Nepal lurching from a second coronavirus wave. 

By now we are all aware that the 2nd wave of COVID-19 has arrived. The second wave of coronavirus is proving far more deadly than the first phase, disturbing 47% of covid tests returning a positive diagnosis. With increasing daily cases, the number of death tolls is also increasing. As the second wave of coronavirus has shattered the country with sickness and death, hospitals are overflowing with covid patients. There aren’t enough beds, essential medicines, and health equipment. Due to it, panic amongst people is rising day by day. 

Research shows that human behavior is the major factor that causes a spike in coronavirus cases. Some areas where people are following precautions, such as physical distancing, hand-washing, and mask-wearing, cases are not rising there. However, in some areas where people are not wearing masks and involved in gathering indoors to eat, drink, observe religious practices, socialize, cases are on the rise. So, the government has imposed a complete statewide lockdown to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Also, vaccination has been liberalized and accelerated so that more people can get the COVID vaccine as soon as possible.  

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses varying from the common cold to serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or serious acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Some cause illness in humans and others cause illness in animals, such as bats, camels, and civets.

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace, or health care center.

Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, whereas others don’t.

Your risk of critical illness is also higher if you’ve got a weakened immune system. This might be the case for:

• Older people
• People with chronic illness (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal, or chronic lung disease)

What is the scientific name of Coronavirus and its sources of origin?

The scientific name of coronavirus is “2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-Nov). It is a respiratory infection that originated in Wuhan, China.

How does the coronavirus spread between people?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from one infected person to another via:

• The air (sneeze or from viral particles from a cough)
• Close personal contact (shaking hands or touching)
• An object or surface with viral particles on it (then the touching nose, eyes, and your mouth before washing your hands)

What are the symptoms and treatments from the 2019 novel coronavirus?

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• A rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

Getting a positive covid diagnosis is not a great piece of news to receive right now, right? But, don't panic. This virus is not as deadly and can be handled with some basic precautions. All you need is the care and just a little patience.

Here are the things to know about Covid care at home. Have a look.

• Isolate yourself from the ones living with you.
• Take medicine prescribed by your doctor.
• Do a lot of breathing exercises and take steam regularly.
• keep a healthy and balanced diet
• Stay physically active during self-quarantine
• Access the severity of your symptoms
• Learn more about Covid-19 from trustworthy and credible sources.

But, if you are struggling and experience any severity in symptoms, immediately reach out to your doctor. Seek medical attention if they occur:

Any difficulty breathing (rapid or heavy breathing, sucking in around the neck or ribs, looking pale or bluish)

• Harsh cough that won’t stop
• High fever that won’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Extreme sleepiness
• Irritability or pain that you cannot soothe
• Refusal to take fluids, or any signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, not urinating at least every six hours).

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Clean your hands first. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Also, you can use Portable UV Light Wand Sterilizer to prevent viruses from being covered. 
• Maintain a social distance with one who’s coughing and sneezing. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people not from your household in indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Wear a double mask when social distancing is not possible.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• To help prevent infections, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you are struggling and have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. 

About Covid-19 Vaccines

Vaccines are now widely accessible in Nepal. Everyone ages 18 and older is recommended to get a covid-19 vaccination.  There are 2 types of covid vaccines available in Nepal: Covishield and Verocel. Both vaccines have been approved by WHO. The covid-19 vaccines produce protection against the virus, as a result of developing immunity. Studies show that covid-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting covid-19. Even if you do get covid-19, this vaccine will also help you from getting seriously ill. 

Here are some things everyone should know about vaccines. 

Covishield

Covishiled vaccine is manufactured by the serum institute of India. This can be applied to people over 12 years of age. 

Verocel

Verocel vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-institute of Biological Products Co. Ltd. This can be applied to people 18-60 years of age. 

The first dose of vaccine against Covid-19 in the first phase started in early January 2020. As the first phase was completed on March 5, almost 4,38,000 got their first dose. And, the second round of Covid-19 vaccination also started on May 16.

If you are thinking about why you should get vaccinated. Let us tell you in brief. 

• The vaccines produce protection against the disease, due to developing an immune response to the virus.
• These vaccines are developed to safely recognize and block the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Protect people at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19.

Also, these vaccines are safe and effective so get the vaccine immediately. It cannot give you covid-19 but you may have side effects after vaccination. But no need to worry at all. These are very normal and go away in a few days. 

What is the vaccine registration form?

If you are not vaccinated yet, get it as soon as possible. You can apply for vaccine registration at the link below: https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/

Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking the appropriate precautions. Follow the rules and regulations provided by the government. Do your part and  Stay at home as much as possible. We can help control the virus if we all stay alert. This too shall pass. 

Don't worry too much, everything will be brought back to normal soon. Just stay at home and isolate yourself for a certain period. We'll get through this together.