Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Coronavirus has shaken the entire world. While the World Health Organisation declared it a pandemic, countries are still fighting and there seems to be no scope of negligence in the near future if it needs to be controlled. Let us break down the information we have so far.

What is Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less severe common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. The novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain identified in 2019 that has not been previously identified in humans. So the name nCoVid19.

How does Coronavirus spread?

• It is airborne, meaning it can spread via air. So it can spread when a person coughs or sneezes. The cough droplets of a sick person get transferred to a healthy person via the eye, nose, and face.
• If a person touches a surface or object that has been infected by the virus and then touches his own mouth, nose, or eyes, he may get infected.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• In some cases, severe pneumonia, ARDS [Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome], sepsis, and septic shock.

Who is at the most risk?

According to the data, some people are at a higher risk than others. Including:
– Older adults, with risk increasing by age.
– People with chronic illnesses like Heart disease, diabetes, lung disease.

What precautions should be taken?

1. Maintain social distancing. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter or 6 feet. Avoid coming into contact with people who are sick, especially.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Wear a mask if you are showing early signs of the flu.
4. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands.
5. Cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or bent elbow while coughing or sneezing.
6. Call a health professional if you are sick. Do not go to the hospital.

Listen to Dr. A K Singh, Sr. Consultant at Regency Hospital, Kanpur talk about coronavirus spread, control, and awareness with RJ Charu from Radio Mirchi.

Busting Myths of Coronavirus

– The COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

– The new coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites.
To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.