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A little less than one month ago, the outbreak of COVID-19 was less alarming than the present day scenario. With various states reporting an increasing number of cases with each passing day, it is important to stay informed on the facts of the situation.
While a common misconception is that it’s an air-borne disease, the World Health Organisation confirms that it is spread through human-to-human contact only. The disease spreads from person to person through small droplets that are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets accumulate on a surface, then get passed around when others touch the infected surface and touch their face and nose.
The Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms are respiratory symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and even fever in some cases. It can cause aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat, and diarrhea. Some patients don’t show these symptoms for a few days, even after getting infected. In severe cases, this infection can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and kidney failure. While most people recover from the disease with proper treatment, there is a chance that 1 out of 6 people could develop severe symptoms. A lot of older people with underlying heart problems and diabetes are also susceptible to the severity of the illness. People with fever and coughs are advised to seek medical attention.
How can you stay protected? WHO suggests some simple procedures to reduce your chances of catching the COVID-19
I. WASH YOUR HANDS- Use an alcohol-based hand rub like Sterillium or other brands available online. Do not use Vodka as a substitute, it does not work!
II. Maintain some distance- 1 meter or more- from someone sneezing or coughing. Be subtle about it, your safety comes first.
III.Don’t touch your face and nose unless you absolutely need to. You need to reduce your chances of catching the COVID-19.
IV. Dispose used tissues in a covered bin and make sure the people around follow the same hygiene. Exposed bins are a big no-no, COVID-19 or otherwise.
V. If you feel under the weather, it’s time to call in sick. Your sickness, however mild, will lead to mass hysteria in a public place. Also since your immunity is low, you have a higher chance of catching other infections.
VI. If you or anyone you know has displayed some of these symptoms, do not panic. Go to the nearest hospital and explain your symptoms calmly. Every hospital has a quarantine protocol and is well equipped to handle it.
VII. Stay informed on the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic by following WHO or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Each of these sites has a list of helpline numbers that can be handy in case of an emergency.
Many countries, including India, have suspended travel visas for everyone in order to contain the situation. Flight tickets may be cheap right now, but it is highly recommended to avoid travel and public places. The key is to not panic or cause fear by spreading misinformation. Keep tabs on your loved ones and if they are infected with the COVID-19, ensure that they get help ASAP. Don’t get psyched by Whatsapp forwards and definitely don’t go looking for a cure on the dark web!
Feature Image Credit: India TV News
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