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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
How dangerous is it and how is it treated??
As with other respiratory illnesses, infection with 2019-nCoV can cause mild
symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more
severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More
rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with pre-existing
medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more
vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
Though lot of research is going on, a working vaccine against the corona virus is at least a year away. Once infected, experts treat symptoms with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen for pain and fever, and advice rest and intake of plenty of water. Never allow your throat to get dry. More serious cases need to be hospitalised.
Read update on 16th March 2020 -
Promising remdesivir drug against COVID-19 in 5 clinical trials.
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." Latest News on Coronavirus /Covid-19
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