What are coronaviruses?

Corona virus(HCoV)is not an uncommon virus it’s similar to the flu virus (influenza) , in a normal circumstances third of the common cold is caused by CoV and it can also cause ear infection . Some times it can also cause pneumonia in elderly , cancer patients and other vulnerable individuals.

There are 4 subtypes of these viruse Alfa, beta , gamma and delta. Current outbreak is by beta and is called Noval Corona virus (nCoV) , previous the same beta type also caused two infections similar to nCoV called SARS and MERS.

How did it happen?

Then people will be asking why beta is such a bad boy ? He is really a bad one , he can mutate. Mutation means the virus change its physical form ( like the shape shifting villan in terminator movie ) so that human immune defence which protects us will be rendered helpless. These CoV mutate very easily ; they will jump from humans on bats or snakes( Wuhan market has both of these in plenty) and mutate and then infect humans. This happen all the time , small mutations called antigenic drift will lead to small outbreak , while a drastic mutation called antigenic shift leads to worldwide infection ,more severe infection and more deaths .

How do they spread ?

Person to person. Respiratory droplets can carry the virus , when an infected person sneezes and another person comes in contact with this droplets , virus can speed to second person.

How to prevent?

Isolation of those who are infected with the virus

Wear mask and wash your hands ( hand rubs are ineffective)

Avoid crowed public places as far as possible.

Vaccines are difficult due to constant mutation, one has to take yearly shots like flu.

How to treat ?

For most it will pass off without major problem and some may no have significant outward symptoms.

3 out 100 infection is fatal in case of the new nCoV.

No definitive cure , supportive treatment like ventilator, dialysis and iv fluids till the infected person recovers by self