The new Virus COVID-19 is an infectious disease, produced by newly discovered Coronavirus primarily identified in Wuhan city, China. As per the reports, at the end of December 2019, a few cases were notified to WHO. With an outbreak of a large number of respiratory illness cases WHO declared COVID-19 a global health emergency within a month.
Later 11 March 2020, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was declared a global pandemic by WHO.
As of March 27, 2020, COVID-19 has been confirmed in more than 566,269 individual worldwide leading to an approx. count of 25,336 deaths. More than 170 countries have reported COVID-19 patients on each continent except Antarctica.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that more cases of COVID-19 are likely to be confirmed soon.
Researchers and doctors have confirmed that the COVID-19 transmission happens via respiratory droplets such as the droplets of saliva or when an infected person coughs and sneeze. When thoroughly analyzed it was found that family members, healthcare providers, and other close contacts were more likely to get infected with the disease. The condition of close transmission raised the concern for isolation. Doctors noted that direct exposure to markets and surroundings strengthened the case for human-to-human transmission.
Further stated older people, and those suffering from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to prone to such a serious illness.
To keep yourself safe from the disease stay updated about COVID-19. Here are some of the major facts and figures that one must be known.
- The minimum incubation time is 5 Days for the virus to adapt the body and showcasing its symptoms is 12 days minimum.
- Droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose of an infected person are the common mode of transmission
- There are no specific vaccines or treatments for the disease but recent recoveries have shown good count on immunity and self-healing power can be effective.
In the current scenario, clusters of increased local transmission can be found. Thus, check on the Symptoms to keep yourself safe.
People infected with the disease are firstly going to notice mild to moderate symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- tiredness
- dry cough
- shortness of breath
- body ache
- sore throat
- Runny nose, diarrhea, or nausea cases must also visit the nearby doctor.
Be it the age factor or one of the healthy citizens of the country, one should self-isolate and take precautions.
“Prevention is better than Cure”
To slow down the transmission of COVID-19 near you, do the following:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 sec or use alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer.
- Maintain a distance of 1 meter between while communicating with a person suffering from cold or cough. Also, when traveling to the nearby store.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.
- Use handkerchief to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home and avoid socializing.
- Say no to smoke and other forms of activities that might weaken the lungs.
- Avoid large group gatherings and traveling.
- Avoid touching the surface of doorknobs, lift buttons, stair rods, etc.
Contact medical helpline number or a COVID-19 information line for guidance on testing and referral.
Our Doctors, Researchers, WHO Team has been continuously monitoring and responding to the outbreak. Further, looking out for a vaccine to protect. This FAQ will be timely updated as more and more information will be available about COVID-19.
Some Important Guidelines of WHO
- Say ‘NO’ to tobacco as it might increase the risk of other severe diseases if infected by the virus.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet for the proper functioning of your immune system.
- Limit alcohol consumption as well as avoid sugary drinks.
- Exercise is a must daily for at least 30 minutes. (for adults) and 1hour (for children) to beneficially channelize their energy.
- Overcome your feeling of stress, confusion, and fear by talking to family & friends to keep your mental health in good shape.
Coronavirus: FAQ
Coronavirus is most likely to spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes (packed with the virus) into the air. They can be breathed in by person very close by (within a range of 1m) or touching a surface on which these droplets landed. Thus, leading to the spread of infection.
Fever with a dry cough is the initial symptom. The infection is on the lungs thus; gradually it leads to breathing problems. Hence, the early symptoms are often similar to those of cold and flu. One might experience mild to moderate symptoms.
Some people might also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea along with common symptoms.
Some emergency warning signs require medical attention immediately
- Trouble breathing
- If you are feeling Persistent pain or pressure in the chest area
- If your lips or face start turning Bluish
People of all ages can be infected but the recovery depends on the immunity of a person. As till now, no vaccine has been found. The risk for Elderly people is high, mostly those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, blood pressure, lung disease, cancer, diabetes as well as asthma are more prone to infection as compared to others. Precisely, we can say that people with low immunity are at a greater risk.
Usually, it takes 5-6 days to show symptoms but in some cases, it may take a little longer. As per WHO the incubation period lasts up to 14 days but some other researchers have a difference of opinion.
Awareness regarding the scenario is extremely important, so stay informed through the WHO website or other national and local public health authorities. Where some countries have seen cases of COVID-19, others have observed severe outbreak. Though, Chinese authorities along with a few more have been fortunate in retarding or putting a halt to the outbreak. Nothing is yet predictable and still a matter of concern.
Simple precautions may be beneficial to reduce such chances:
- Stay at least 1m (3ft) away from anyone sneezing or coughing.
- Maintain good respiratory hygiene, i.e. Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or tissue that should be carefully disposed off immediately.
- In case of any breathing issues, cough or fever call your national and local authorities immediately for medical attention. Try to fix a call in advance so that you have a proper guideline and receive help without delay
- Keep an update of the latest COVID-19 hotspot areas and strictly restrict yourself from going to such areas.
Preventive measures for people staying in or have been to areas observing COVID-19 spread:
- Follow all guidelines issued in the public interest
- If showing any symptoms, self isolate by staying indoors till you completely recover. Avoid moving out at any cost. If unavoidable wear a mask to prevent transferring the infection.
- For any medical emergency do not hesitate. Inform, care provider and get attended immediately. Also, reveal any recent travel or contact with travelers to be on the safe side
The risk depends on your current location and the impact of COVID-19 in that area. Also, any such unfolding issue too would be a matter of concern. All possible restrictive measures are being taken whenever a new case has been disclosed but everyone needs to abide by the rules and regulations dealing with restrictions on travel or social distancing.
Efforts will affect the situation and things will improve. Though, chances of new outbreaks are always there. Follow WHO updates for planning your stay or travel to any area. Learn about the hotspot regions near you.
Antibiotics play no role in preventing or treating COVID-19. They work on bacterial infections only. COVID-19 being caused by a virus is not curable using antibiotics. Neither can they be used as a preventive measure. Moreover, antibiotics should only be used on a physician’s advice.
Till date, there has been no cure or any preventive medicine launched for COVID-19. Though the trials are in progress no sure shot result has been achieved so far. Naturopathy techniques enhance your self-healing power as well as boost your immune system which is the best way to keep yourself healthy and safe in the current scenario. At the same time, we suggest you to stay updated on the “WHO” website to keep your loved ones aware.
As of now, neither a vaccine nor any medicine to treat COVID-19 has been launched. Researchers are still looking for a solution. So until then, the only preventive measure is to take care of your personal hygiene. In case of illness, supportive care should be taken. Furthermore, for serious issues, the patient should be hospitalized.
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