Everything about COVID-19
What is Corona Virus?
This is the general question that’s been popping up in our mind since the first time we heard about the virus.
The name ‘Corona’ means ‘Crown’ which depicts the morphological appearance of this virus under a microscope.
Some of them from this family cause certain common diseases in humans from the common cold to mild/moderate respiratory illnesses. While others affect animals, on very rare occasions we see certain viruses jump from animals to humans!
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Why this certain hype about this virus?
According to John Hopkins, the COVID19 as named by the World Health Organization is something that we haven’t encountered before. It has caused mass casualties around the globe and is still rising in a steep curve.
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What are the signs and symptoms of this disease?
COVID-19 symptoms include:
1. Cough
2. Fever
3. Shortness of breath
In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure or death.
If you have a fever or any kind of respiratory difficulties such as coughing or shortness of breath, call your doctor or a health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room.
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Can you catch the virus from the air?
No, the virus is not airborne. The virus spreads through droplets that come out from your nose and mouth when you sneeze or talk. That’s why it is advised to sneeze into your elbow. If those droplets fall on an object and you touch that object with your hand and then touch your eyes, face or mouth; that’s how the virus is contracted. It is also not spread through animals or food.
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What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
It appears that symptoms are showing up in people within 14 days of exposure to the virus.
Is this virus vulnerable to heat?
It’s not a bacteria, it is a virus. A virus can spread to various temperatures, be it cold temperature areas like northern China too hot and warmer places like Singapore and Africa.
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What is the method for its diagnosis?
Diagnosis may be difficult with only a physical exam because mild cases of COVID-19 may appear similar to the flu or a bad cold. A laboratory test can confirm the diagnosis.
But, there are so many different countries that do not have enough test kits and thus many cases are left undetected!
Is it possible that we are missing out on those cases due to detection failure?
There have been 11 thousand cases in China according to WHO, and only 83 cases in the rest of the world which means that more individuals could have been tested, contacts identified, isolated and the problem could have been cut off from the very beginning. This action is a comprehensive approach.
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What to do to flatten this curve as individuals?
Continue to do physical distancing as much as possible, along with testing, retracing travel contacts, isolating; basically the full package!
We have to be on the offensive and implement comprehensive tactics.
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What are the chances of reinfection?
As of now, the full details are not yet understood. According to WHO, more than 100,000 people of the 400,000 cases have recovered. It is expected that once infected, people will develop an immune response but it’s still not clear about how strong it would be or how long it will last.
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How to protect yourself from the virus?
1. Avoid close contact with others:-
Stay home as much as possible and reduce visitors.
Practice social distancing.
Stay at least six feet away from others in public places.
Call friends and family or visit by video.
Ask your employer if it’s possible to work from home.
Avoid people who appear sick.
Go grocery shopping and run errands during off-peak times.
2. Practice good hygiene wherever you are:-
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially:
a)After being in public places and touching door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons, etc.
b) After using the bathroom
c) Before preparing food
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
If you cough or sneeze, do so in the bend of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately.
3. Take precautions if you are living with or caring for someone who is sick:-
Wear a mask if you are caring for someone who has respiratory symptoms.
Clean counters, doorknobs, phones, and tablets frequently, using disinfectant cleaners or wipes.
4. If you feel sick, follow these guidelines:- Stay home if you feel sick unless you are experiencing a medical emergency such as severe shortness of breath or a very high fever.
Call your doctor or urgent care facility and explain your symptoms over the phone. If you leave your home to get medical care, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms.
by Shaswatee Sen
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