How Do You Test For Coronavirus?
Friday, February 28, 2020 IST
About Coronavirus
Coronaviruses belong to the class of viruses that affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Generally found in cattle, it can get transmitted from animals to humans. The infection starts with a common cough and cold and if not diagnosed and treated can lead to potentially serious complications like SARS and MERS. Both of these conditions affect the respiratory system and pose serious threat to the life of the patient. The viruses also tend to affect the digestive system of the body.[1,2]
Studies estimate that approximately 30% of common colds are caused by the Coronavirus. The virus was initially discovered in 1960s.[2] There are basically six known strains of the Coronavirus. However, at the end of December 2019, a new strain was discovered in the Wuhan Province of China where a new strain of the Coronavirus was discovered. It has been named as nCOV-2019. As of now, this strain of the coronavirus is the deadliest and rapidly spreading infection.[4]
According to latest reports, this virus has already spread from one person to another before any symptoms are observed. Cattle breeders and farmers are most at risk for developing nCoV-2019 due to their proximity with infected animals. Coronavirus gets active during the winter months and even if completely treated the virus tends to get active again.[4]
The incubation period is counted as the number of hours or days. The incubation period is calculated from the time an individual is exposed to an infected animal or human to the beginning of initial upper respiratory tract symptoms.
The incubation period of coronavirus 2019-nCoV is 3 to 14 days.5
In most cases severe symptoms of coronavirus are observed in 4 to 7 days.
Due to the seriousness of the condition and the fact that it is extremely contagious, it is important to have knowledge of the diagnostic tests that are available to diagnose coronavirus. This is what has been briefed in the article below.[4]
How Do You Test For Coronavirus?
To diagnose nCoV-2019, a variety of tests will be conducted in the form of blood draws on respiratory specimens and serum. They will try and look for traces of the coronavirus. If the virus is found, then further tests will be carried to find out the strain of the virus.[3]
The results of the tests will confirm the diagnosis of nCoV-2019 coronavirus. It should be noted here that these tests can only be done at a specialized laboratory and not all clinics are well equipped to diagnose this deadly strain of the coronavirus.[3]
In conclusion, nCoV-2019 is the latest strain of the coronavirus and perhaps the deadliest that has been discovered in December 2019 in China. If any individual has symptoms of cough, runny nose, headaches, and fever which is not responding to standard medications then it is best to consult with the physician right away.[3,4]
It is important to mention travel details, especially to Wuhan in China, or any proximity to cattle clearly with the physician. This information will make it easier for the physician to arrive at a diagnosis and prompt treatment is given to the patient. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment may prove fatal for the patient suffering from nCoV-2019 Coronavirus.[3,4]
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