Camel Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Symptoms 

MERS-CoV infection can show a variety of symptoms, ranging from showing no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms that can end in death.

Symptoms of camel flu generally appear 2-14 days (most often appear 5-6 days) after exposure to the flu virus. Some of the symptoms of camel flu that arise include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Hard to breathe
• Sore throat
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weak

In some cases, symptoms of the digestive system were also reported, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Reason 

The cause of camel flu is the  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus  (MERS-CoV).

One of the subtypes of this coronavirus is transmitted from one person to another through splashes of saliva from sufferers who are coughing or sneezing.

In addition, direct contact with sufferers, for example caring for sick sufferers without using personal protective equipment, can also cause the camel flu virus to be transmitted. Swine Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Not only is it contagious from one person to another, this disease can also be spread through sick camels.

A person can become infected by being in close contact with infected camels, drinking milk or consuming camel meat.

Risk Factors 

A person is more at risk of contracting camel flu when:

• Close contact with camel flu sufferers, for example caring for sick family members
• Health workers at a health facility dealing with cases of camel flu
• Traveling to areas that have cases of camel flu such as Saudi Arabia and its surroundings
• Close contact with sick camels, including consuming camel meat or milk that is not cooked properly and properly

Diagnosis 

In making a diagnosis of Arabic flu, a pulmonary specialist will conduct medical interviews, physical examinations and supporting examinations.

In the medical interview, the doctor will ask about the history of traveling to Middle Eastern countries, contact with camel flu sufferers, and also what symptoms appear.

On physical examination, MERS sufferers are generally similar to flu symptoms in general, such as fever, and rhinorrhea (mucus in the nose) which is generally clear in color, and increased heart rate, and low blood pressure are generally found in severe cases.

On examination of the lungs, crackles can be found (low-pitched additional breath sounds due to airway obstruction) or rales (small clicking sounds in the lungs, clearly audible when inhaling).

However, patients can also find normal lung breath sounds. Stomach Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

In addition, to ensure the presence of the camel flu virus, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, including:

• PCR examination
• serological examination
• Blood test
• Radiological examinations such as chest x-rays

Treatment 

Until now there is no specific way to treat camel flu. Treatment for this disease is only supportive or only relieves the symptoms.

However, all sufferers of MERS disease are advised to isolate to prevent the further spread of the virus.

In mild symptoms, you can do a treatment at home. However, if the symptoms lead to severe symptoms, you need to get treatment at the hospital.

To overcome complaints of shortness of breath, camel flu sufferers will be given oxygen. If shortness of breath is so severe that there is a condition of respiratory failure, it is necessary to install a ventilator.

The use of vasopressor therapy ( norepinephrine ) to help increase blood pressure can also be given.

In addition, the patient will be given an infusion of fluids and nutrients through an infusion to ensure adequate fluids and nutrition.

Antibiotics are generally not given unless there is a suspicion of a secondary bacterial infection.

Prevention 

Until now there is no vaccination to prevent camel flu infection. However, to reduce the risk of contracting camel flu, there are several recommendations that can be done, namely:

• Diligently wash your hands with running water and soap or use   alcohol-based  hand sanitizer when running water and soap are not available
• Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands
• Avoid direct contact such as kissing or sharing cutlery with people who are sick
• Cleaning and sterilizing objects that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs
• If you have to travel to areas that have cases of camel flu, make sure you always wash your hands, avoid contact with sick animals, and avoid consuming undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk

Complications 

Camel flu is a life-threatening disease. Reportedly 3-4 out of 10 camel flu patients can die.

Complications can be more severe if you have a lower immune system or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and chronic kidney failure.

Some of the complications of camel flu include:

• Pneumonia
• Kidney failure
• Respiratory failure
• Sepsis
• Death

When to See a Doctor?

Immediately see a doctor if you experience the symptoms of MERS above or have a history of traveling to Saudi Arabia and its surroundings in the last 14 days.