Covid-19 at once
Coronavirus is the name of a group of viruses that attack the respiratory system. It was named coronavirus for the crown-like spines on its surface.
The coronavirus is a highly contagious disease and can spread from person to person very quickly. It can also affect animals.
Coronaviruses mutate very quickly and can also change their characteristics. They can cause various diseases. Symptoms can range from the common cold to more complex and even life-threatening illnesses, such as pneumonitis or lower respiratory tract infections.
In humans, the coronavirus can cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The novel coronavirus, known as Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2, is a new strain of the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc across the globe.
Covid-19 in India
On 30 January 2020, India’s first confirmed case of the Covid-19 coronavirus was reported in the state of Kerala. The affected patient had a history of travel to Wuhan Province, China. Two more confirmed cases were reported on 2 March 2020, one in New Delhi and one in Hyderabad (Telangana). The confirmed case in New Delhi was a person who had returned from Italy, while the infected person in Telangana had returned to Hyderabad from Dubai.
Today, thousands of suspected cases have been tested out of which there are now 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India. Italians visiting India have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus. An employee working at DSM, a company based in Mindspace, Hyderabad, has tested positive for coronavirus. Identification and disinfection of those who came into contact with the patient is currently being done.
So, what is the corona virus? Is it really dangerous? Do you really need to be afraid? How does it spread? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus disease and everything else you need to know.
What is the covid-19 coronavirus?
Coronavirus is not the name of a single virus. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that infect the respiratory tract, so named for the crown-like spines on their surface. This virus can cause illness in both animals and humans. The coronavirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person. They are notorious for quickly transforming themselves and acquiring new qualities. The coronavirus can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to life-threatening pneumonitis/lower respiratory tract infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
In humans, several coronaviruses have caused respiratory infections. This can range from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The novel coronavirus, now renamed Covid-19 or SARS COV-2, is a new strain of coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans.
Why is it called Covid-19?
Covid-19 (coronavirus disease-19) is the official name given to the novel coronavirus disease according to generally agreed guidelines between WHO or the World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It was previously called 2019-nCoV.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Its symptoms are usually mild and do not require special treatment in most people. Some patients may even be asymptomatic, that is, they do not show any symptoms. But some people have more serious symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or slurred speech or reduced ability to move. They may require immediate treatment or even hospitalization.
Symptoms may appear within 2-14 days depending on the exposure to the virus and the severity of the virus. The most commonly known symptoms include fever, dry cough and fatigue.
- Body aches and pains.
- Runny nose and sore throat.
- Diarrhea
- Loss of sense of taste and smell
- Skin rash
According to a 2020 study, the percentage of occurrence of these symptoms is:
- Dry cough-60.4%
- Fever – 55.5%
- Dyspnea- 41.1%
- Sore throat – 31.2%
- Fatigue-68.3%
- The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, fatigue and dry cough.
- Some patients may experience body aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and have a gradual onset. Some people are infected but do not develop symptoms and do not feel sick.
- Most people (about 80%) are cured of the disease without the need for special treatment.
- About 1 in 6 people with Covid-19 become seriously ill and develop breathing difficulties.
- Older people, and those with underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illnesses.
- Symptoms of Covid-19 and previous coronaviruses are similar – fever, dry cough, dyspnea and bilateral ground-glass opacities on chest CT scan.
- Unique feature of covid-19 – invasion of lower respiratory tract with symptoms of URI, in some cases chest radiograph showing upper lobe infiltration of Lune, associated with hypoxemia and progressive dyspnea)★★
- Compared to patients infected with MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV, patients infected with Covid 19 have more gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of covid-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, depending on the severity of the virus.
- The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, fatigue and dry cough.
- Some patients may experience body aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and have a gradual onset. Some people are infected but do not develop symptoms and do not feel sick.
- Most people (about 80%) are cured of the disease without the need for special treatment.
- About 1 in 6 people with Covid-19 become seriously ill and develop breathing difficulties.
- Older people, and those with underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illnesses.
- Symptoms of Covid-19 and previous coronaviruses are similar – fever, dry cough, dyspnea and bilateral ground-glass opacities on chest CT scan.
- Unique feature of covid-19 – invasion of lower respiratory tract with symptoms of URI, chest radiography in some cases showing infiltrates in upper lobe of lune, associated with hypoxemia and increasing dyspnoea)
How does Covid-19 spread (transmission)?
- The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth. These droplets are released when a person with Covid-19 coughs or exhales and these droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person.
- Now a person who touches an object or surface, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, can become infected with Covid-19.
- If a person inhales droplets exhaled or coughed up by a person with Covid-19, they can get Covid-19. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a sick person.
- The airborne route of transmission is still under investigation. Of late, it has acquired the status of a ‘superspreader’, spreading the disease through asymptomatic transmission or in some cases where the mode of transmission is unexplained.
What is the fear of death in covid-19?
Currently, the mortality rate among patients who test positive is approximately 1.4% to 2%; Many asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients remain untested, who remain at high risk for disease requiring a diagnosis of pneumonia.
The overall clinical consequences of Covid-19 are ultimately similar to those of severe seasonal influenza (which was initially more severe during H1N1 and now has a case fatality rate of about 0.1%, of all populations) and not SARS or MERS, which have The rates are 9 to 10% and 36% respectively.
What precautions should be taken for Corona?
Precautions before getting infected with Corona:
- Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from others to reduce the chance of exposure if they sneeze, cough or talk.
- Wear a mask when you are around people as a precaution against corona.
- Practice washing your hands with soap and water
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Precautions after Corona infection:
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in the household.
- Wear a mask if you are around people.
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then properly sanitize the tissue afterwards.
- Wash hands with soap or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Use separate dishes, bedding and towels to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Precautions after Corona:
- Check oxygen levels.
- Check body temperature.
- Check for any persistent symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath or lethargy.
- Follow doctor’s advice.
- Wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Early warning of corona
- Wear your mask in crowded places. As a corona precaution, make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth well.
- Get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Covid-19 precautions at home
- Avoid close contact with those who have tested positive.
- Wash your hands with soap and wear a mask when around Covid-19 positive people.
- Keep your house clean and ventilated.
When will you need emergency treatment?
If the symptoms do not stop or the condition continues to worsen, you should consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms may include persistent high fever, shortness of breath, skin rash, or inability to move or speak. You should immediately call your doctor or hospitalize the patient.
What to do if you cough?
- Always practice frequent hand-washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use a 60-95% alcohol based hand-rub, preferably 70-80%).
- Stay at least 6 feet/two arm’s length away from the person who is sneezing or coughing
- Cough or sneeze with your mouth into your elbow or forearm, but not into your palm
- Whenever possible, use a single-use tissue to cover your coughs and colds.
- Dispose of used tissue immediately in an appropriate disposal facility
What is the travel advice in light of Covid-19?
The travel advisory issued by MOHFW has been revised on 26th February 2020 due to Covid-19. Travelers are advised to refrain from traveling to China. Travelers to China will now be quarantined upon return. Indian citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the following countries:
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Italy
Persons arriving from Korea, Iran and the Republic of Italy or persons with a history of travel to these countries may be quarantined for 14 days after arrival in India.
What are the precautions for family members of suspected/confirmed Covid-19 patients?
- Wash your hands
- For housework, hire only those people who are necessary
- Ensure that there is good ventilation/airflow in areas where household members meet together
- Wear single-use masks, gowns and gloves if necessary
- Avoid sharing household items with each other
- Maintain cleanliness at home
- Wash clothes thoroughly
- Wear single-use gloves when handling patient care items
- Monitor the affected person for symptoms
- Monitor your health
What is homeopathic treatment for coronavirus disease?
There is not yet enough research or clear evidence that alternative medicine therapies work to treat coronavirus infections.
Eating calcium tablets or lemon will be a preventive measure against corona virus?
Vitamin C helps build immunity and fight infections. There are plenty of vitamin C rich foods like amlaki, oranges, lemons, etc. that you can eat. However, vitamin C cannot cure or prevent Covid-19 as such. Do not take any supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
Also, there is no evidence that calcium helps prevent Covid-19 infection. However, there have been studies that have shown that regardless of morbidity, the mortality rate of patients with low calcium levels was significantly higher than that of patients with normal calcium levels. If you are deficient in calcium, you can make up for it through diet or supplements [only on doctor’s advice].
Has human testing of ivermectin tablets for coronavirus begun?
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent, which appears to have antiviral activity against a broad range of viruses.
Several studies are now underway to test ivermectin and it is believed to pave the way for its formal re-introduction as a drug for Covid-19.
However, until we know more and have more documented evidence, it is advised not to use over-the-counter medications or any other medication to prevent or treat Covid-19, without your doctor’s advice.
Can Biometric IDS Turn the Dice on Coronavirus Antibody Test Vaccines?
As countries have already started lifting coronavirus lockdowns, biometric identification can help verify those who have already been infected. And it will also ensure that vulnerable people can get vaccinations as they become available.
What medicines can I take for coronavirus symptoms?
Treatment of Covid-19 infection mainly involves relieving symptoms and may include:
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen
- Cough syrup or medicine
- Rest
- Adequate fluid intake