COVID-19

Today all around us, we see a super speeded increase in number of cases of the deadly Corona Virus. Before getting into a its condition in India, let's see what is Coronavirus.

Quoting WHO (World Health Organization) first, according to WHO: "Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus."

HOW IT SPREADS?

Covid-19 virus spreads by the droplets (from mouth i.e. saliva or by nasal discharge) of an infected person while coughing or sneezing. These droplets when come in contact with the surfaces such as metal, paper, fruits and vegetables even clothes attach itself to them and contaminates them.

When a healthy person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches his/her mouth, nose, eyes or face causes the droplets to infect him/her as well.

Simply understand it like a person suffering form cold, the infected droplets when come in contact with you, then you get cold as well. But in the case of Covid-19 these droplets are so deadly that they have caused thousands of lives all across the world and infected much more.

SYMPTOMS?

Most serious symptoms include:

1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

2. Chest pain or pressure.

3. Loss of speech or movement.

Most common symptoms by which one can identify if they are infected or not are: a) Fever

b) Dry cough

c) Tiredness

Some other symptoms are;

1. Aches and pains.

2. Sore throat.

3. Diarrhea.

4. Conjunctivitis.

5. Headache.

6. Loss of taste or smell.

7. A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

It is advised to seek medical help if at any point you find yourself facing these symptoms. A test which determine if you have been invected with the Covid Positive or Covid Negative.

HOW LONG DOES THE VIRUS STAY ON SURFACES?

According to sources (WebMD),

Metal : 5 days Examples: doorknobs, jewelry, silverware
Wood : 4 days Examples: furniture, decking
Plastics : 2 to 3 days Examples: milk containers and detergent bottles, subway and bus seats, backpacks, elevator buttons
Stainless steel : 2 to 3 days Examples: refrigerators, pots and pans, sinks, some water bottles
Cardboard : 24 hours Examples: shipping boxes
Copper : 4 hours Examples: pennies, teakettles, cookware
Aluminum : 2 to 8 hours Examples: soda cans, tinfoil, water bottles
Glass : 5 days Examples: drinking glasses, measuring cups, mirrors, windows
Ceramics : 5 days Examples: dishes, pottery, mugs
Paper : 5 days. Examples: mail, newspaper

WHO ALL ARE PRONE TO GET INFECTED?

The high risk groups include:

1. Children and older than 60 years old

2. Have health conditions like lung or heart disease

3. Diabetes

4. Conditions that affect their immune system.

How to prevent?

There are some precautions which need to be taken by everyone to prevent themselves from getting in the long list of Covid-19 patients, such as:

Wash hands properly and regularly with soap and water.
Go out only if necessary.
When going out carry an alcohol based sanitizer.
Do not touch any surfaces after entering the house and directly wash hands thoroughly.
Wear a mask when going out.
Maintain social distancing (at least 1 metre distance)
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Avoid touching your face.