Coronavirus disease: an overview
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered virus called coronavirus. The majority of people infected with coronavirus usually experience mild or moderate respiratory illness. Most people recover without special treatment. However, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The best way is to be well informed about the virus, its progression and transmission. You can protect yourself from this disease by washing and sanitizing your hands frequently. It is also recommended to avoid touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus is mainly spread through nasal secretions and saliva droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. That is why practicing breathing etiquette, such as coughing with your elbows bent, is also very important. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. However, many ongoing clinical trials are evaluating potential treatments.
Symptoms of coronavirus disease
The effects of COVID-19 vary from person to person. Being a respiratory disease, most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms. These people recover easily without special treatment. However, people with underlying medical conditions and those over the age of 60 are much more likely to develop serious, potentially fatal illness.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease are:
Some other symptoms may also be present, such as:
- difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- pain and suffering
- Some people report nausea, diarrhea, or a runny nose.
Individuals experiencing mild symptoms but who are otherwise healthy are encouraged to self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider. You can also ask for advice on testing. If you have a fever, shortness of breath, or cough, call your doctor immediately and seek medical attention.
How to avoid getting coronavirus?
There is no specific vaccine or treatment to cure the disease, so the best way to deal with coronavirus outbreaks is to prevent transmission at all. There are certain measures you can take. These measures include:
what to do
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Doing this will kill any viruses present on your hands and prevent the spread of infection.
- Keep at least 1 meter distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone sneezes or coughs, their mouth or nose releases tiny droplets that may contain the virus. If you get too close to this person, you may inhale these droplets containing the virus. This can lead to infection. So it’s a good idea to check social distancing.
- Download the Aaro Gear Set App. The Indian government has launched the AarogyaSetu mobile application, available on both Android and iOS platforms, to help people self-assess their risk of coronavirus infection. Via a Bluetooth and GPS-generated social graph, the application tracks her interactions with people who may be positive for COVID-19. When installed from the App Store, the application will detect other devices with AarogyaSetu already installed on that phone’s radar. The app can then determine the risk of infection based on advanced parameters if any of the contacts test positive.
- Practice respiratory hygiene. So remember to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Make sure everyone around you does the same. Using a tissue or bending your elbow when coughing or sneezing is the easiest way to prevent the spread of the virus. Maintaining good respiratory hygiene not only protects you from the coronavirus, but also prevents you from contracting other illnesses such as the flu and colds.
- If you feel even a little sick, please stay home. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or cough, seek medical attention immediately. Please follow the instructions issued by your local health authority.
- Stay as up-to-date as possible on the latest developments related to COVID-19. Follow all advice given by local and national public health officials, health care providers, or employers on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Local and national public health officials usually have up-to-date information on how widespread COVID-19 is in your particular area. They are therefore in the best position to give advice on how people in your area can protect themselves from disease.
- For example, use separate cutting boards for chopping meat and vegetables, and clean them regularly with soap. Always clean your hands after handling raw food and before eating cooked food. Only eat meat products that have been thoroughly cooked, as the heat will remove any bacteria that may be present.
- If you live in an area affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, wear a face mask every time you go out. Face masks provide basic protection against airborne infections and germs. Regardless of symptoms or illness, face masks are essential, especially on public transport and in crowded places.
- Disinfect your home and keep it tidy. Wash towels and bed sheets and wipe tabletops, counters, doorknobs, toilets, bathroom fixtures, phones, and tables with soapy water every two days.
Something you can not do
- Avoid eating food from street vendors or restaurants that do not have basic hygiene such as sanitizer and hand washing.
- Avoid smoking and other activities that can weaken or affect your lungs in some way. Since the virus primarily attacks an individual’s lungs, staying healthy is important.
- Avoid non-essential travel as travel may involve contact with many people. Viruses tend to spread more easily in crowded places, so it’s best to stay away from large groups. Examples of social distancing include canceling large gatherings, closing schools, postponing meetings, visiting loved ones electronically instead of in person, and working from home.
In these trying times, it is very important that we join hands and stay home to fight this virus. Make good use of your time by indulging in activities that keep your mind and soul healthy, and take care of yourself.