COVID-19 FAQ's Q1. What is a Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Q2. How 2019 Novel Coronavirus is different from Coronavirus? 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is named novel as it has not previously identified. The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold Q3. What is source of 2019 Novel Coronavirus? At present exact source of infection of 2019 novel Corona virus has not been identified. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and other that circulate among animals. Initially, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to large seafood and animal market, suggesting the virus likely emerged from an animal source Q4. How long is the incubation period for COVID-19? The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available. Q5. What are the most common symptoms of Novel Coronavirus? Common symptoms include:
Other symptoms include:
Q6. How does the virus spread? The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it. This is why it is important that sick person should wear masks to cover their nose and mouth Q7. What are the precautions to avoid risk of infection? WHO→ To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
Q8. Is there a vaccine to get protection from 2019 novel corona virus? Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against 2019-novel Corona Virus. Q9. Is it safe to travel China or other countries where 2019 novel corona cases have occurred? All nonessential travel to China and other affected countries is to be avoided. If the travel is unavoidable-At all times follow the simple public health measures
Q10. What are the treatments? There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s clinical condition. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective. Q11. How can I help protect myself? There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Q12. What should I do if I had close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV? Self-monitor your health starting from the day of last contact with such a case and continue for 28 days. Watch for the development of acute onset of signs and symptoms
If you observe any of the above symptoms visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment. Further you must furnish the details of exposure of such patients to your health care worker. Q13. Should I be tested for 2019-novel Corona Virus? If you develop acute onset of fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should visit nearest health facility and the doctor’s will decide if you need to be tested for 2019-novel Corona Virus depending upon your history of travel to China/ affected countries or contact with any suspected/ lab confirmed case. Q14. Are health workers at risk from a novel coronavirus? WHO→ Yes, they can be, as health care workers come into contact with patients more often than the general public. WHO recommends that health care workers consistently use personal protective equipment (PPE) and take necessary hygiene measures. Q15. Who are most vulnerable to this coronavirus? COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications Q16. I’m getting stressed during this period, what should I do? Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Things you can do to support yourself:
Q17. Should I wear a Mask to protect Myself? Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. Prefer using a homemade cloth mask which is washable and can be reused when needed. Q18. How to put on use take off and dispose of a mask?
Q19. Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet? While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly. We continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID19 topics and will update as new findings are available. Q20. Should I buy home essentials altogether? There is no need to panic buying. The Ministry of Home Affairs has circulated a list of guidelines during the lockdown in which they have mentioned that all essential goods will be available even during the lockdown which includes medical stores, shops including ration and food items. Q21. Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? Yes. The probability of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q22. What are the preventive measures to be taken to contain the spread of Covid -19? Do’s
Don’ts
Q23. What contributes to community support and disease control efforts at an individual level? Please do not stigmatize people who may be affected or those who have returned to the villages from cities recently – come together as a community to enforce preventive measures and follow government instructions at your location. Take special care of the elderly, the children and pregnant mothers – keep them indoors and follow instructions. Social distancing is one effective way to control the spread of this pandemic. Avoid meeting people in groups, attend unnecessary social events and gatherings. Social distancing doesn’t mean social disconnecting, so do keep in touch with your dear ones, greet your neighbors with NAMASKAR, instead of shaking hands or hugging. Be a responsible citizen by notifying the local authorities and get immediately quarantined in case you see any of the COVID symptoms in you or your family members. Q24. Am I safe after the lockdown? The lockdown is a preventive step which has been taken in order to control the community spread. It is difficult to predict what will the situation be like once the lockdown is over. However, it is advised that the basic preventive measures are to be followed post the lockdown as well. Q25. How will lockdown help in stopping the spread of coronavirus? If followed, the lockdown will help maintain social distancing which could reduce the chances of community spread. This is being executed to control uprising of new cases and give effective treatment to the sick individuals. Q26. How do I disinfect items of daily use that have come in from outside? Example, groceries, fruits and vegetables, others? The following steps can be adopted if you bring your daily items from Outside:
Q27. What Relief Packages have been announced by Government of India to for the people of India?
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