What is Covid-19
Covid-19 is an infectious disease which originated from the city of Wuhan in China and ultimately turned into a pandemic. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The person affected by it feels symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, change of taste, sour throat, etc.
These symptoms can vary from being mild to moderate to severe. Mild or moderate infection can be healed without any special care but in case of severe infection, a special treatment is required which still cannot guarantee life and may lead to death.
How does corona virus spread?
A lot of studies suggest that the spread of corona virus takes place from one person to another who is in close contact with each other. An infected person when breathes, sneezes or spits, the droplets or aerosols containing the virus can enter the body of another person or persons nearby via nose, mouth or eyes and the person inhaling the virus through droplets or aerosols can get infected. It is also suggested that the virus can stay alive on surfaces. People may touch those surfaces with bare hands and then touch their face without washing them. In this way, the virus can spread through surfaces. The virus can in turn infect the family members of the infected person and the number multiplies as more and more people get in contact of the infected persons. This eventually leads to community spread and the increased number of cases of covid-19 infection
What is physical distancing and why is it important?
Physical distancing is an effective covid-19 prevention method which is used to slow down the spread of Covid infection. It involves maintaining a distance of almost 6 feet from others. It helps in putting space between individuals. If a person is infected and no one is near to him/her, there will be little or no chance of another person getting infected. It is an important tool to protect ourselves and our close ones from the virus and it will also help in flattening the curve of up surging Covid cases.
When should you wear a mask?
In these testing times, wearing masks has become an everyday practice as a covid-19 prevention measure. Masks act as a simple barrier for virus and prevent it from. Entering urn body via nose and mouth. But we cannot stay in masks all the time so; the question is when should you wear a mask? One should wear a mask anytime he/she is in a public place. When you are travelling on a plane, bus, train, or any other form of public transportation don’t forget to wear your mask, when you are with people who do not live with you, including inside your home or inside someone else’s home. Wearing a mask inside your home if some of your family member or someone you live with is sick with symptoms of covid-19 or has tested positive for covid-19 is of utmost importance.
Why washing your hands is important?
There is a practical reason why scientists and doctors around the world have been telling us to wash our hands at regular intervals during this pandemic. The soap molecules disrupt the fatty coat or layer which surrounds the virus and once this layer is broken, the virus can longer survive. To stop the spread of covid-19, along with other Covid appropriate behaviours, the practice of hand washing at regular intervals is a must. One must wash their hands after coughing or sneezing, when caring for the sick person around us, after using the toilet, before eating, while preparing food and after touching any animal or managing animal waste. Hand washing after touching common surfaces such as door latches, knobs or handles, or after one comes back home after being at a public place is advised.
What Precautions needs to be taken while going out?
There may be instances when it is urgent for you to step out of your home and get into public place. But remember; do not go out if you have an alternative or if it isn’t necessary. One needs to take following precautions for Covid-19 prevention while going out-
- Wear mask and keep a hand sanitizer in your pocket
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze, use handkerchief, tissue or your sleeve and make sure that you sanitize your hands afterwards
- Maintain a physical distance of about 6 feet from other people to keep yourself and other safe all time
- Avoid touching surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons or handrails. Use a tissue paper or put your sleeve over your hand to touch them
- Avoid shaking hands
- Avoid entering the public places which are crowded or those public places which have little or no scope of physical distancing.
Miscellaneous tips for precaution for Covid-19 prevention
Apart from taking precautions at home or at public place for covid-19 prevention,. Some basic precautions need to be followed to avoid the spread of covid-19:
- Keep up with your personal hygiene. Bathe every day, keep your finger nails short, brush your teeth regularly, etc.
- Avoid wearing same clothes for more than 24 hours
- Prefer home cooked food and avoid ordering food from hotels
- Choose well-ventilated places and avoid closed ones
- Open windows if you are indoors to breathe fresh air
- Workout for 15-20 min regularly or do yoga in the comfort of your home
- Get vaccinated when you get a chance
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is Covid-19?
Corona viruses are a large group of viruses with RNA as a core genetic material .The Corona virus pandemic, also called the COVID-19 pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of corona virus disease 2019 which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2. The virus was initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in December, 2019. This disease was previously known as the ‘2019 novel coronavirus.
How are covid-19 samples taken?
SpiceHealth conducts the RT-PCR test that uses nasopharyngeal swab/ or pharyngeal swabs /throat swab/nasal swab for the identification of virus particles in the patients. The antigen tests are done using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The Covid 19 test in Delhi is carried out by trained staff with the help of well equipped kits.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The SARS-COV-2 virus has been proven to have long-term impacts on an individual’s health. If a patient exhibits any of the symptoms of the corona virus, such as cold , Dry cough , fever, exhaustion, shortness of breath, Nasal congestion headaches, Loss of taste or smell ,Nasal congestion and Nausea or vomiting, Chills ,dizziness and so on, the Covid-19 test should be performed in accordance with ICMR guidelines. It is also advisable to perform Covid-19 test in case of a travel history.
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you feel sick, see a doctor right away. Book a Covid test immediately. Isolate yourself from other family and Take all the appropriate measures to prevent the risk of getting others infected as well.
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