Coronavirus: Important Facts and Myths
What is Coronavirus
The Coronavirus identified in Wuhan, China, for the first time in late 2019 is a new viral strain that has never previously been identified in humans. It has been called SARS-CoV-2 and the respiratory disease that causes Covid-19.
What are the symptoms?
Like other respiratory diseases, the new coronavirus can cause mild symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough, and fever, or more severe symptoms such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
What to do in case of symptoms
Those who experience flu symptoms or respiratory problems must not go to the emergency room but must call 011-22307145 (Delhi Helpline Number) who will evaluate each situation and explain what to do. For general information call +91-11-23978046, the public utility number activated by the Ministry of Health.
Does the new coronavirus only affect older people or even younger people?
The people most susceptible to severe forms are the elderly and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Here are some useful Tips to Prevent from Covid19
- Wash your hands often
- Hand washing and disinfection are decisive for preventing infection.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If no soap and water are available, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used.
- Washing your hands eliminates the virus.
- Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
Keep at least one meter away from other people, especially when they cough or sneeze or have a fever because the virus is contained in saliva droplets and can be transmitted at close range.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands
- The virus is mainly transmitted by the respiratory tract, but it can also enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, therefore avoid touching them with unwashed hands.
- In fact, your hands can come into contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus and transmit it to your body.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough
If you have an acute respiratory infection, avoid close contact with other people, cough inside the elbow or a handkerchief, preferably disposable, wear a mask and wash your hands. If you cover your mouth with your hands you could contaminate objects or people you come into contact with.
- Do not take antiviral drugs or antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor
At present, there is no scientific evidence that the use of antiviral drugs prevents new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, but only against bacteria. SARS-CoV-2 is, in fact, a virus and therefore antibiotics are not used as a means of prevention or treatment unless bacterial co-infections occur.
- Clean the surfaces with chlorine or alcohol-based disinfectants
Chemical disinfectants that can kill new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces include bleach / chlorine-based disinfectants, solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid, and chloroform.
Your doctor and pharmacist will be able to advise you.
- Use the mask only if you suspect you are ill or assist sick people
- The World Health Organization recommends wearing a mask only if you suspect you have contracted the new coronavirus, and are experiencing symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, or if you are caring for a person with suspected new coronavirus infection (recent trip to China and symptoms respiratory).
- Use of the mask
- Helps to limit the spread of the virus, but must be adopted in addition to other hygiene measures such as careful hand washing for at least 20 seconds.
- It is not useful to wear multiple overlapping masks.
- MADE IN CHINA products and parcels received from China are not dangerous
The World Health Organization has stated that people who receive parcels from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus because it is unable to survive on surfaces for long. To date, we have no evidence that objects produced in China or elsewhere, can transmit the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
- Pets do not spread the new coronavirus
At the moment, there is no evidence that pets such as dogs and cats can be infected with the virus.
However, it is always good to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
- Call Central Helpline Number for corona-virus: – +91-11-23978046
