What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

As per the statistics, State/UT wise list of COVID confirmed cases as on 16 March 2020.

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be a respiratory disease that will spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 may be a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an epidemic in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus first came into being from animals and then spread from person to person. The virus is assumed to spread mainly between people that are in close contact with each other through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It could also be possible that an individual can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus thereon then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is often not thought to be the most way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory disease with symptoms of

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

 What are severe complications from this virus?

Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death. How can I help protect myself? People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with an ongoing spread of COVID-19?

If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

How can I protect myself?

• Don’t get in touch with people who are sick

• Avoid touching the mouth, nose, and eyes without washing hands

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Follow Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Should I wear a face mask?

Only people who have traveled overseas, feel unwell and have access to a face mask need to use one.

A face mask is not necessary if you do not have symptoms.

Is there a vaccine?

Currently, there’s no vaccine to guard against COVID-19. the simplest to prevent infection is to require everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people that are sick and washing your hands often.

Is there a treatment?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

The above information is shared by Dr. Milind Kulkarni he is a chest and TB Specialist in Pune.