COVID-19

CORONA (COVID-19) IS NOT ANOTHER NAME OF DEATH.

Corona virus indeed is a threat for the entire world now as it has become a pandemic but with all his negativity it has jolted the entire world and certain good things can be connected with it. As the air around the world is getting cleaner; less pollutants entering the sea, streets are less noisy. Families are spending time together, less planes flying around the world, luxury cruise ships are not dirtying up the sea, and people are looking at local solutions for needs, and taking the time to wash their hands.  Even the eating habits are changing. The hectic pace of the world has slowed down significantly. We're breathing consciously. We are grateful to God for being alive, though living under the looming danger of COVID-19. One thing is for sure that YES, we will overcome the scare of this virus sooner or later But I hope before we jumped upon to previous lifestyle we use this time as an opportunity to introspect to know slowing down is not a bad thing, for last century and more  it’s a mad  mad race which we have run.. trying to overtake nature by manifolds. It’s right time to be calm, to breathe & pray, it’s time to do a detailed analysis of our lives and create a harmonious balance with other stakeholders of this planet or just get ready for another pandemic fear.

Let’s see as what is corona virus? Corona viruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline corona viruses, only infects animals. Rarely, animal corona viruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of corona viruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. So all saying that certain movies or books even Simpson cartoon has indicated about this disease decades ago are not wrong as they have mentioned Corona not COVID-19.

A novel corona virus is a new corona virus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the corona viruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. One must keep in mind that a diagnosis with corona virus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common corona virus diagnosis.

Peculiar thing about the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why it is recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer poses a risk of infecting others. When it is OK to release someone from isolation is dependent on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:

Ø  The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Ø  The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.

Ø  The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.

Ø  Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

As we all know that quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar corona viruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Although it is believed that Corona viruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Therefore before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Another myth connected with the disease which is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. It is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer.  There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing. It is recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.

How to prepare to combat against COVID-19

Here is what you can do to prepare your family in case COVID-19 spreads in your community.

Ø  Stay home when you are sick

Ø  Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit

Ø  Limit movement in the community

Ø  Limit visitors

Ø  Implement steps to prevent illness (e.g., stay home when sick, hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and clean frequently touched surfaces daily).

Ø  Consider 2-week supply of prescription and over the counter medications, food and other essentials. Know how to get food delivered if possible.

Ø  Establish ways to communicate with others (e.g., family, friends, co-workers).

Ø  Establish plans to telework, what to do about childcare needs, how to adapt to cancellation of events.

Ø  Clean your hands often

Ø  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Ø  If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Ø  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Ø  Avoid close contact

Ø  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Ø  Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Take steps to protect others

Ø  Stay home if you’re sick.

Ø  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Ø  Throw used tissues in the trash.

Ø  Wear a face mask if you are sick, If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick.

Ø  Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

The World Health Organization on Friday raised its risk assessment for the spread of the corona virus to “very high”. It’s the highest risk level the organization has and comes as the number of countries reporting cases rises to almost 160. There are now roughly 183,000 cases worldwide and more than 6000 causalities around the world.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

·         Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

·         Bluish lips or face.

One must keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Preventions against COVID-19:

Most alarming this is that there is currently no vaccine to prevent corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

v  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

v  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

v  Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

v  Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Have Thoughtful days.

BY: OVAIS ASAD KHAN