The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. It has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO). This new respiratory virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Smaller numbers of cases have been identified in several other countries.
This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person, via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and by close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
Patients with 2019-nCoV have reported symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, pain in the muscles and tiredness. It may lead to pneumonia in both lungs, and sometimes, it can lead to death. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) and with low immunity appear to be more vulnerable to catch the infection. Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
No, there is currently no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or can spread 2019-nCoV.
Currently, there is no specific treatment or prevention for 2019-nCoV.
Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV.
There is no medicine/ vaccine available till now which is proven to prevent/treat/cure the infection from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. However, the following may help in enhancing immunity during a viral outbreak:
There is no recommendation from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) right now to wear a face mask. Masks certainly do no harm. They do help to stop the spread of infection, so they can help if someone who is sick wears them. To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; wash hands with soap and water or rub alcohol based hand sanitizer.
