By Dr.Thangarathinam
- What is a VIRUS?
ANS: Virus is a microorganism, smaller than bacteria that can multiply inside the living cells of an organism - Which organisms can be affected by viruses?
ANS: Human Beings, animals and plants can be affected by viruses. - How do viruses enter the body?
ANS: Virus can enter the body through skin, conjunctiva,
respiratory tract, alimentary tract and genital tract - What is the incubation period?
It is the time between exposure to pathogenic organisms to appearance of signs and symptoms. - What is CORONAVIRUS?
ANS: It’s an RNA virus usually transmitted through airborne droplets to nasal mucosa. - What does COVID 19 mean?
ANS: COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. The outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. - What is the incubation period for Corona virus?
ANS: It ranges between 2 days to 14 days. - What are the mode of transmission?
a. Direct transmission through droplets from cough and sneeze
b. Touching infected surfaces like, door handles, hand rails of staircases etc.
c. Touching face, eyes, nose and mouth without washing
d. Increased risk of transmission in crowded places, lifts, and airports etc.,
e. Travel to epidemic area. - What is the clinical presentation of COVID 19?
a. Sore throat
b. Fever
c. Myalgia
d. Dry Cough
e. Diarrhoea/ Vomiting
f. Loss of sensation of taste or smell.
g. Difficulty in breathing - Who are at risk?
ANS: All age groups are at risk of getting infected. Kids, Elderly people and people with multiple co existing illness are more prone for complications. - How does the disease progress?
a. Common cold
b. Pneumonia
c. Severe acute respiratory syndrome
d. Multiple organ Failure
e. Death - Is there a vaccine to prevent it?
ANS: Currently no vaccines available to prevent corona virus - What is the next step if we develop symptoms?
a. Self-isolation
b. If symptoms persist or progress seek immediate medical attention. - What are the steps to reduce your risk of infection?
a. Avoid mass gatherings and large events.
b. Avoid close contact with any one who is sick or has symptoms
c. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds, or use an alcohol – based hand sanitizer
d. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue into the bin.
e. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean.
f. Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
g. Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.
h. Stay home.
i. Avoid taking public transportation. - Is there any dietary restriction?
ANS: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are safe if they are thoroughly cooked. - What precautions to be taken by Diabetic and cardiac patients?
In addition to safety measure mentioned above
a. Drink good amount of water to keep you hydrated
b. Continue your regular medicines.
c. Keep track on your blood sugars and Blood pressure with your home apparatus.
d. Follow a regular meal pattern, avoid sugars, excess salt etc.,
e. Avoid binging on unhealthy snacks.
f. Take more Salads, soups, buttermilk, nuts.
g. Can do simple exercises, yoga, and figure of 8 walking at home itself.
h. Avoid self-medication. - What is isolation?
ANS: Isolation refers to separating sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. - What is quarantine?
Quarantine means separating and restricting the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease and monitoring them for signs and symptoms. It reduces the community spread of infection. - Whom to contact in case of medical emergency?
Consult at nearby hospitals or Government hospitals.
www.mohfw.gov.in – Ministry of health and family welfare has helpline numbers for each state.