Coronavirus causes respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath
Highlights
- Older adults in their 50s are more likely to be infected with coronavirus
- Regular washing of hands is the most important prevention step
- Avoid going to crowded places and wear a mask whenever outside
Six people from Noida who had been put under observation for suspected coronavirus infection after they attended a birthday party hosted by an infected Delhi resident, have tested negative for the virus. However, District Magistrate BN Singh said that these will be put under home quarantine for the next 14 days. "Coronavirus samples taken from 6 people in Noida tested negative but they will need to be under home quarantine for the next 14 days and if symptoms develop, they can be retested again. Government and administration are keeping a watch close watch and there is no need to panic," BN Singh said, reports ANI. Read more about coronavirus in India here.
Meanwhile, coronavirus has claimed six lives in the US. The outbreak of Covid-19, which began in China, continues to spread to new countries around the world. The World Health Organization urges countries to gear up containment measures for controlling the spreading of infection.
The outbreak continues to grow in South Korea, the country which has the most severe outbreak outside China. As of Tuesday morning, three more deaths were reported. In China, however, the infection seems to be slowing down. Only 125 new cases were reported on Tuesday. This is the lowest that it has been since January, reports Al Jazeera.
Coronavirus: What you really need to know
The epidemic of coronavirus has shook the public health authorities around the world. It is important for every individual to take precautionary steps in order to reduce risk of catching the infection. Here are some basic know-hows of coronavirus you must note:
1. Is coronavirus contagious?
Coronavirus is contagious and has been declared as an airborne disease by the World Health Organization. The spread of virus in more than 700 passengers and crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan, testifies how quickly and efficiently the virus can spread.
Also read: Coronavirus: Delhi Reports First Case And One More In Telangana; WHO Guidelines On How Use Masks To Protect Against Coronavirus
2. How does coronavirus spread?
Covid-19 can spread through tiny droplets in the air as an infected person coughs of sneezes. One can get infected by inhaling these droplets or touching surfaces with these droplets. The incubation period of coronavirus, that is, the time when someone becomes infected with coronavirus and when the symptoms first appear, ranges from one to 14 days. The average is of five to six days.
Coronavirus is an airborne disease and can spread through tiny droplets in the air
Photo Credit: iStock
3. What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Fever has been identified as the most common symptom of the deadly coronavirus. Other symptoms are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Sore throat
People may experience mild illness when infected with coronavirus, but it can become very severe. The illness can last somewhere between two to three weeks. If you have travelled to any area affected with coronavirus or if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with it, you must get diagnosis immediately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.
4. Who all are at highest risk of coronavirus?
Older adults in their 50s are more likely to be infected with coronavirus. People with underlying medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease are also at higher risk.
Also read: WHO Warns Against Blanket Measures Of Coronavirus Outbreak
5. How can one prevent coronavirus?
- Regular washing of hands, in a proper manner, has been identified as the most effective of preventing coronavirus.
- Use hand sanitisers and wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid being in close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms.
- Stay in isolation if you are sick and go for an immediate diagnosis. Stay at home, take proper rest and follow necessary precautions to control infection.
- Avoid going in crowded places and where a medical mask whenever you are stepping out. Discard single-use mask every day and wash your hands after discarding.
Avoid going to crowded places to prevent being infected with Covid-19
Photo Credit: iStock
6. How is coronavirus treated?
So far, there are no medications developed to specifically treat coronavirus. Supportive care is the best way to treat coronavirus. Like all viral infections, coronavirus too has its own course and subsides on its own. Antibiotics cannot be effective in treating coronavirus as it is a viral infection, antibiotics can treat bacterial infections only.
Also read: Coronavirus Prevention: Luke Coutinho Suggests 11 Ways To Boost Immunity For Preventing Coronavirus
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.