All you need to know about Coronavirus / COVID-19

The Coronavirus outbreak, that originated in Wuhan, China and has now entered multiple countries, including India, has had thousands dead and even more infected. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the virus, its spread and safety tips. List of helpline numbers for all the states and Union Territories (UTs) in India to assist the people amid the coronavirus scare.
Latest News on Coronavirus /Covid-19
What is the coronavirus and what are its symptoms?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome(SARS).

Whenever you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing it's important to seek medical attention promptly as this may be due to a bacterial infection, viral infection, allergy or some serious respiratory infection. If you or your known has a travel history to China and you have above symptoms 2019-nCoV (Novel Corona virus) could be one of the causes.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), kidney failure and even death.

Union Health Ministry on June 13th 2020 added loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) in the list of symptoms of COVID-19. Health Ministry adds loss of smell, taste to symptoms of COVID-19

Where do Coronaviruses come from?

Novel Coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans, and has been reported from December 31, 2019 initially from Wuhan, China and is spreading worldwide now. How humans acquired this virus is not confirmed as yet. Some studies indicate that it would have come from bats, others indicate some other animals like cats, camels or even snakes being the animal source.

How does the Coronavirus spread?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Hence, hand hygiene is a very essential component of preventing the infection.

Maintain at least a metre or two (six feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever as it can spread through droplets.

It can spread from infected surfaces. According to World Health Organization, studies have shown that COVID-19 may last for a few hours or several days on surfaces. It depends on temperature, the kind of surface, and humidity.

Update on March 21, 2020 - COVID-19 can remain infectious for days on surfaces, reveals study published in the New England Journal of Medicine

Update on April 16, 2020 - 'Covid-19 waning in hot weather, still a conjecture'

What is the best way to protect yourself from Coronavirus?

Washing your hands thoroughly with an antiseptic hand wash like Savlon or any sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or just plain soap and water for about 20 seconds, kills the virus if it is on your hands.

Hands come in contact with various surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus and if we touch that hand on face or bring it close to eyes, nose and mouth, we can acquire the virus / transfer the virus from the surface to yourself. Use a disinfectant on frequently used surfaces.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as coughing and sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they secrete small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus. Hence, the distance can help your chance of acquiring and avoiding public places.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, wearing a mask (preferably N 95), and eye protective gear, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, maintaining distance of 2 metres / 6 feet from people especially those with symptoms, and using disinfectant on frequently used surfaces.
Update on June 2nd 2020 - Evidence supports physical distancing, masks, and eye protection help prevent COVID-19

Studies recommend that supplements containing vitamins C and D and other micronutrients are a safe, effective and low-cost means of helping your immune system fight off COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases.
New study links low vitamin D levels with high COVID-19 death rate

Traditional Indian medicine for coronavirus: AYUSH ministry

News on Hydroxychloroquine -Antimalarial drug used for Covid-19

Latest News on Covid-19 vaccine updated on 2nd June 2020

Update on June 30th 2020 Bharat Biotech announces India''s first COVID-19 vaccine candidate 'COVAXIN' with DCGI approval for human clinical trials

Can the 2019-nCoV be transmitted from person to person?

Yes, the 2019-nCoV causes respiratory disease and can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care centre.

According to Dr Sachin Verma, a leading healthcare practitioner, the best way to safeguard yourself from a possible case of nCoV is to keep hygiene in mind. He suggests: "Wash your hands and/or sanitise them as frequently as possible. Make sure to maintain a distance from a person who is showing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, flu etc. Recent cases have shown patients to demonstrate abdominal pain as a symptom. Keep an eye out for this. Check with a medical practitioner immediately in case you find yourself unwell or demonstrating any of the known symptoms."