What is Coronavirus(Covid 2019)
COVID 19 is an infectious disease by a newly founded coronavirus. Commonly Symptoms Are:
1. Fever
2. Dry Cough
3. Breathing Difficulty
4. Some Patients also feel aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
This Noval Corona Virus Spread From Wuhan, China. Now They Almost Recovered From This and No New Cases Discovered. But Its Worst in Italy, USA, Spain in Many Countries. Now this virus spreading in India.
About 80% of confirmed cases recover from the disease without any serious complications. However, one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill* and develop difficulty in breathing. In more severe cases, infection can cause severe pneumonia and other complications which can be treated only at higher level facilities (District Hospitals and above). In a few cases it may even cause death.
* Source: WHO
How does coronavirus(COVID-19) spread?
COVID-19 spreads mainly by droplets produced as a result of coughing or sneezing of a COVID-19 infected person. This can happen in two ways:
- Direct close contact: one can get the infection by being in close contact with COVID-19 patients (within one Metre of the infected person), especially if they do not cover their face when coughing or sneezing.
- Indirect contact: the droplets survive on surfaces and clothes for many days. Therefore, touching any such infected surface or cloth and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes can transmit the disease.
- The incubation period of COVID 19 (time between getting the infection and showing symptoms) is 1 to 14 days
- Some people with the infection, but without any serious symptoms can also spread the disease.
Which group of people are at higher risk of getting infected?
- People who have travelled to other countries in last 14 days and their family members.
- People coming from other states if they have been working with people who travelled to other countries in last 14 days.
- Family members and contacts of patients confirmed to have COVID-19 .
- People older than 60 years of age and people with medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, respiratory disease/asthma, cancer or diabetes are at higher risk for developing serious complications..
Key messages to spread for prevention of coronavirus(COVID-19)
- How to avoid getting COVID-19 or spreading it?
- Avoid gathering in public places.
- Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter
- Stay at Home as much as possible
- Avoid Physical contact like handshakes, hugs, hand holdings etc.
- Avoid touching surfaces such as tabletops, chairs, door handles etc.
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water
- While coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief. Wash the handkerchief at least everytime
- It is preferable to cough/sneeze into your bent elbow rather than your palms.
- Do not Spit or shout in public places to avoid the spread of droplets
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands.
2. What to do if you are having symptoms or have traveled to other countries or states in the past two weeks?
- Symptoms of coronavirus(COVID 19) and seasonal respiratory illness (common cold/flu) are similar. All people with these symptoms may not have COVID 19.
- Following persons should be quarantined for 14 days at home as a precaution:
- People who have travelled to COVID 19 affected countries/areas in past 14 days
- Those who have come in close contact with a suspected/confirmed COVID 19 patient
- Those who develop symptoms
- These persons should inform you. If symptoms become severe then the person should visit a health facility after speaking with you
For any COVID 19 related queries, call your State Helpline/Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s 24X7 helpline at 1075 or 011-23978046.
Instructions for the person being Home Quarantined
- Stay in a separate room at home, if possible with an attached/separate toilet. Try to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from others
- Wear a mask at all times. If masks are not available, take a clean cotton cloth , fold it into a double layer and tie it on your face to cover your nose and mouth
- Use separate dishes, towels, bedding etc. which should be cleaned separately
- The surfaces such as floor, table tops, chairs, door handles etc. should be cleaned at least once a day
- Make sure that only one assigned family member is the caretaker
Instructions for the caretaker of the Home Quarantined person:
- Keep a distance of one metre when entering the room
- Wear a mask or cover your face with double-layered cotton cloth
- Wash your hands after coming out of the room
How to use masks (or cloth covering the nose and mouth)
- Wash your hands before putting on the mask
- Make sure that it covers both mouth and nose and is not loose.
- Do not touch the mask from the front, touch only from the sides.
- Make sure to wash your hands after changing the mask
- Change the mask every 6-8 hours or when it becomes moist
- If using disposable masks, have a dustbin with cover and a plastic bag lining to throw the masks in.
- If using cloth masks, wash them at least daily
Myths vs. reality for COVID-19
As COVID-19 is a new condition, there are many common myths.
| Myths | Facts |
| The coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquitoes | The coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites. |
| Everyone should wear a mask | People who should wear a mask are: 1. Those having symptom of fever, cough etc. 2. Healthcare workers in facilities caring for ill people 3. The assigned caretaker of a home quarantined person 4. Even those wearing masks should wash their hands frequently |
| Only people with symptoms of COVID-19 can spread the disease | Even people with the COVID-19 infection but no symptoms can spread the disease. |
| Eating garlic and drinking alcohol can prevent COVID 19 | Eating garlic and drinking alcohol DOES NOT prevent COVID 19 |
Source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India
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