As I am typing this article, 110 cases have emerged in our country. The governments around the world are restricting travel and invoking epidemic laws but are you well informed about the COVID-19 outbreak?
Here is a primer on what, when, where and how’s of COVID-19 outbreak.
What are coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses refer to a large family of virus species which cause a variety of disease in animals and humans. Some of the coronaviruses are as harmless as common cold while others are as deadly as SARS and COVID-19. Coronaviruses have caused at least five emergencies in recent times.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which spreads 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.
Does this mean that this disease travels through air?
NO, this disease doesn’t travel through the air. As per WHO, this disease transmits through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.
Does this mean that I should stay indoors and isolate myself from the rest of the environment?
ABSOLUTELY NO. Follow the precautions and proper hygiene around yourself and your loved ones. If any symptom of COVID-19 appears in your loved ones; take them to a verified hospital as soon as possible.
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 diarrhoea. These symptoms are mild and begin gradually though some people become infected and don’t develop any symptoms but don’t feel unwell. Most people recover from this disease. Severe medical help is required for people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease). They appear to be more prone to become seriously ill with the virus. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
What can I do to protect myself from this disease?
To protect yourself from the disease, all you need to do is to maintain hygiene. Governments around the world are taking primary protective measures to contain this situation. All you should do is not to make a fuss, comply with the guidelines provided by the local bodies, try to avoid travel and be updated with the recent developments in your locality.
What precautions should I take?
As per guidelines by WHO
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash them with soap and water to kill viruses.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing as this disease spreads from person to person.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth to prevent transmission of viruses from your hand.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. It means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Follow the directions of local health bodies.
- Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid travelling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Some myths around Coronavirus:
I am taking homoeopathic/ayurvedic/gau-mata medicine; I cannot get infected from Coronaviruses.
Please shut the fuck up! There is no cure for COVID 19 disease as of now. Do not make this situation worse by spreading your pseudo-scientific beliefs. Keep following the news, follow precautions and stay safe!
Yoga/garlic/hot water baths will save me from getting infected.
Although there are tremendous health benefits of the above-said activities/substances, there is no proof that they will save you from getting infected.
My immune system is robust. I am invincible.
OKAY, Chad! We get that you are healthy, but you need to understand that there is no cure for COVID-19 as of now. We are still in the preliminary stages of understanding it, so please shut up and follow the guidelines.
Oh, it’s holidays; let’s travel and fulfill our wanderlust.
Although we are at an early stage of this outbreak in our country; the probability of contamination is very high. Therefore, any #wanderlust travel must be avoided.
[Photos credits: Pexels]
