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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Awareness and Prevention

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Awareness and Prevention

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With the most severe outbreak of recent times, COVID-19 has the entire world come to a standstill. This article discusses ways to prevent this infection and make the general public more aware of it.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At March 21, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 3, 2023

Introduction

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.

What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

The infection can result in symptoms like:

What Are the Preventive Measures for Coronavirus Infection?

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

  • Avoid having close contact with people who have symptoms.

  • 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Should I Avoid Eating Non-Vegetarian Food?

Eating eggs, chicken and seafood has nothing to do with Coronavirus. Consumption of eggs and poultry birds is absolutely safe. However, it is advised to fully cook the meat as there are risks of other infections too. Homemade foods can be more hygienic. So kindly avoid eating at restaurants.

2.

Are Pregnant Women Affected More?

Currently, there is no evidence to prove that pregnant women are affected more. Women during their pregnancy experience huge changes. These changes may or may not make them susceptible to Coronavirus. It is always good to stay safe and be extra careful during pregnancy.

3.

Do Adults and Children Show Different Symptoms?

No, kids and adults show almost similar symptoms. The common symptoms in kids are runny nose, fever, sore throat and cough. Adults experience the same types of symptoms. Those who have a history of a medical condition and those with mental disorders need special care.

4.

How Long Will It Take to Heal From Coronavirus?

The time required for a person to heal depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some patients who do not have severe respiratory diseases like Pneumonia are known to heal better. Almost 80 % of the cases are known to have complete recovery.

5.

Should I Plan to Work From Home Due to Coronavirus?

Working from home is an ideal and smart way of escaping exposure from multiple persons. Many MNC’s and IT companies are asking their employers to work from home. Few companies have made it mandatory for employers to work from home. If your company allows, it is definitely a wise choice to work from home.

6.

Does the Virus Get Transmitted Through Drinking Water?

As Coronavirus is an organism causing infection via air, there are no pieces of evidence for Coronavirus to be found in water. But the outbreak is heavy and so, the government should take proper precautions to filter the drinking water with standard protocol.

7.

Is Taking a Bath in a Swimming Pool Safe?

The novel Coronavirus cannot spread through swimming pools and hot water tubs. It is actually considered safe to take a bath in one. But considering the hygienic conditions, a pool is definitely not a spot to have proper sanitation all the time. So, please avoid swimming in public events.

8.

Will I Die If I Am Tested With COVID-19?

Not all the patients who are tested as positive die from Coronavirus. More than 80% of the cases are known to have a healthy recovery in almost two weeks.

9.

What should doctors, laboratory workers, and health care personnel do?

If the people working in health care sectors get to know a person is having COVID-19, they should first inform the local health department. The doctors should focus on providing quick treatment. Meanwhile, they have to give updates on the health condition of patients, as it might help the authorities to formulate Health care measures.

10.

How Long Will a Home Quarantine Last?

A home quarantine will last for 14days. It is declared by each nation’s government to prevent the spreading of a particular disease in the community.

11.

What Is Self-Quarantine?

If you have returned from a different country, you will be asked to isolate yourself so that you do not speed the disease to anyone. This is self-quarantine. You should stay at home and be socially responsible. Please do not go to work, religious places, or other social gatherings for 14 days.

12.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken When You Are Living With Someone Who Is Self-Quarantine?

If you live with a roommate, family member or spouse who is asked to be on self-quarantine, you should be alert and follow few rules.
- Clean your hands properly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently. Ask the self-quarantined person to perform the same more often.
- Monitor the symptoms of yourself and others. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat, ask for medical help.
- Do not visit people who are under self-quarantine at any cost.
- Clean the common surfaces regularly.
- Wash dishes and laundry safely.

13.

Can I Order Food or Groceries Online?

As many places are under lockdown, many people are in the situation to buy food online. Please make sure you receive the foods in a proper hygienic condition.

14.

Can We Attend Social Gatherings, Marriages, and Other Functions?

It is highly unsafe to attend any functions or go to places where there is a possibility of many people gathering. You might have the chance of getting infection, or you might infect others too

15.

Can We Allow Kids to Play With Toys?

Many hidden parasites might be present in toys used by children. The disinfection process is not feasible all the time at home. So, it is necessary to wash the toys before and after the kids play with them.

16.

Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted Through Sexual Contact?

There is no evidence to show COVID-19 spreads through sexual contact. However, it is essential to avoid oral sex and the exchange of saliva. Do safe sexual practices.

17.

Can My Child Be Affected by COVID-19?

Children are not at high risk for COVID-19. However, children always need special care. If you have older people at home, ask your kids to stay away from them. Distancing from others is the only solution.

18.

Is Socially Distancing Really Important?

All the countries have reported an increase in the number of patients in the third and the fourth weeks. In order to avoid the spread increasing to a higher amount, it is advised that people should stay at home.

19.

What Are the Ways to Stay Positive During Home Quarantine?

- You might be running after professional life for an extended period of time, give time for your family and have a heart to heart talk with them.
- Play with your kids and engage them in a useful way.
- Listen to affirmations for world peace.
- Be grateful for your current good health.
- Involve in meditative practices.
- Do not panic for regular cold and fever.

20.

Which Blood Group People Are Affected More?

There are some researches which show that people with A positive blood are affected more. This does not mean that if you are a person who is having A positive blood group you will be affected. It totally depends on your body’s immune system.

21.

Which Are Foods That Enhance Your Immune System?

The foods which are known to increase your immune system are lemon, green tea, turmeric, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, guava, egg plant, capsicum, carrots, cabbage and tomatoes.

22.

I Am Having Anxiety About Coronavirus. What Should I Do?

- Your anxiety is very common.
- Do not feel you are alone.
- Trust the power of doctors.
- Know that there are many who recovered.
- Stay away from the media.
- Do not be too obsessed with the news.
- Depend only on the recommended websites for updates.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Indhu Priyadharshini
Dr. Indhu Priyadharshini

General Practitioner

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