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Emergency
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Apollo Lifeline
Verified By Apollo Pulmonologist March 4, 2020
Coronavirus is the name of a family of respiratory viruses. It was named coronavirus for the crown-like spikes on its surface.
Coronavirus is a highly contagious disease and can spread very fast from one human to another. It can affect animals also.
Coronaviruses can mutate and change their attributes very quickly. They can cause a variety of diseases that can range from the common cold to the more complicated and life-threatening ones like pneumonitis or lower respiratory tract infections.
In human beings, the coronavirus can cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that is wreaking havoc in the world.
India reported its first confirmed Covid-19 coronavirus case on 30th January 2020 in the state of Kerala. The affected patient had a travel history from Wuhan, China. On 2nd March 2020 two confirmed cases were reported including one in New Delhi and one in Hyderabad (Telangana). While the confirmed case in New Delhi was in a person who returned from Italy, in Telangana the infected person returned from Dubai to Hyderabad.
Today, thousands of suspected cases have been tested resulting in 28 confirmed coronavirus cases in India. Italians touring in India have been tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus. An employee working at DSM, a company based in Mindspace, Hyderabad, is detected to be positive for coronavirus. Contact tracing and disinfection are being done currently.
So, what is Corona Virus? Is it really dangerous? Do you really need to be afraid? How does it spread? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the coronavirus disease and all that you need to know.
https://youtu.be/BDlE4aUT9tw
Coronavirus is not the name of a single virus. Coronaviruses are a family of respiratory viruses, named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. The virus may cause illness in both animals and humans. Coronaviruses are highly contagious and can spread from human to human. They are notorious to mutate quickly and acquire new qualities. Coronaviruses can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to life threatening pneumonitis/Lower respiratory tract infections , especially in vulnerable populations.
In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The novel Coronavirus, now renamed as COVID-19 or SARS CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus disease-19) is the official name given to the novel coronavirus disease under commonly agreed guidelines between WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. It was earlier being called 2019-nCoV.
The symptoms are generally mild, and most people do not require special treatment. Some patients may even be asymptomatic, that is they show no symptoms at all. But some people have serious symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, breathing problems or loss of speech or movement. They require immediate medical attention or even hospitalization.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and vary in severity. The most commonly occurring symptoms include fever, dry cough and tiredness.
According to research in 2020, the percentage of these symptoms are:
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may vary in severity
Currently, the mortality rate is approximately 1.4% to 2% amongst patients tested positive; many asymptomatic and mild disease remain non-tested with a broad spectrum of disease severity based on a case definition requiring a diagnosis of pneumonia.
Overall clinical consequences of COVID-19 ultimately more similar to that of severe seasonal influenza ( which was initially high in H1N1 and now which has a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1% in all populations) and not like that SARS or MERS with case fatality rates of 9 to 10% and 36%, respectively
You should seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms do not go away or become worse. Symptoms could be persistent high fever, breathlessness, rashes on the skin or inability to move or speak. You should call your doctor right away or hospitalize the patient.
As per travel advisory in view of COVID-19, revised 26 February 2020 by MoHFW, travelers are hereby advised to REFRAIN FROM TRAVELING TO CHINA. People travelling to China, henceforth will be quarantined on return. Indian citizens are further advised to refrain from non-essential travel to the following countries:
People coming from Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or those having history of travel to these countries may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India.
There are not enough studies or clear evidence that alternative medicine therapies work for treating Coronavirus infections.
Vitamin C helps build immunity and fight off infection. There are umpteen foods rich in Vit C like gooseberry, oranges, lemons, etc which you can have. However, Vitamin C cannot cure or prevent COVID 19 in particular. Do not take supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
There is also no evidence that calcium helps in preventing COVID-19 infection. However ,there have been some studies that show that irrespective of the illness, the mortality rate of patients with low calcium levels was significantly higher than the mortality rate of those with normal calcium levels. If you are low in calcium , you could correct that with diet or supplements [ to be taken on medical advice only ].
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent that seems to have anti-viral activity against a broad range of viruses.
Several studies are on now to test Ivermectin and may pave the path for its official repurposing as a COVID-19 drug.
However, till we know more and have more documented evidence, it is advised not to self medicate or use any medication to prevent or treat COVID19, without medical advice from your doctor.
As countries begin to lift coronavirus lockdowns, biometric identification can help verify those who have already had the infection, and ensure that the vulnerable get the vaccine when it is launched.
Treatment for COVID -19 infection involves relieving symptoms and may include:
Coronavirus infection cannot be cured by paracetamol. Paracetamol is used to treat the fever that is associated with the infection. Bleach is a sanitizer used to disinfect surfaces and is not for internal consumption.
MYTHS
Here are some common myths about COVID-19.
No, Vaccines used for Pneumonia will not give protection against this disease. The virus is new and different that it needs its own vaccine .
Wearing a mask may make you feel safe against the virus, but it is true that it is more helpful when you are already sick. Masks are actually used to prevent the wearer from spreading their own germs to other people when they cough or sneeze. They are not very effective in preventing you from inhaling small, airborne particles.
No, Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against COVID-19, one has to clean hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
While coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses, it does mean that these viruses can be transmitted between animals and humans. There is no evidence to support that this virus can be transmitted through domestic pets. However, washing hands with soap and water after handling the pet is generally a good practice to prevent transmission of other types of diseases.
Although, this sounds like a valid concern, there is actually no risk of anyone contracting the virus through a package or a letter from China. This is because the virus is unable to survive for very long outside of the human body, with many experts saying that at most, it can last up to a few hours on a surface.
Garlic has many health benefits and more people should be eating it. In fact, no food out there is guaranteed to prevent you from contracting the virus. It is not backed up by any medical studies. Instead, maintaining a healthy diet that is full of immune-boosting foods like fruits and vegetables can be helpful. This will ensure that the immune system is strong enough to fight off any infections that may come, whether it is the flu or COVID-19.
No, spraying chlorine or alcohol all over the body will not kill viruses that have already entered our body. Instead, spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or to eyes, mouth, etc.
No, there is no evidence that Marijuana plants prevent Covid -19 Infection.
No, Marijuana cannot help with coronavirus.
There are many home remedies and herbal treatments that people believe may cure coronavirus infection. However to prove that a treatment really works, one needs extensive trials and research. Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently. There are several food-based options such as consuming garlic, turmeric, neem, ginger, etc which are said to boost immunity but not specifically against the Coronavirus infection. There is no harm in consuming these but the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVID -19 infection is to practice hand hygiene and carry out social distancing
There are many home and herbal treatments that are touted to cure coronavirus infection. However to prove that a treatment really works, one needs extensive trials and research.
Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently. There are several food-based options such as consuming garlic, turmeric, neem, etc to boost immunity against all infections but not specifically against the Coronavirus infection.
There is no harm in consuming these but the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVOD -19 infection is to practise hand hygiene and carry out social distancing
No, Weed & Alcohol do not reduce the effect of Coronavirus.
There are many home remedies and herbal treatments that are touted to cure coronavirus infection. However to prove that a treatment really works, one needs extensive trials and research. Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently. There are several food-based options such as consuming garlic, turmeric, neem, etc to boost immunity against all infections but not specifically against the Coronavirus infection. There is no harm in consuming these but the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVOD -19 infection is to practice hand hygiene and carry out social distancing.
Washing hands with any soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant will certainly help kill coronavirus. You can use the usual household disinfectants, alcohol-based sanitizers or bleach solution to clean the home.
No witch hazel does not kill coronavirus. Hand sanitizers need to have an alcohol content between 60% and 95% and they are usually isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol. Alcohol-based sanitizers are known to be able to kill bacteria and viruses effectively when used externally.
There is no evidence that CBD OIL helps in the treatment or prevention of coronavirus.
the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVOD -19 infection is to practice hand hygiene and carry out social distancing.
There are many home remedies and herbal treatments that are touted to cure coronavirus infection . However to prove that a treatment really works , one needs extensive trials and research . Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently .
There are several beliefs that black pepper in giving immunity against infections but there is no scientific evidence for the same . The most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVID -19 infection is to practise hand hygiene , use a mask and carry out social distancing.
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent that seems to have anti-viral activity against a broad range of viruses. One study showed a ~5000-fold reduction in the virus in 48 hours in cell culture. Several studies are on now to test Ivermectin and may pave the path for its official repurposing as a COVID-19 drug. However, until we know more and have more documented evidence, it is advised not to self medicate or use any medication to prevent or treat COVID-19, without medical advice from your doctor.
Methylxanthine theobromine theophylline for corona treatment
Methylxanthine ,theobromine, theophylline are compounds present in tea . However there is no evidence that tea can cure or prevent COVID -19 infection . It is a fact that methylxanthines, theophyllines are used in treatment of airway obstruction caused by health conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis. But the amount of these compounds present in tea is minimal and not of therapeutically effective levels . This cannot be linked in any way to tea being used to cure COVID -19 infection.
There are many home remedies and herbal treatments that are touted to cure coronavirus infection. However to prove that a treatment really works, one needs extensive trials and research. Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently. There are several food-based options such as consuming garlic, turmeric, neem, etc to boost immunity against all infections but not specifically against the Coronavirus infection. There is no harm in consuming these but the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVOD -19 infection is to practice hand hygiene and carry out social distancing.
There are many home remedies and herbal treatments that people believe may cure coronavirus infection. However to prove that a treatment really works, one needs extensive trials and research. Anybody who’s making specific medical claims needs to supply a quality body of evidence to show that it works consistently. There are several food-based options such as consuming garlic, turmeric, neem, ginger, etc which are said to boost immunity but not specifically against the Coronavirus infection. There is no harm in consuming these but the most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVID -19 infection is to practise hand hygiene and carry out social distancing.
It is best to wash hands with soap and water or a sanitizer with over 60% alcohol content for effective protection against COVID19 infection.
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent that seems to have anti-viral activity against a broad range of viruses. Several studies are on now to test Ivermectin and may pave the path for its official repurposing as a COVID-19 drug.
However, until we know more and have more documented evidence, it is advised not to self medicate or use any medication to prevent or treat COVID19 , without medical advice from your doctor.
Vitamin C helps build immunity and fight off infection. There are umpteen foods rich in Vit C like gooseberry, oranges, lemons, etc which you can have.
However, Vitamin C cannot cure or prevent COVID 19 in particular. Do not take supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
Some countries like the Philippines have started studying the benefits of coconut oil to prevent Coronavirus infection. However, there is no evidence at this moment. The most important steps you can take now to protect yourself from COVID -19 infection is to practice hand hygiene and carry out social distancing
Aloe vera gel cannot prevent or destroy the COVID 19 virus. Hand sanitizers need to have an alcohol content between 60% and 95% and they are usually isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol. Alcohol-based sanitizers are known to be able to kill bacteria and viruses effectively when used externally.
One of the concerns highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic is whether the use of several common hypertension treatment drugs, coming under the class of Angiotensin-Controlling Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), raise risks for patients who contract the novel coronavirus. The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Failure Society of America issued a joint advisory, urging that patients who were currently taking antihypertensive drugs should continue to take them. Experts stress there is no clinical data showing any correlation. Therefore, the experts recommend that patients who have been taking medicines to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or ischemic heart disease continue to do so.
When a person with COVID -19 infection coughs or talks, virus particles can be sprayed from their mouth or nose into another person’s face. These droplets are most likely to be inhaled through your mouth or nose, but they can also enter through your eyes. The virus can also spread by touching fluid from an infected person’s eyes, or from objects that carry the fluid.
Wearing contact lenses does not necessarily increase your risk of coronavirus infection. But contact lens wearers do touch their eyes more than others. You can consider wearing glasses more often, especially if you tend to touch your eyes a lot when your contacts are in. Using glasses can also decrease irritation and shield you when you try to touch your eye. However, if you want to use a contact lens, please be very stringent on hygiene measures.
To avoid contracting COVID-19, you should wear a mask and maintain social distancing. You should maintain self-sanitization. You should wash your hands with soap and water. You should maintain sneeze etiquette. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
One of the concerns highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic is whether the use of several common hypertension treatment drugs — coming under the class of Angiotensin-Controlling Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) — raises risks for patients who contract the novel coronavirus. The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Failure Society of America issued a joint advisory, urging that patients who were currently taking these drugs should continue to take them. Experts stress there is no clinical data showing that ACE inhibitors or ARBs have an effect—good or bad—on COVID-19 in people, or in patients with COVID-19 and heart disease. Therefore, the experts recommend that patients who have been taking these medicines to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or ischemic heart disease (a condition like coronary artery disease in which blood flow is limited to the heart), continue to do so
In COVID-19 antibody testing, the implications for long-lasting or even short-term immunity is uncertain. Some people who recovered from COVID-19 may not generate antibodies at all, but that may not mean they’re not immune. For instance, a study showed that of 175 COVID-19 patients in China, about 30% (who tended to be younger) had very low levels of antibodies but still recovered well. And it’s also possible that the body makes different antibodies than what is being tested, meaning you could be immune but still test negative. It is also being studied now if recovered coronavirus patients have a higher risk of reinfection after finding surprisingly low levels of Covid-19 antibodies in a number of people discharged from hospital.
The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. People can also catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Besides, people can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is essential to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
The airborne route of transmission is under investigation. Of late, this has acquired a ‘superspreader’ status, wherein cases have been implicated through asymptomatic transmission or in some where the mode of transmission is unexplainable.
Your doctor can determine if your signs and symptoms show if there is a reason to suspect you may have COVID-19. Diagnosis may be difficult with only a physical exam because mild cases of COVID-19 may appear similar to the flu or a bad cold. A laboratory test can confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis happens through lab testing of respiratory specimens. Some strains of coronavirus cause common cold and patients tested by their health care provider may test positive for these types. The SARS-Co-V-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 can be detected only at a Government-run National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, India.
COVID-19 is a spherical enveloped particle containing a single-stranded RNA associated with a nucleoprotein within a capsid comprised of matrix protein. Viruses can be described as being in the grey zone between living and nonliving: they cannot replicate on their own but can do so in living cells and can also affect the host body catastrophically.
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The content is verified and reviewd by experienced practicing Pulmonologist to ensure that the information provided is current, accurate and above all, patient-focused
