What is the full form of COVID-19

COVID-19: Corona Virus disease of 2019

COVID-19 stands for Corona Virus disease of 2019. It is the name given by WHO to the disease that is caused by the novel coronavirus SARc-CoV2. This disease started in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread across the world in the next few months. As of now, almost every county across the globe is suffering from this pandemic. World Health Organization (WHO) named this disease 'COVID 19' on 11 February 2020 in a press release.

Why is it named COVID-19?

WHO gave this name to this disease to make it easy to discuss disease prevention, its spread, transmission, severity, and treatment. This name was chosen by WHO after consulting the World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Besides this, the other reason behind choosing this name is that it does not reflect a specific geographic location, a particular animal, or a community of people. Furthermore, this name was also found to be easy to pronounce.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses that are commonly found in animals as well as humans. COVID-19 is caused by a new (novel) type of coronavirus that had not been identified before. So, as of now in August 2020, there is no specific treatment available for COVID-19. However, a combination of anti-HIV drugs or other medicines is being used to improve the conditions of the infected person. Besides this, almost all the major pharma companies across the world have started developing a vaccine for COVID-19. It is believed that a vaccine will be developed soon.

This type of coronavirus is found to infect mostly old people and people with poor immunity. Young people who have strong immunity or a healthy lifestyle are found to be at low risk of getting this infection.

Current Corona Updates:

As of 16 Nov. 2020, 1.32 million people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 infection, and there are a total of 15.3 million active cases across the world. Most of the deaths occurred in the USA, Brazil, India, and France.

As we know, prevention is better than cure. There are many precautions that one can take to protect oneself from Coronavirus or COVID-19, some of which are listed below:

• Washing hands: It helps remove or wash out the viruses from the hands that may stick to the hands while touching doorknobs and other surfaces.
• Use a mask: Mask protects you from inhaling the droplets and infected air containing the virus.
• Social distancing: It also helps reduce the chance of infection by keeping you at a safe distance from the infected person and objects.
• Immunity: Maintain a healthy diet, and consume lots of fruits and drinks that boost immunity, such as lemon juice, herbal tea, citrus fruits, and hot milk with turmeric powder.
• Bathing: Take a bath and change your clothes after you return home from a crowded place like a shopping mall, office, restaurant, etc.

How can the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus transmit from one person to another?

Most likely, coronavirus will spread:

When an infected individual is close to you and coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes, the virus is spread by respiratory droplets discharged into the air. If you breathe in these droplets, you might become contaminated.

Coronavirus can also spread by handshaking or other close contacts with an infected individual before touching your face.

How long is the COVID-19 infection contagious?

If you have COVID-19, it could take you a few days before you start feeling sick, but throughout that time, you are still contagious. Upon the emergence of your symptoms ten days later, you are no longer infectious.

The best strategy to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others is to:

• Whenever feasible, keep a distance of 6 feet from other people.
• Wear a cotton mask that hides your mouth and nose when you are out in public.
• Wash your hands frequently; If washing your hands is not an option, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wash your hands frequently. If washing your hands is not an option, use a hand sanitizer that has a minimum of 60% alcohol.
• Avoid going inside congested indoor spaces. Try to get as much fresh air inside by opening windows.
• If you are experiencing symptoms that might be COVID-19 or if the COVID-19 test results in a positive result, isolate yourself at home.
• Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.

Who is most vulnerable to COVID-19?

• People who live in or have recently been to any place where COVID-19 is still actively spreading are those who are most at risk of catching it.
• Have been in close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus, either in a confirmed or suspected case, according to a lab. Close contact is considered as spending a total of 15 minutes or more in close proximity to an infected person over the course of a 24-hour period.
• Have impaired immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions, are older than 60, or both.

How soon after contracting SARS-CoV-2 will I start to experience COVID-19 symptoms?

The incubation period (the interval between being infected and exhibiting symptoms) can last anywhere between two and 14 days. Symptoms usually take five days to appear. The degree of the symptoms might range from extremely minor to severe. Approximately 80% of persons who have COVID-19 only have minor symptoms; however, this may alter when variations appear.

Can vaccinated individuals still get COVID-19?

Yes, even if you have had a vaccination, you might still contract COVID-19. No vaccination is 100 percent reliable. In fact, breakthrough cases-when a person tests positive after receiving the complete course of vaccination-are anticipated, particularly as the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates.

Your chance of infection is greatly decreased by the vaccinations, but not completely. There is extremely little chance that a breakthrough infection will cause a serious illness or death.

How can my symptoms be treated at home?

If your COVID-19 symptoms are modest, you may probably take care of your health at home. The following advice:

Drink lots of fluids-water is ideal-sleep a lot, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) if you have a fever.

If you cough, sit up or rest on your side rather than your back. A spoonful of honey can be added to hot tea or water; however, young children should not be given honey. Using salt water, gargle. For guidance on over-the-counter comfort care items, including cough suppressants and cough drops/lozenges, speak with your doctor or pharmacist by phone. Have a friend or member of your family pick up any necessary medications. You have to remain at home.

Try to unwind if you are worried about your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply via your nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips (as if you were blowing out a candle slowly).