various preventive measures to avoid infection with this virus.
The steps in question include:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap before and after activities.
- Applyphysical distancinganytime and anywhere.
- Consumption of balanced nutritious foods and make sure the food to be consumed has been cooked to perfection.
- Strengthen the immune system by drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
- Use a mask when doing activities, especially when outside the room or public facilities.
- Avoid insect bites by applying insect repellent or wearing covered clothing.
- Have healthy sex, such as using condoms during intercourse and being faithful to one partner.
- Limit direct contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid traveling to places that have the potential to be a location for the spread of the virus.
- Do regular health checks to the doctor.
Until now, research is still being carried out to find out the source, spread, and how to treat the 2019-nCoV virus infection. In the meantime, some of the steps above can be applied to protect yourself from the risk of being infected with this corona virus.
If you experience symptoms of a fever accompanied by a sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, especially if in the last 14 days you have been in close proximity to a person who is positive for the Corona virus or is in a COVID-19 endemic area, immediately implement the self-isolation protocol and contacthotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
In addition, you can also try the Corona Virus Risk Check feature which has been provided free of charge by ALODOKTER to find out the magnitude of your risk of being infected with the Corona virus.
If you have questions regarding Corona virus infection, both regarding the symptoms and steps to prevent COVID-19, don't hesitate to contact uschat doctor directly in the ALODOKTER application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.