Question 1

What is Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Coronavirus is a crown-shaped virus that can be transmitted between both animals and humans. It belongs to a large family of viruses that can cause problems ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases.

Question 2

What are COVID-19 and 2019-nCoV?

Accepted Answer

The WHO officially named the Coronavirus outbreak as Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on February 11, 2020, as per previously developed guidelines to name viruses and their diseases. The new Coronavirus that was discovered in December 2019 is coined as 2019-nCoV by WHO. It is a virus strain that originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 that spreads primarily from respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Question 3

Can anyone get a test done for checking for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Coronavirus testing should be done only when advised by a doctor. It is recommended for those individuals who have travelled to and returned back from an affected city or country. It is also advised for people who have come in contact with a suspect or an infected person with COVID-19, or with a healthcare worker in a hospital or lab with suspected patients.

Question 4

Can Coronavirus testing be done in a lab near me?

Accepted Answer

Coronavirus tests can be done only in specialised labs that are certified to do them. If you approach your nearest lab for COVID-19 testing, they will direct you to designated labs for Coronavirus testing in your city/ state.

Question 5

What is social distancing? What are some examples of social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing is consciously increasing physical distance from other people during an interaction to reduce the spread of contagious diseases. It is a non-pharmaceutical prevention measure to slow down the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community. Cancellation of large public gatherings and meetings and closure of malls, schools, gyms, museums and other public places are examples of social distancing.

Question 6

What does home quarantine mean? Who should practice it and for how long?

Accepted Answer

When a person who is asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) or unwell or exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus decides to separate himself/herself from exposure to other infected people, it is known as quarantine. Such individuals restrict their movements outside their closed quarters, typically for about 14 days. Home quarantine is a measure that is applicable to all individuals who have come in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of the new Coronavirus.

Read more about guidelines for home quarantine here.

Question 7

Can cold weather and snow kill the new Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

No. Cold weather and snow cannot kill the new Coronavirus. The normal human body temperature will remain around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new Coronavirus is by frequently washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Question 8

Are thermal scanners effective in detecting people infected with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Thermal scanners can detect people who have developed a fever because of infection with the new Coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not showing any symptoms of a fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 14 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Question 9

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Till date, there are no specific medicines or treatments to prevent or treat COVID-19. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts for new medicines and vaccines for the novel Coronavirus.

Question 10

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Currently, there is no proven evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline solution will prevent people from catching the Coronavirus infection. However, rinsing the nose with saline solution can help individuals recover quickly from the common cold.

Question 11

Will I die if I catch Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

The mortality rate of Coronavirus is significantly less, i.e. 2-3%. Almost 80% of the people recover from the symptoms in 2 weeks. The symptoms can be treated with timely medical care. Only older people (above the age of 60) are at a higher risk of death.

Question 12

Can the COVID-19 virus be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates?

Accepted Answer

Irrespective of the climatic conditions, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted to ALL AREAS, including hot and humid climates.

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485114

Active

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Home care for COVID-19

All eyes on Oxford COVID-19 vaccine

#IndiaFightsCorona

Prevention of COVID-19 At Work

Wear a Mask

Government now recommends everyone to wear a mask. You can make your own handmade fabric mask at home. An N95 respiratory mask is recommended only if you have symptoms.

Stay Safe While At Home

Stay Happy And Positive

Early Signs & Serious Symptoms

As per WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

The CDC (Centre for Diseases Control) in the US has recently added 6 new symptoms of COVID-19:

Consult with a Doctor Online

General Precautions For All

Always Remember

Debunking COVID-19 Myths