Important Facts About COVID-19

1. What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the ailment associated with the 2019 novel Coronavirus caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), a new strain of coronavirus that has not been formerly diagnosed in people. Generally, Coronaviruses are a huge family of viruses causing illnesses that ranges from the common cold to greater sicknesses associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

2. Humans or Animals? What started Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are viruses associated with animals and some of them additionally regarded to contaminate humans. The Chiroptera, more popularly known as Bats are the original hosts of the virus, however, several different species of animals are also regarded as sources. For instance, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is transmitted to humans from camels, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) is transmitted to human beings from civet cats (Civettictis civetta).

3. How related Is Covid-19 to SARS or the seasonal flu?

Covid-19 is genetically related to SARS (SARS-CoV-1 virus) which emerged at the cease of 2002 in China, and it brought on greater than 8 000 instances in 33 international locations over a length of eight months. Around one in ten of the people who advanced SARS died. While the viruses that reason both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are transmitted from man or woman-to-person and can motive similar signs, the 2 viruses are very extraordinary and do not behave in the same way. There are exceedingly low mortality fee for seasonal influenza, However, many people die from the sickness due to the huge wide variety of people who contract it every yr. Approximately, COVID-19, in contrast to influenza, has no vaccine and no precise remedy for the disease and can be transmitted more easily. As it is a new virus, nobody has earlier immunity, this means that that the whole human populace is probably vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 contamination.

4. How is coronavirus transmitted? How easily is it transmitted?

Coronavirus now spreads from human-to-human, with animals believed to be the original source. The virus seems to be transmitted especially through small respiration droplets through sneezing, coughing, or whilst human beings interact with each other for some time in near proximity (normally much less than one metre). These droplets can then be inhaled, or they are able to land on surfaces where another person might get the infection from after conttact their nostril, mouth or eyes. The virus can survive on different surfaces from numerous hours (metal, cardboard) up to a few days (plastic and stainless-steel). However, the quantity of viable virus declines over time and might not constantly be found in enough numbers to cause infection. Between 1 to 14 days, is period of exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms known as the incubation period for COVID-19. We realize that the virus can be transmitted when folks that are infected show signs inclusive of coughing. There are also some evidences suggesting that transmission can arise from someone this is inflamed even two days before showing signs and symptoms; but, uncertainties remain approximately the impact of transmission through asymptomatic people.

5. How excessive is COVID-19 infection?

Preliminary statistics from the countries with to be had records display that round 20-30% of identified COVID-19 instances are hospitalised and 4% have severe infection. Hospitalisation quotes are better for those elderly 60 years and above, and for people with other underlying fitness situations.

6. When is someone infectious?
The infectious duration may also begin one to two days before signs and symptoms appear, however human beings are probable maximum infectious at some stage in the symptomatic duration, although signs and symptoms are moderate and very non-specific. The infectious length is now envisioned to final for 7-12 days in mild cases and up to 2 weeks on average in excessive cases.

7. What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 contamination

Symptoms of COVID-19 range in severity from having no signs and symptoms in any respect (being asymptomatic) to having fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and muscular ache and in the maximum severe instances, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock, all probably main to dying. Reports display that medical deterioration can occur hastily, frequently in the course of the second week of ailment.
Recently, symptoms of a COVID-19 infection could be manifested through lack of the experience of odor and sense of flavor.

8. What is the danger of contamination in pregnant women, foetus and newborns
Currently, there had been no maternal deaths, no being pregnant losses and simplest one stillbirth reported. No modern-day proof suggests that contamination with COVID-19 in the course of pregnancy has a negative effect on the foetus. At gift, there may be no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from mom to child at some point of being pregnant and most effective one showed COVID-19 neonatal case has been pronounced so far.

We will preserve to comply with up on the emerging clinical literature in this question, and suggest that all pregnant girls observe the identical popular precautions for the prevention of COVID-19, along with normal handwashing, heading off those who are unwell, and self-keeping apart in case of any signs and symptoms, whilst consulting a healthcare issuer with the aid of phone for recommendation.

9. How easily can children transmit or get infected by the coronavirus?
Children make up a very small percentage of stated COVID-19 cases, with approximately 1% of all instances said being under 10 years, and 4% elderly 10-19 years. Children seem as likely to be infected as adults, however they've a miles decrease chance than adults of growing symptoms or intense disease. There are nevertheless some uncertainties about the volume to which asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children transmit disorder.

10. Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disorder?
There isn't any precise treatment or vaccine for this ailment.
Healthcare companies are basically using a symptomatic approach, that means they deal with the symptoms rather than target the virus, and offer supportive care (e.G. Oxygen therapy, fluid control) for inflamed people, which may be relatively effective. In severe and seriously unwell sufferers, a number of tablets are being tried to target the virus, however the use of these want to be extra cautiously assessed in randomized controlled trials. Several clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate their effectiveness but consequences aren't but to be had.

As this is a brand new virus, no vaccine is presently to be had. Although paintings on a vaccine has already started with the aid of numerous research corporations and pharmaceutical organizations worldwide, it may be many months or even greater than a yr earlier than a vaccine has been tested and is ready for use in humans.

11. How do I know when to test for COVID-19?
Testing will be patterned based on the regional condition, which relies on the outbreak level in that area. National authorities might decide to test certain groups of suspected instances, primarily based on the capability, equipment and the transmission extent of COVID-19, or different criterias.

12. Where can I get tested?
If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 signs and symptoms (inclusive of fever, cough, difficulty in respiration and muscle pain), it is recommended that you contact your local healthcare online or through phone. Your healthcare company will inform you on the procedure to follow and procedures if there may be a necessity for laboratory COVID-19 check.

13. Do allergic humans have a higher tendency of severe sickness when having COVID-19? Common allergic reactions including itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose has not been identified as a first-rate chance victim for SARS-CoV-2 contamination or for a greater destructive final outcome based on the studies available thus far. Moderate to severe allergies however, where sufferers need treatment daily, is covered inside the chronic lung conditions that predispose to excessive disorder. Children and adults on renovation medicine for allergies (e.g. Leukotriene inhibitors, inhaled corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators) may need to retain their treatment as prescribed by their doctor and must not stop their remedy due to fears of COVID-19. If the symptoms worsen, they may want to self-isolate, tell their physician and screen their health as everyone else.

14. How are we able to differentiate between associated respiration signs and COVID-19 contamination?
Many human beings with COVID-19 have slight, flu-like signs, which can be as an alternative not unusual and want to be outstanding from comparable symptoms resulting from commonplace cold viruses and from allergic signs and symptoms. It is ideal to undergo in mind that the definitive prognosis of COVID-19 is not scientific, but thru laboratory trying out of a sample from the nostril or mouth.

15. How can I prevent the infection?
it is important to avoid touching the face with unwashed hands as the virus enters through eyes, nose and/or mouth, so Washing of palms with soap and water for a minimum 20 seconds, or cleansing hands thoroughly with alcohol-based sanitizers is usually recommended in all settings. It is likewise endorsed to stay one metre or greater faraway from humans infected with COVID-19 who are displaying symptoms, to reduce the hazard of contamination through respiration droplets.

16. If I don't want to infect others, what do I do?

- Sneeze or cough into your bent elbow or tissue. If you use a tissue, dispose it carefully after a one use
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay one metre or greater faraway from people to lessen the danger of spreading the virus via respiratory droplets.
- Stay at home if you are feeling ill. If you exhibit any signs suggestive of COVID-19, you ought to immediately call your healthcare company for recommendation.

17. What is social/physical distancing?
This targets to lessen bodily touch among infected people and healthy people, or between populace organizations with high rates of transmission and others with low or no stage of transmission. This interrupts the spreading of COVID-19. Internet-based communications, conferencing applications and the cellphone are consequently key tools for ensuring a successful physical distancing approach. Globally, quarantine and social/physical distancing approach have been embraced as means to prevent additional spread of the virus.

18. If I increase signs and symptoms of COVID-19, what do I do?
Based on the local regulations, contact the neighborhood COVID-19 helpline .

19. Are face masks effective in shielding COVID-19?
The use of surgical face masks may lessen the chance of you infecting others if you are infected. However, there is no proof that face masks will efficaciously save you you from contacting the virus. In fact, it's miles possible that the use of face mask may also even increase the danger of infection due to a fake experience of security and hand contact with the mouth and eyes during adjustment or wearing. The inappropriate use of mask additionally might also boom the danger of contamination.

20. Has vaccine been developed?
No vaccines currently for human coronaviruses, that result in COVID-19. Avoid getting infected.

21. When will vaccine be realized?
Pharmaceutical organizations and several research laboratories are working on developing the vaccine. Vaccine development takes time, like months, even years before it may be extensively used, as it needs to go through considerable checking out in clinical trials to ascertain its protection and efficacy.

22. How lengthy will this outbreak be? When can we see the amplitude?
As extra proof emerges regarding the nature of the virus and the effectiveness of measures used to control the outbreak, predictions relating to the virus will be more accurate.

23. What regulations guide travel?
Travelling has been proven to facilitate the transmission of COVID-19 from affected to unaffected regions, hence travel and trade are regulated.

24. Are there any precautions I can take if I want to travel?
Take strict hygienic measures. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. As a traveler, avoid direct contact with sick humans, especially those with respiration symptoms and fever. Travelers who show any symptoms at some stage during or after travelling need to self-isolate.  Any acute respiratory symptoms exhibited within 14 days upon return means there is need seek medical help, ideally via telephone first from the healthcare issuer.

25. What is the contamination possibility while traveling with the aid of aircraft?
It is same as other region wherein many human beings gather. If it's been confirmed that a COVID-19 case has been onboard an airplane, other passengers (as defined by means of how close to they were seated to the inflamed passenger) might be contacted by using public health government. In case you have got questions about a flight you've taken, please contact your nearby fitness authority for recommendation. Airport operators should disinfect terminals regularly.

26. When arriving from transmission areas, Why are human beings now not being checked for COVID-19 at the airport ?
There are evidences that checking people at the airport by way of studying their pores and skin temperature (referred to as entry screening) isn't always very effective in stopping the spread of the virus, particularly while they do not have signs. It is commonly taken into consideration providing those arriving at airports with clear information explaining what to do in the event that they exhibit symptoms after arrival.

27. What role do sport play in COVID-19 infection?

Due to the reality that athletes perform in companies and come in contact, share gadget and use common regions, such as locker rooms, sport poses a potential threat of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transmission may arise via individual-to-individual contact, exposure to common contact surfaces, or aerosols/droplets from an infected person. Nevertheless, it's still essential to remain energetic at some stage in the COVID-19 pandemic even as regarding physical distancing and private hygiene recommendations.

28. Are humans running within the supply chain such as logistics, retail, and so on at risk of getting COVID-19 via dealing with packages? What measures can be taken to lessen the hazard of having infection in this type of setting?
People working within the supply chain, which include logistics, retail, and many others aren't at more risk of having COVID-19 as a result of package handling. Frequent and thorough hand washing and use of alcohol-based disinfectants, distance keeping from other employees, and not working if displaying signs and symptoms of respiration signs and symptoms is however encouraged.

29. Are couriers vulnerable to contacting COVID-19 during package handling? What measures may be taken to lessen the risk of getting infected in this kind of work situation?
People running as couriers aren't at extra danger of having COVID-19 as a result of handling packages. Couriers delivering goods at houses are recommended to maintain a distance from the customer, use alcohol-based disinfectant often (and continually earlier and after contact with a client), and stay away from work if symptoms originates.

30. What is the danger of COVID-19 contamination from meals products imported from affected regions?
There has been no record of transmission of COVID-19 via food, and therefore there's no evidence that food items imported pose a threat on the subject of COVID-19. The foremost mode of transmission is from human to human.

31. What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from animals or animal merchandise imported from affected regions?
There isn't any proof that any of the animals or animal pose a risk to the fitness as a result of the presence of COVID-19.

32. What is the threat of COVID-19 contamination from contact with pets and different animals?
Current research links COVID-19 to certain varieties of bat because the original source, but does now not exclude the involvement of different animals. Several kinds of coronaviruses can infect animals and may be transmitted to other animals and people. There isn't any evidence that companion animals (e.G. Dogs or cats) pose a danger of contamination to human beings, however there had been reviews of pet dogs and pet cats which have had positive swabs. It appears in all likelihood that they have been inflamed by their proprietors or a few other individual who had COVID-19. As a fashionable precaution, it's miles always smart to study simple concepts of hygiene whilst in touch with animals.