Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) was first officially announced on December 31, 2019. Before anyone could comprehend its seriousness, the world had a dangerous disease on its hands.
In the first quarter of 2020, the number of positive cases worldwide was over 500,000 with over 23,000 deaths. The World Health Organization declared Coronavirus as a pandemic on 11th March.
Must-Know Facts About Covid-19
Symptoms: Dry cough, fever, cough with mucus, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, body ache, chills, fatigue.
Incubation Period: Between 4 – 14 days and up to 28 days in exceptional cases.
How It Spreads: Covid-19 is a contagious disease. The virus can spread from person-to-person standing within six feet. If one inhales the respiratory droplets produced by an infected person, a healthy person too can contract the disease. Do not touch surfaces and then touch your face, nose, or eyes.
Remember, only sick people aren’t the ones who should be kept at a distance, even those who don’t show symptoms can be carriers. Time and duration of symptoms vary from case to case.
Protect Yourself and Others. Follow These Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Wash hands frequently (20 seconds) with soap and water.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizers when traveling.
- Greet people from a distance (with no physical contact).
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, alternatively, you can also use the inner side of your elbow.
- See a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms: dry cough, fever, breathing difficulties.
- Practice self-quarantine.
- Wear a mask and gloves if you have to step outside or have the symptoms.
Don’ts
- Don’t keep touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Don’t throw used tissues on the road or open bins. Dispose of responsibly.
- Don’t go to densely populated spaces or attend large gatherings.
- Don’t spit in public spaces.
- Don’t touch objects in public spaces like a staircase or escalator railings, lift walls, etc.
- Don’t listen to or spread rumors. Always verify any news you receive before forwarding it.
Action Points If Not Feeling Unwell or Showing Flu-Like Symptoms
- Don’t panic! Visit your doctor immediately. Follow doctor-advised procedures like lab tests, self-quarantine, wear a mask, etc.
- Quarantine yourself at home. Avoid any form of physical contact.
- Wear a face mask to protect others. Reduce the spread of infected droplets.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Throw used tissues into a covered bin.
- Avoid touching objects in the quarantine room. Regularly wipe your living space with a cleaning (antibacterial) spray.
- Drink plenty of fluids and take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep the doctor regularly updated. Don’t hide or ignore any new symptoms.
Inform your doctor and health authorities about people you’ve been in close contact with in the past 2-3 weeks. Help reduce the chances of further transmission.
Myths & Facts:
Myth: Covid-19 is an airborne infection.
Fact: The infection spreads through droplets falling on nearby persons or surfaces.
One cough releases up to 3000 droplets! Maintain a 4-6 ft. distance between people. If that’s not practical, stay home. Distance yourself.
Myth: Covid-19 is just a more severe form of flu
Fact: Novel coronavirus is a completely different, previously unknown, virus strain. Early symptoms may be similar, but long-term effects are yet to be found.
Myth: Coronavirus can survive for days
Fact: Current research suggests the virus can last up to 3 hours in the air, 4 hours on copper surfaces, 24 hours on cardboards, 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel. Research is still in progress.
Myth: Sanitizers are an effective protection solution.
Fact: Washing your hands with soap and water is the best and most important solution.
Scrub your hands for 20 seconds at least 5-7 times a day. Soap bubbles contain molecules that break down coronavirus lipids and proteins which in turn stop them from entering skin cells.
Please note, do not keep the tap running for 20 seconds, and open the tap when necessary.
Myth: Everyone must wear a mask to protect themselves.
Fact: Masks are useful only for those people who have a cough or cold. A mask helps in preventing the spread of droplets.
Myth: Coronavirus will die out as soon as the hot summer arrives
Fact: There’s no evidence to support the connection between temperatures and the spread of Coronavirus.
Myth: Warm water gargling is a good method of protection
Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to back this.
Myth: Covid-19 can spread through pet dogs, cats, and other animals
Fact: Coronavirus is common in many animal species. But the novel coronavirus is proven to be transmitted from person-to-person.
Myth: Vitamin-C supplements will keep away the coronavirus
Fact: There’s no proven evidence. Vitamin-C helps to strengthen the immune system, which may help you fight the virus to some extent.
Myth: It’s safer to stay away from Chinese food or China-made products
Fact: There’s no link between contact-disease and mass-produced products and food!