Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Awareness and Prevention

Coronavirus disease (COVID -19) is a new viral disease, which is shaking the world and the medical field with a lot of challenges. As a lot of myths and rumors are revolving around this disease, I have tried to clear some basic things. We have some preventive measures that can help us and others from getting this disease. First, let us go through the origin, mode of spread, and prevention of this disease.

Origin of the Disease:

The main origin of this disease is from animals, especially from bats.

Transmission:

The main mode of spread is through droplets, close contacts, and also by touching the surface of the contaminated area and touching parts like nostrils, mouth area, eye, etc.

Symptoms:

The infection can result in symptoms like:

• Fever.

• Cough.

• Sneezing.

• Runny nose.

• Sore throat.

• Breathing difficulty.

Prevention:

The following are some of the preventive measures we can follow easily:

• Avoid having close contact with people who have symptoms.

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• Avoid going to crowded areas.

• Maintaining distance - a minimum of 6 feet gap should be maintained between two people.

• Avoid handshaking for greeting.

• Cover your mouth and nose using elbow or tissues while you are coughing and sneezing. This is the main preventive measure we should not forget.

• Proper and frequent washing of hands using alcohol-based hand rub for 20 to 30 seconds and with the correct hand washing technique will prevent most diseases.

• Take a shower once you are back home after a day out is necessary. Many think that a hot water bath prevents coronavirus disease or any other disease, but it is not so. You are harming yourself by taking a bath in extremely hot water, so bathing in lukewarm water will only help.

• Avoid dumping used and unwashed clothes.

• It is advisable to wear surgical facemask only if you have symptoms or caring for a sick relative and avoid wearing the same mask repeatedly.

• Wearing the mask correctly is very important, as these surgical masks have two colors, one side is white and the other blue or green. If you are sick, the white side of the mask should be inside and the blue side should face outwards. If you are not sick, it is vise versa.

• Dispose of the used mask properly in a closed dustbin.

• If you are sick or have a mild fever or even cold, it is better to be at home and avoid crowded areas.

• Avoid taking the lift and elevators because the presence of aerosol will be much higher in these places than others, as it has closed surfaces.

• It is advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses. If that is unavoidable, then make sure you wash your hands properly before wearing and during removal of the lens and secure your lenses properly in a clean and safe container.

• Though coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods, it can be still present on the surface. So cleaning the surface with some alcohol-based hand rub, surgical spirits, and washing hands will be much better.

• Make sure your vegetables are properly washed and fully cooked in properly cleaned vessels.

• Avoid headphones as much as you can, especially when you are outside as these might accidentally touch the contaminated surface and unknowingly, we might plug it in our ears.

• Always wash your hands after touching your pets or other animals.

Make sure your children and elderly persons follow the above and make them feel safe.

When Is Washing Hands Necessary?

In the following conditions, hand washing is necessary:

• Before and after cooking food.

• Before and after using toilets.

• After sneezing and coughing.

• Before and after taking care of sick people.

• After a day out.

• After touching any unclean surfaces or holders and seats of buses or metro.

If you cannot wash your hands at these times, then make use of hand sanitizers.

Hand Washing Technique:

• Wet your hand in running water. It is better if it is warm.

• Apply soap and rub your hands.

• Make sure you apply soap in between your fingers, back of your hands, and finally under nails as well.

• Scrub for 20 to 30 seconds.

• Wash your soaped hands in running water again and close the tap using your elbow.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air drier.

How to Use Hand Sanitizers?

• Apply hand sanitizer on one of your palms.

• Rub your hands gently together including the back of your hand and in between your fingers at least for 20 to 30 seconds.

• Let it dry.

But using hand sanitizer instead of hand washing is not as effective. Hand sanitizer will only reduce the count of germs but not clear it like washing hands. So, hand washing is the best.

For Healthcare Providers:

Healthcare providers, please tick this checklist daily:

1. Clean your stethoscope, especially the diaphragm, bell portion, and earpiece with surgical spirit.

2. Make sure your outpatient tables and treatment couch should be cleaned with antiseptic.

3. Avoid taking food or any eatables in your outpatient room.

4. Make sure that your white coats should be washed separately and should not be washed with other clothes.

5. Avoid touching your smartphones without washing hands after seeing patients.

6. Always use gloves to examine the patient and dispose of them correctly in the color codded dustbins.

7. Try to avoid air conditioners in your outpatient room, as this might make the aerosol stay in the room for a bit longer. If that is not possible, then keep the door to the room while you are closing your clinic.

Investigations and Treatment:

If you feel any of the above symptoms, kindly approach your doctor to rule out diseases. Investigations like measuring temperature, blood pressure, and nasal or throat swab is taken to do PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in some specific center’s that are specifically approved.

Symptomatic treatment will be provided if you have COVID-19 and isolation will be maintained. As of now, no vaccination is available for the disease. But research is under process, so we will expect our vaccination soon.

Conclusion:

Eat healthy foods and developing immunity will provide great support for us to fight against various diseases and not only corona. By following the preventive measures, we can reduce the spread of this disease. Do not be afraid of the disease, but make sure you are aware of it. Let us hope for the best.

For more information, consult a doctor online!