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What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of virus. SARS and MERS are also part of this family. This particular strain (type) has originated from Wuhan China in 2019 December and has been named as SARS-CoV-2
What is COVID-19?
It’s the name given by the world health organisation (WHO) for infection caused by this particular strain of coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, breathing difficulty.
How is COVID-19 different from flu/respiratory virus?
COVID -19 presents with an illness similar to any other respiratory virus. Hence differentiation on only clinical grounds is not possible.
How does it spread?
Usually, it spreads in droplet form through the respiratory secretions (released while coughing or sneezing) and close contact. Rarely it may spread from contact with contaminated surfaces. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes.
Does it affect children?
Yes. It can cause mild disease in children also.
Who is close contact?
Close Contact: is someone who has been within 6 feet of a positive case (unprotected), at home, work, or during travel. If you have been identified to have had close contact (unprotected) with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, you are advised to isolate yourself at home and monitor your health closely and consult your Doctor
Who is susceptible/high risk for the infection?
People who are > 60 years of age, Diabetic, Hypertensive, suffering from heart disease, immunosuppressed, and Chronic respiratory disease are at higher risk.
If a pregnant lady gets infected with Novel Coronavirus, will the child get the disease?
No cases of mother-to-child transmission have been reported to date. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this virus are the same as other people.
Should I wear a mask in public?
NO, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, there is no evidence that a medical mask is required to prevent infection in a public setting.
Who is supposed to wear masks?
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Patients who have symptoms should wear a medical mask to prevent transmission of infection.
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Caregivers of patients suspected to have the disease.
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Doctors and other health care workers who take care of patients.
I have recently traveled from China / an International country affected by COVID-19, what should I do?
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If you are asymptomatic, then self-quarantine yourself at home for 14 days and avoid mixing with other people
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If you are symptomatic, then get your self-tested at the nearest testing center
What is the treatment for this infection?
The treatment is symptomatic. So far no drug has been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.
How do I prevent myself from this infection?
Avoid public gatherings, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, avoid touching your face regularly. Keep distance (2 meters) from patients with respiratory symptoms. Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue, when coughing, sneezing, and throw away the tissue in a closed bin. Avoid non-essential travel. Avoid handshakes.
For further information contact:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
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Issued in the public interest
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