CORONAVIRUS AND ITS SYMPTOMS & PRECAUTIONS

COVID-19 is basically a respiratory disease that can easily spread from person to person.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

Most people infected with Coronavirus experience mild respiratory infection and recover without taking special treatment. Older people and people with medical problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. In extreme cases, it can also cause pneumonia, critical respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

According to WHO (World Health Organization) the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

The symptoms of Coronavirus are more likely to appear two days after being infected. So, if you are suffering from a serious illness for a longer period it is recommended to visit a doctor.

PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

1. MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING

Avoid close contact with other people as it is difficult to identify which person is infected and which is not. Try to maintain a distance of 1 meter from a person who is coughing or sneezing and also cover your mouth and eyes.

2. SEEK EARLY MEDICAL HELP

If you or your family member is showing symptoms like fever, dry cough or difficulty in breathing, immediately visit the doctor. By doing this you not only protect yourself and your family but also prevent the virus from spreading. 

 3. STAY INFORMED WITH CURRENT UPDATES

Stay updated with the information and the current prevention methods provided by WHO. Keep a check on Coronavirus updates and avoid going to the places that have confirmed cases of COVID-19.    

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4. MAINTAIN FOOD HYGIENE

Always wash your hands after handling raw food and before eating cooked food. Ensure that the cutting board used for meat and vegetables is different. Always ensure that the meat products are thoroughly cooked before consuming as the heat kills the germs present. 

 5. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep yourself germ-free. Always wash your hands after coming from outside, before eating or cooking food, after sneezing or coughing and coming in contact with the person showing symptoms of the disease.

 6. TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHILE TRAVELLING

Avoid travelling in public transport and carry tissues to cover your mouth while sneezing and coughing. Always wear face masks in crowded areas and don’t touch it once you have put it on. When you are outside don’t touch your eyes, mouth and nose. Don’t travel to public places if you are facing any of the symptoms of COVID-19. 

7. USE SANITIZER

Use alcohol-based sanitizer while travelling to public places as it is the most effective way to maintain hygiene. Make sure that the sanitizer you are using should contain 60 to 95% alcohol. 

8. DISINFECT YOUR HOME

Use alcohol-based disinfectants to clean your house and also wash your bedsheets and towels frequently. Wipe off your tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboard and kitchen counter every two days using a disinfectant. Maintaining cleanliness in house keeps you safe from infection.

STEPS TAKEN BY INDIAN GOVERNMENT FOR COVID-19

Indian Government has started a 24 x 7 helpline service i.e. 011-23978046 to solve any queries regarding Coronavirus. As the situation is uncertain, the government is continuously trying to provide updated information regarding the virus and the state governments are also doing preparations to prevent the virus from spreading.

Coronavirus is quite a new virus so scientists are rigorously trying to find the cure. Indian Government has taken fast actions by suspending visas and also quarantining people coming from foreign countries or showing symptoms. But, now the borders have been shut to stop the unnecessary movement. Lockdown is being followed throughout the country to fight the Coronavirus. So, prevention is the best option right now as there is no cure for the virus. 

For Further Information: Call at Ministry of Health, 24x7 Helpline Number +91-11-2397 8046