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. COVID-19 is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally.
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.
Myth & Facts
There is a lot of false information around. These are the facts.
- Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the CoronaVirus .
- The coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus
- Thermal scanners CANNOT detect whether or not someone has the coronavirus.
- Ultraviolet light SHOULD NOT be used for sterilization and can cause skin irritation
- There is NO evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can transmit the coronavirus.
- Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the coronavirus.
- Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body WILL NOT kill viruses that have already entered your body.
- Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, DO NOT provide protection against the coronavirus.
- There is NO evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the coronavirus.
- There is NO evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the coronavirus.
- Antibiotics DO NOT work against viruses, antibiotics only work against bacteria.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are
Fever
Dry cough
Tiredness
Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.
If you have minor symptoms, such as a slight cough or a mild fever, there is generally no need to seek medical care. Stay at home, self-isolate and monitor your symptoms. Follow national guidance on self-isolation.
Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing or pain/pressure in the chest. If possible, call your health care provider in advance, so he/she can direct you to the right health facility.
Mode of Transmission
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The major ways are,
- Direct close contact: One can get the infection by being in close contact with COVID-19 patients (within one Metre of the infected person), especially if they do not cover their face when coughing or sneezing.
- Indirect contact: The droplets survive on surfaces and clothes for many days. Therefore, touching any such infected surface or cloth and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes can transmit the disease.
Precautions
Key methods for prevention of COVID-19
Practice Social Distancing
- Avoid gatherings such as melas, haats, gatherings in religious places, social functions etc.
- Maintain a safe distance of at least one Metre between you and other people when in public places.
- Avoid physical contact like handshakes, hand holding or hugs.
- Avoid touching surfaces such as table tops, chairs, door handles etc.
Practice good hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water
- While coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief. Wash the handkerchief at least daily
- It is preferable to cough/sneeze into your bent elbow rather than your palms.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands.
- Ensure that the surfaces and objects are regularly cleaned.
Test Centres in India
According to a statement by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on April 1, 2020, there are 126 total government laboratories approved and supported (provided diagnostic kits or reagents)
Will update soon
