Narayana Health Care

The global Coronavirus pandemic has created much panic all around the world. Coronavirus is all anyone can think about in the present times. As per the COVID-19 internationally recorded data, though Coronavirus has a high transmission rate the mortality rate is low. The best way to deal with the present situation is to prepare yourself and not panic as panic and stress will only yield anxiety & fear and can even further compromise your immunity.

On this note, let’s figure out how we can fight Coronavirus and stay healthy. We, at Narayana Health, are closely monitoring all updates around COVID-19 to help you stay aware of the latest health guidelines on the outbreak and helplines you can call in the event of any concerns or queries.

Know How it Spreads

• The virus primarily spreads from person-to-person contact. People with close contact (less than 6 feet distance) with one another can form a transmission chain for the virus.
• It also can be transmitted from the infected person’s respiratory droplets while sneezing or coughing.
• It might as well spread through people who are not sick. They act as carriers for coronavirus.
• Touching a surface or an object with the virus on it and then touching mouth, eyes, nose or eating without washing the hands can aid in the virus spread.
• The SARS COV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), which causes COVID-19, seems to spread easily and sustainably in the community, which is termed as community spread. Hence, social gathering is strictly prohibited in some countries, including India.
• The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Reported COVID-19 illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Based on the virus incubation, these symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to it. Mild symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Severe symptoms and illness includes:

• Breathing difficulty
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the chest
• Bluish discoloration of lips or face

Practise Basic Protective Measures to Slow the Spread

Stay Home

Avoid social gatherings of more than 3 people. Stay indoors to avoid being infected or being a carrier. Avoid all non-essential travels. At present, the Indian Government has imposed lockdown in the entire country to apply this measure more effectively.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

You can use soap and water to wash your hands. Make sure to rub and rinse for a minimum of 20 seconds. Clean your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer with at least 60% of alcohol content.

Do clean your hands especially after being in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before eating anything.

For those who unnecessarily touch their faces regularly or have a habit of nail-biting, do wear a mask to prevent such patterns. You do not want to get infected in any way.

Clean and Disinfect Household Surfaces

It’s recommended to maintain cleanliness and hygiene not only for those with confirmed COVID-19 but also for those who are in self- isolation inside the house. Clean the dirty surfaces of your household things with detergent or soap and water. This is primarily for the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from the surfaces.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily like doorknobs, handles, tables, desks, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Disinfecting refers to using EPA-registered disinfectants or chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This step can lower the risk of spreading infection.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Make sure you, your family, and the people around you are maintaining good respiratory hygiene. As sneezing spreads the virus in the form of respiratory droplets, you must cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your bent elbow when you sneeze or cough. Don’t forget to dispose of the tissues immediately. Wash your hands immediately after.

Practice Social Distancing

Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others when you step out in public. Stay connected with friends and family through social media, phone or video calls. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Call the Narayana Health helpline number 1800 4250 4250 to assist the sick ones.

Wear a Facemask

If you’re sick and around other people (e.g., when you’re in a public place or sharing a vehicle or a room), then wear a facemask. Also, before walking into a healthcare provider or hospital, keep wearing it.

Who’s at Higher Risk?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some people are at higher risk of catching the COVID-19. Based on the latest reports, those who are at higher risk for getting severely ill from COVID-19 are –

• People aged 65 years and more.
• Those who have serious medical problems like serious heart conditions, diabetes, chronic lung or liver disease, severe asthma, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, renal failure or severe obesity.
• Who have a weak immune system or immunocompromised but various medical conditions or diseases like cancer, organ or bone marrow transplantation, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS etc.
• Pregnant women as they have less immunity and are known to be at risk with a severe viral illness. They should be monitored regularly.
• People who are unsheltered or homeless.

Myths about Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Myth – All COVID-19 patients would require Hospital admission and Ventilator.

Fact – 80% of the patients have mild symptoms and about 20% would require hospital care. Also to mention, not all patients who are infected by COVID-19 would die.

Myth – Being exposed to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees prevent COVID-19.

Fact – This virus can sustain in any weather. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how hot the weather is. People in countries with hot weather are reported to catch the COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and clean your hands frequently.

Myth – You can’t recover from Coronavirus disease and catching the disease means you’ll have it for life.

Fact – It’s possible to eliminate the virus from the body and to recover from it. Seek medical help early if you face any symptoms of cough, fever, and difficulty.

Stay home if you feel unwell. Follow the directions of your local health authority. In case of high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Helpline for Coronavirus: For latest updates

Chat with us on our whatsapp helpline – 1800 4250 4250 in case of any questions or concerns about COVID-19.

Also Read: HOW TO TEST FOR CORONAVIRUS?

Dr. Shiba Kalyan | Consultant  Pulmonology | Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram