Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

• Many types of Coronaviruses can cause respiratory diseases in humans.
• The current coronavirus has been named Novel Coronavirus or nCoV and the disease it causes has been named as – “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) which is a respiratory infection.
• This was first reported from China in December 2019.

• The mode of transmission is through droplets (minute particles of the secretions coughed/sneezed out by the sufferer).
• These droplets are produced when a person coughs or sneezes and you are likely to be infected if you are within a distance of 1 meter or 3 feet from the person carrying the virus.
• The virus can enter the body of close contacts through the eyes. nose and mouth.
• The virus survives for up to 9 days on surfaces on which the droplets land (fomites)., so touching these surfaces and then touching the face can transfer such viruses to healthy persons.
• Survivals of virus increases in cold and humid weather.
• It can also spread by close contact with someone who has recently visited countries that have reported this disease like China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran etc, as it can take 2-14 days for the symptoms to manifest after contact.

• A history of recent travel to countries with a high incidence of the disease( e.g. China, South Korea, Japan, Iran. Italy etc- the list is growing) OR
• A history of close contact with someone who has tested positive for the disease OR
• A history of close contact with someone who has recently visited these countries even if they do not have any symptoms, as it can take 2-14 days for the symptoms to manifest after contact.

AND

The presence of 2 or more the following symptoms:
Fever, dry cough, fatigue or body-ache, breathlessness

Fever, dry cough. fatigue or body-ache or breathlessness are the common symptoms.

No, a doctor cannot confirm whether a person is suffering from Novel Coronavirus infection by physical examination as it resembles any other viral respiratory illness. Confirmation requires testing in NIV Pune.

Diagnosis of Novel Coronavirus infection is done in the laboratory on nasal and throat swab by a special test specific for nCoV.

If You have traveled abroad and returned to India, then for the next 14 days please stay quarantined at home (i.e stay in a room and reduce contact with fewer people). If you develop symptoms mentioned in Q3 or in case of “possible contact” history and 2 or more of the above-mentioned symptoms (as per Question 3) then you should visit Naidu hospital.

In Pune region, if one is suspected to have Novel Coronavirus infection, they should go to Naidu Infectious Disease Hospital (Behind Pune Railway Station, off Wellesley road), where the required samples (throat swab or nasopharyngeal secretions) will be collected and sent for testing (to NIV Pune). At present, this test is not available in private labs or hospitals. While traveling to the hospital, the person should wear a mask.

Novel Coronavirus infection is usually mild in healthy individuals but may be severe in the elderly or in patients with longstanding medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease. liver disease, diabetes, lowered immunity conditions, and pregnancy.

As per the current guidelines, if you have NIV confirmed Novel Coronavirus infection it is compulsory to be admitted.

• Avoid crowded areas and handshakes.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available.
• Do not touch your face and rub your eyes.
• Take adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy nutritious food.
• It has been suggested that drinking warm water with haldi helps in improving immunity.

• Avoid self – medication and contact a doctor immediately. Communicate details of your travel history to the treating physician.
• Wear a mask and avoid contact with others.
• Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a disposable tissue or cloth or placing your arm over your mouth and nose. Discard disposable tissue in a closed container and expose to sunlight for 10 mins before discarding.
• If using a cloth/handkerchief, make sure others do not come in contact with it. Wash with soap and hot water.
• Avoid sharing handkerchief, napkins. clothes etc with others.
• Used disposable masks should be boiled in water for 10 mins before discarding
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitiser only when soap and water are not available.

• Only the persons who are infected or have respiratory symptoms should wear a mask so as to prevent the spread of infection. Healthcare providers who are in close contact with such persons should wear masks.
• Others need not but if you want to you can fold a hanky three times and use as a mask.

At present there is no specific drug or vaccine available for prevention or treatment of this infection. Drink plenty of fluids and take rest.