How to protect yourself from the pandemic disease COVID-19

Corona Virus disease or COVID-19 is now the greatest threat to human beings. The cause of this disease is the Corona Virus which was originated from China. Till now more than 11 lakh cases are found all over the world and more than 63 thousand people lose their life due to this dangerous virus. 203 countries all over the world are affected by this and India is also one of them.
In India, the first case of Coronavirus was found on 30 January 2020 (and till 7 April 2020, there are 4491 infected people and 142 people died due to this pandemic disease). Cases in India were initially low but in recent few days, there is a drastic increase in cases. It took only 3 days to rise cases from 1000 to 2000 in India.

How COVID-19 transmit?

Coronavirus transmits through physical contact with a person who is already infected with this virus. Whenever an infected person sneeze or cough tiny droplets come out of his/her mouth to the atmosphere and with those droplets Coronavirus bacteria also come to the atmosphere. These bacteria when inhaled by some fit person (who is in the radius of 1 meter) than they may also get infected.
Therefore, the transmission of the COVID-19 virus occurs by direct contact with the infected person and indirect contact with the surface in the immediate environment or with objects used on the infected person.

What are the symptoms of the COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 take around 14 days to appear. In this interval, the person may have fever, cough, and tiredness (these all are mild symptoms). Some other problems that an infected person can face in the gradual period of this virus are aches, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and runny nose. In some severe cases, it leads to breathing difficulty.
Those people should be hospitalized if they feel such breathing problems.

Who is more prone to the COVID-19?

Old aged people and people having lungs problem, high blood pressure, heart problem, and diabetes are more prone to this virus.
Any person with such pre-existing medical conditions should take medical precautions if they feel symptoms of this virus.

What preventions should be taken to avoid this virus?

The preventions that one should take to prevent themselves from getting infected are:

• Wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap properly.
• Avoid frequently touching nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance with any people who have coughing or sneezing problem while talking.
• Avoid handshakes with people.
• Be aware of COVID-19 hotspot (areas where this virus is spread widely or the person who was tested positive for COVID-19). If possible avoid going to such places.
• If you feel unwell or having symptoms such as coughing, fever and breathing problems immediately call for medical attention.
• Make sure that people around you have good respiratory hygiene.
• Wear a mask if you dealing with someone who has coughing or sneezing problem.

The prevention that one should take who has recently visited an area which was a hotspot of COVID-19:

• One should follow all the above-mentioned precautions.
• Should be in self-isolation in their home for 14 days to see whether they are developing the symptoms of COVID-19 or not.
• If they feel unwell and they develop fever, coughing and breathing difficulty they should immediately approach medical attention.
• How long does the virus survive on the surface?
• It is not certain how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on a surface. The virus may survive on the surface from a few hours to some days. This virus can be removed from a surface just by applying any disinfectant to that surface.
• The period for which the virus survive on any surface may depend on the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Is there any vaccine for this virus?

Till now there is not any vaccine that can be given to the infected person as a cure for this virus. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials.
1 out of 6 people who are infected with this virus get seriously ill. People with serious illness should be hospitalized and rest people have more chances to get recover from this disease.

What is the role of technology in prevention measures from the COVID-19?

Technology has also played a vital role in breaking the chain of COVID-19 in India. The Indian government has launched an app in India named Aarogya Setu app which is available on Google Play Store. Aarogya Setu tracks through a Bluetooth and location generated social graph, your interaction with someone who could have tested COVID-19 positive.
Aarogya Setu app alerts the user if they come nearby of, even unknowingly, tests COVID-19 positive. The App alerts are accompanied by instructions on how to self isolate and what to do in case you develop symptoms that may need help and support.
With Aarogya Setu, we all can protect ourselves, our family and friends.
You can also install this app from Google Play Store and take a self-assessment of yourself which takes only 20 seconds. In this assessment, it will ask you some simple questions about your health and your travel history.

Donation to PM CARES

In the footer area of the Aarogya Setu App, there is a bank account detail of Prime Minister Cares. You can also make a donation from there to PM CARES.

Here is some important information that one should know about the COVID-19. Just by taking precautionary measures and staying at home we all can break the chain of this COVID-19 and stop its spread in our country.

Be safe, Be at your home.

#Apneliyenhitohapnokliye

To know the state wise status of active COVID-19 patients in India – CLICK HERE.

To visit the World Health Organisation official website to see Q&A on CORONA Virus – CLICK HERE.