We all know that COVID-19 is an infectious condition and can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. It involves your upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, airways, lungs). It is caused by the newly discovered coronavirus, called as novel coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The lack of verified facts and floating rumours are to be blamed for this panic. The most important thing is when a virus is new, we don’t know how it may affect people.
Click here for some few quick picks on COVID-19 social distancing, lockdown essentials and more.
A healthy person can get infected from a sick person
-Through eyes, nose, and mouth, via droplets produced on coughing or sneezing.
-When they come in close contact.
-When one comes in contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or items of personal use.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and continually. Community spread is seen only in some affected geographic areas like China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, etc.
India is still at stage II, as per WHO’s situation report on March 28, 2020[1] This means there is no evidence of community spread as of now. The situation is evolving rapidly and it will largely depend on how we perform as a community to slow down the spread of Coronavirus. Here are few tips to protect yourself, your family and community from COVID-19.
3Ps: All it takes to defeat coronavirus!
Channel your worries into these 3 actionable goals:
1. Protect yourselves.
2. Protect your loved ones.
3. Protect your community.
Book a lab test from the comfort of your home. Click Here!
1. Protect yourselves:
-Wash your hands regularly with plenty of soap and water.
-Keep an alcohol-based sanitizer ready for times when soap and water are not available.
-Don’t touch your eyes, mouth or nose with unclean hands.
-Keep your distance of at least 1 meter from anyone coughing or sneezing.
-Follow no-touch greeting to keep yourself safe. Prefer namaste or hand waving over handshake.
2. Protect your loved ones:
-Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands.
-Use a tissue and throw it away immediately, or sneeze in the inner side of your elbow.
-Don’t travel or visit crowded places if you’re sick.
-Wear a mask if you’re sick and also if you are taking care of someone with the symptoms.
3. Protect your community:
-If you feel unwell, seek medical attention.
-If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay indoors. Call healthcare professionals and follow their advice.
-Do not share ‘just any forwarded message’. Only share authentic information coming through medical experts.
**Consult India’s best doctors here**
For any further queries, contact the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on their 24*7 helpline number (+91-11-23978046) or email at ([email protected]).
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Varun Gupta, MD Pharmacology and Dr. Ashish Ranjan, MD Pharmacology)
Recommended Reads:
Can Cash Handling Put YOU At Risk Of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus: A Checklist Of Lockdown Essentials
References:
1. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Situation Report – 68. Highlights. The World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200328-sitrep-68-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=384bc74c_2