Know more about the causes and symptoms of CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a common group of viruses; while some coronaviruses affect only animals, a few others can also affect humans. It is very likely that all of us have been infected by coronavirus at some point in our life. The symptoms of a coronavirus can range from a mild cold to flu like symptoms to moderate and severe upper-respiratory infections. The SARS epidemic (severe acute respiratory syndrome) was also caused by coronavirus. Coronavirus is also known to affect the gut and hence some patients may suffer from diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Coronavirus / COVID 19 infection

Detailed Symptoms

Below are some basic precautions that each one of us should follow for our good health.

The current COVID 19 infection has typical flu like symptoms

The symptoms may begin 2-10 days after initial infection

Sneezing, runny nose, fever, fatigue and cough are all symptoms of COVID 19 infections. In certain patients, diarrhoea was also reported.

1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Precautions Against COVID-19 or Coronavirus infection

Can the virus that causes Covid-19 can be transmitted through the air?

People are infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) primarily through inhaling infectious virus-carrying respiratory fluids.

Inhalation of very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particles, deposition of respiratory droplets and particles on exposed mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and eye by direct splashes and sprays, and touching mucous membranes with hands that have been soiled either directly by virus-containing respiratory fluids or indirectly by touching surfaces with the virus on them are the three main ways of exposure.

How to diagnose Corona Virus infection?

If you suspect you are developing even the slightest signs of COVID-19, consult your doctor right away. You can contact the clinic ahead of time and provide them with details about your symptoms so that they have enough time to understand and diagnose your illness. Your doctor may recommend that you be placed in quarantine (self-isolation) to avoid further hazards. Tell them if you've travelled to areas where COVID-19 is spreading or if you've come into touch with somebody who has the virus or is displaying signs of it.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of steps to prevent COVID-19 transmission and save lives; wearing a mask alone will not provide enough protection against COVID-19. Stay safe if COVID-19 is spreading in your community by using simple precautions, including physical distance, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well aired, avoiding crowds, hand washing, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Inquire about local guidance in the area where you live and work. Do everything! To make masks as effective as possible, they must be used, stored, cleaned, and disposed of properly.

What method is used for Covid 19 Test?

COVID-19 RT-PCR test: This COVID-19 test is performed by a lab technique called reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the virus's genetic material. A health care provider takes a fluid sample from the back of your nose by inserting a nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril. A health care practitioner may insert a swab into your throat in some cases (oropharyngeal swab).

Antigen test: COVID-19 is a test that detects certain proteins in the virus. Some antigen testing can yield results in minutes. Others may be referred to a laboratory for examination. When procedures are faithfully followed, a positive antigen test result is deemed accurate. However, there's a higher risk of false-negative results, which means you could be infected with the virus yet get a negative result. A health care professional may recommend an RT-PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result, depending on the circumstances.

What diet should Covid 19 patients follow?

Eat fresh and unprocessed food
Drink enough water every day
Eat a limited amount of food that contains fat & oil foods, prefer to have food that contains unsaturated fat.
East less salt and sugar
Avoid eating outside