FAQ: 1) What is the 2019 novel coronavirus or COVID-19?
ANSWER: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. COVID-19, is a new coronavirus detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus was first identified in Wuhan province, China, the origin of which has been speculated to be zoonotic (reservoir beingg bats), meaning it can be transmitted from live animals to humans. The novel coronavirus (nCoV) has not been previously identified in humans and can cause a multitude of illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory illness, kidney failure and even death. The rapid spread of the virus has led to the outbreak being declared as a global pandemic.
FAQ: 2) How dangerous is coronavirus?
ANSWER: The mortality rate of coronavirus ranges between 2-3%. This means if a 100 people contract the infection, then only in 3 cases it may lead to fatality. The elderly with pre-existing illnesses like heart diseases, diabetes and lung diseases are more vulnerable.
FAQ: 3) How does one get tested for coronavirus infection?
ANSWER: About 15+ labs have been established for coronavirus testing all across the country. Blood tests, throat and anal swab tests, sputum tests, nasal aspirate and tracheal aspirate examination are conducted in order to detect the virus.
FAQ: 4) What are the symptoms?
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ANSWER: Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, runny nose, sore throat and dry cough. Some patients also have muscle pains, vomiting or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin slowly
If you have fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty with a travel history or suspected contact with someone who might have the infection it is important that you reach out to a helpline number so you can receive guidance regarding further steps. It is best not to make unannounced visits to a hospital without prior information of your history.
FAQ: 5) How does it spread?
ANSWER: Coronavirus infection can be contracted via small droplets of bodily fluids such as saliva or mucus from the nose or mouth which is spread when the infected person exhales, sneezes or coughs. An infected person can manifest symptoms between 2-14 days from the time of exposure to COVID-19. while viral shedding through droplets of mucus and saliva is high during the ongoing infection and can continue for up to 10 days after recovery.
FAQ: 6) Can it spread from a person who has no symptoms?
ANSWER: The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, the early stages of the disease have only mild symptoms, so in some cases it is possible. WHO has ongoing research on the period of transmission and will share updated findings.
FAQ: 7) Will I die if I get coronavirus?
ANSWER: No. Almost 80% of cases had mild symptoms. The death rate below age 50 years is less, where most deaths have been caused in patients with associated pre-existing medical conditions.
FAQ: 8) Will coronavirus affect pets?
ANSWER: No, there is no evidence that COVID- 19 affects pets.
FAQ: 9) Are children, pregnant and old people at more risk?
ANSWER: It has been noticed that elderly people are at higher risk, but there is no evidence that mortality is more in children. Younger patients have been noticed to have mild or no symptoms at all. Pregnant and immunocompromised patients are at potential risk. However, the higher the age, the higher the risk. Mortality above 80 yrs age is the highest.
FAQ: 10) Is there a cure?
ANSWER: There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat Coronavirus. However, symptomatic treatment and supportive care are available. It is advised to take preventive measures like maintaining hand hygiene, keeping a distance from people sneezing or coughing, avoiding social interactions or public hangouts, avoid travelling overseas or to any potentially infected places, keep clothes clean and exposed to sun rays etc. It is also advised to consult a doctor without delay in case one faces breathing issues or cold/flu/fever persists, for early detection and treatment
FAQ: 11) Can the coronavirus be killed?
ANSWER: There are many running myths that say coronavirus can be killed by certain products. It has been said that the virus can be killed by hand-dryers, UV lamps, alcohol, sesame oil and herbal remedies like garlic or clove. WHO has advised that these myths are baseless, and the virus cannot be killed either way. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine as of now to prevent or treat COVID-19, but research is underway.
FAQ: 12) What precautions and preventive measures should I adopt?
ANSWER: Practice hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene adequately. Avoid smoking, wash hands regularly and always wear a mask if you have a cough or are feeling sick. Be mindful of your surroundings, avoid shaking hands and keep one metre’s distance from anybody who has cough, fever or breathing difficulty, but politely.
FAQ: 13) Can masks help in preventing the infection?
ANSWER: Not everyone needs to wear a mask. If you are a healthcare provider, or if you are caring for an infected person, or if you are sick or having symptoms, or if you are going to be amongst a large crowd, you need to wear a mask to contain and prevent the spread of droplets. Do not hoard masks as they are not foolproof methods to avoid catching the infection. Remove the mask from the back of the head instead of touching it while disposing.
FAQ: 14) Why have some people died from the coronavirus infection?
ANSWER: Most people recover from the coronavirus infection. However, most people whose deaths were caused due to the coronavirus infection had pre-existing diseases and comorbidities or had a weak immune system or simply worse overall health. Therefore, the risk of coronavirus being fatal depends on the strength or weakness of your immunity and respiratory system.
FAQ: 15) What is quarantine?
ANSWER: Quarantine is a measure taken to isolate a sick or infected person or someone suspected of having caught an infection when there is an outbreak of contagious, communicable diseases. This is done to contain the spread of the infection. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19 infection, having originated in Wuhan Province of China, has now propagated its way into 80+ countries. Positive cases are springing up every day in different parts of the world.
The virus is transmitted via droplets of mucus or saliva of an infected person when he or she coughs or sneezes. Due to its easy transmission route, the virus, as well as the panic surrounding it, has currently penetrated the very fabric of scrutiny and vigilance of various countries. Quarantine and the process of isolation are key in handling the spread of the infection, thereby reducing the mortality rate caused due to the coronavirus.
FAQ: 16) Who needs a hospital quarantine?
ANSWER: A person tested positive with coronavirus with unmanageable symptoms at home like fever, cough and breathing difficulty that might need further evaluation and treatment at a hospital
A person belonging to the older age group, especially over 60 years of age and having tested positive with symptoms. It has been noted that this is a high-risk group
A person who has tested positive and has pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, TB, or has chronic comorbidities
Latest Updates Of Corona Virus as of 22nd Of March 15:39IST
Total Confirmed Positive Cases Worldwide-: 308639
Total confirmed Positive Cases In India-: 362
Recovered In India-: 23
Fatalities-: 7
