Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, has enveloped the whole world and affected thousands of people. Many have lost their lives due to the pandemic. Started in December 2019, Coronavirus has rapidly spread all across the globe. The whole world is facing a downfall since most parts of the world are under lockdown to prevent the spread of contagious coronavirus.
We have been listening, learning and gathering all sorts of information on COVID-19. It is better to know the nature of this virus and then take action. The lack of information is misleading many people, and there we have word from the expert. Dr P N Agrawal is a great pulmonologist from Bhopal who will now throw light on some of the commonly asked questions about coronavirus.
Still, some questions remain unanswered this article takes you through all the important pointers that you need to know about Coronavirus:
1. How long will we have to keep social distancing?
The government has been insisting to maintain a social distance to prevent the spread of the virus. coronavirus is a contagious disease and can spread from one infected person to another. The govt has announced the lockdown period of 21 days which according to DR PN Agrawal is necessary to break the chain of the virus. The infected people need to be cured to stop any further spread of the virus and for that 21 days, the time period is ideal. However, the time might increase looking upon the situations later. The life cycle or incubation period of coronavirus is 21 days and we need this time to irradicate it.
2. Can high or low temperatures kill coronavirus?
Since the virus is new so we do not have much idea about the nature of coronavirus. But according to the nature of other viruses, they chances of spreading the virus in extreme temperature decreases. The virus cannot survive in temperature above 40-45 degrees Celcius and therefore there are chances. Extremes of temperature are required to kill viruses and in May temperature rises. Therefore the rate of Infectivity will decrease.
3. If people can spread the virus without showing any symptoms, how can I tell who’s infected and who’s not?
There is a possibility that people not showing any symptoms might be able to deliver the virus. But people who have cough, cold, fever have high chances of spreading the virus to you. Therefore social distancing is advised as a measure to stay safe from the virus. The infected person has the potential to spread it to others so it is better yo maintain distance and stay safe.
4. What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
Some common symptoms are Flu, chest congestion, lethargy, weakness, fever, sore throat, body ache, and headache. There have been a few percentages of patients who have shown diarrhea as a symptom of coronavirus. Being alert is the only keY
5. What caused the COVID-19?
COVID-19 is not a new virus. It first appeared in 1960 in the form of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), then in 2012 as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and now in 2109 as COVID-19. Coronavirus has been named so due to its structure. The virus has small projections that make it appear like a crown and therefore it has been named Coronavirus.
6. Is it safe to eat meat and poultry during coronavirus outspread?
The infection came from Wuhan’s meat market where wildlife is sold. The virus usually spreads from animal to animal but the virus has now changed its nature and is spreading through human to human. If someone is eating meat or consuming poultry products it is advised to eat fully cooked food. Do not eat raw meat.
7. How This Virus Spreads?
This is a droplet infection. When you sneeze or cough thousands of the droplets are released in the air that takes the form of an aerosol. They can travel up to 3-6 feet distance.
8. How do I know if it is just cold or coronavirus?
It is very difficult to tell as the symptoms are similar to that of the regular flu. However, the flu can be acquired through air and climate change but Coronaviurus can be acquired only when you come in contact with an infected person. In India, the infection entered when a girl returned from China which was the epicenter of the infection. This is known as STAGE 1. But later when the infection got transferred to her relatives it came down to STAGE 2 and then if the infection rapidly spreads in other people through various infected people then w reach STAGE 3.
9. Apart from maintaining hand hygiene, what else can people do to protect themselves?
Masks provide a barrier and that can reduce the risk of being infected. Maintaining good hygiene is very important. You can use Multi-level masks, N-95, cloth masks, or homemade masks. The body releases secretions through the nose, mouth, and eyes. If an infected person releases them and you come in contact with them you are at high risk. Handshake, hugs are other sources to get infected as you might get in close contact with the infected and should be avoided. Another source is through non-living things such as handles, tables, chairs. The virus gets transfer through them as well. To keep these secretions away from entering your body hand wash at regular intervals is advised as it washes away all the viruses.
WHO has advised the right method to clean your hands. Watch here.
There are several measures you can take to protect yourself from #COVID19. One of the most important ones is regular & safe hand hygiene. Here are the steps recommended by @WHO 👇
Show the 🌍 where and how you wash your hands. Join the WHO #SafeHands challenge! pic.twitter.com/5ElZyiyZun— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 13, 2020
10. What should you do if you catch coronavirus infection?
Secluding yourselves is the first thing you should do. Isolate yourself from others and if you still feel tour health is deteriorating then contact your health officials. Doctors in your family should be contacted first. Surgical masks are important reducing the rate of spread of infection.
11. Do surgical masks actually cut down the risks of coronavirus?
Yes, masks do reduce the risk of infection. If your mouth, nose, and eyes are covered then there are fewer chances of you being infected. People who are infected should wear the mask and who is not should wear as a precaution.
12. Precautions:
Cough etiquettes are necessary, you can cover your mouth through elbow or coat if you do not have a hanky or mask. Other than that keep using alcohol-based sanitizers and regularly doing handwash. Regular exercise, hot food hot drinks, and healthy food will boost your immunity.
According to Dr. P N Agrawal lockdown of individual counties is the very necessary and only solution. A separate lockdown is necessary to stop this pandemic. In the G-20 summit that will be held, there are possibilities that some solution to this problem will be taken out. Treating the patients during the lockdown will gradually solve this problem, The world is having financial struggles and soon some action needs to be taken.