1.
What
is Corona Virus ?
Corona Viruses are a family of
viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several corona
viruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold
to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS). The most recently discovered corona virus causes corona virus disease
COVID-19.
2.
What
is COVID-19 ?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease
caused by the most recently discovered Corona Virus . This new virus and
disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, In December 2019.
3.
What
are the symptoms of Covid-19 ?
The most common symptoms of Covid-19
are Fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains,
nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
These symptoms are usually mild and
begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptom and
don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without
needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every people who gets COVID-19
becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people and those
with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or
diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough
and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
4.
How
does COVID-19 Spread ?
People can catch COVID-19 from others
who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small
droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19
coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the
person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces.
Then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19. If
they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales
droplets. This is a person who is sick.
5. Can
the Virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air ?
Studies to date suggest that the virus
that cause COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory
droplets rather than through the air. see previous answer on “How does COVID-19
spread ?”
6. Can
COVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms ?
The main way the disease spreads is
through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of
catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However,
many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly
true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch
COVID-19 from someone who has, for example , just a mild cough and does not
feel ill.
7. Can
I catch COVID-19 from the faces of someone with the disease ?
The risk of catching COVID-19 from
the faces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations
suggest the virus may be present in faces in some cases, spread through this
route is not a main feature of the outbreak. The ongoing research on the ways
COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings .Because this is a
risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the
bathroom and before eating.
8. What
can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of Corona virus disease ?
Protection
measures for everyone
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19
outbreak, available on the national, state and local public health authority.
Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have
seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in
slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However , the situation is unpredictable
so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce
your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple
precautions:
• Regularly
and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcoholbased hand rub or wash them with
soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based
hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at
least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets
from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can
breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing
has the disease.
• Avoid
touching eyes, nose and mouth.Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up
viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or
mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and
can make you
sick.
• Make sure
you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means
covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread
virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you
from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home if
you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health
authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information
on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care
provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also
protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to
date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is
spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you
are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher
chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Protection measures for
persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19
is spreading
· Self-isolate
by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as
headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you
recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go
out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
· If
you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly
as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call
in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with
travelers.
9.
How
likely am I to catch COVID-19?
The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there
is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.
For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low.
However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the
disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk
of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking
vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to
comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings.
Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or
spreading COVID-19.
COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been
shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge
rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to
go.
10. Should I worry about COVID-19?
illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for
children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in
every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal
for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their
loved ones. We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved
ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and
thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and
follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions
put in place on travel, Movement and gatherings.
Primary source
www.Mohfw.gov.in
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