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What is coronavirus
Corona
viruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or
humans. In humans, several coronaviruses 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 coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
What is COVID-19
COVID-19 is
the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan,
China, in December 2019.
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 symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about
80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out
of every 6 people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develop 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.
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 why it is important to stay more than 1
meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be
transmitted through the air?
Studies to
data suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through
contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See the previous
answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?”
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 in 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.
Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of
someone with the disease?
The risk of
catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears below. While
initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces 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.
What can I do to protect myself and prevent
the spread of 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 COVID19 by taking some
simple precautions:
• Regularly
and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based 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 meter (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 a 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 the 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 the spread of viruses and other
infections.
• Keep up to the 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
• Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
•
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 a 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. Why?
Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you
to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent a possible spread of
COVID-19 and other viruses.
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.
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.
Who is at risk of developing severe illness
While we are
still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons, and persons
with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease,
lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often
than others.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or
treating the COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics
do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19
is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used
as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as
directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.
Are there any medicines or therapies that can
prevent or cure COVID-19
While some
western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate
symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or
cure the disease. We do not recommend self-medication with any medicines,
including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are
several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines.
We will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings
are available.
Is there a vaccine drug or treatment for
COVID-19
Not yet. To
date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or
treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve
symptoms. People with serious illnesses should be hospitalized. Most patients
recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible
vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are
being tested through clinical trials.
The most
effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to
frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue,
and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are
coughing or sneezing.
Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?
No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but
the diseases they cause are quite different.
SARS was
more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no
outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself
Only wear a
mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking
after someone who may have COVID-19. The disposable face mask can only be used
once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are
wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so We urge people to
use masks wisely.
We advise
rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources
and misuse of masks The most effective ways to protect yourself and others
against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the
bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet)
from people who are coughing or sneezing.
How to put on use take off and dispose of a
mask?
1. Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, caretakers, and individuals with
respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
2. Before
touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
3. Take the
mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
4. Orient
which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
5. Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the colored side).
6. Place the
mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it molds
to the shape of your nose.
7. Pull down
the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
8. After use,
take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping
the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially
contaminated surfaces of the mask.
9. Discard the
mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
10. Perform
hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub
or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.
How long is the incubation period for
COVID-19?
The
“incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to
have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19
range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be
updated as more data become available.
Can humans become infected with the COVID-19
from an animal source?
Coronaviruses
are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people
get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For
example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by
dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been
confirmed.
To protect
yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with
animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices
at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination
of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?
While there
has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is
no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly
spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.
We continue
to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID19 topics and will update
as new findings are available.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not
certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it
seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses
(including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces
for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions
(e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think
a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus
and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand
rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Is it safe to receive a package from any area
where COVID-19 has been reported?
Yes. The
likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the
risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been
moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also
low.
Is there anything I should not do?
The
following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:
• Smoking
• Wearing
multiple masks
• Taking
antibiotics (See question 10 "Are there any medicines of therapies that
can prevent or cure COVID-19?")
In any case, if you have fever, cough and
difficulty breathing seek medical care early
to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share
your recent travel history with your health care provider.
Copyright/Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/