Coronavirus Outbreak: Apollo Doctor speaks on it

The sudden Coronavirus outbreak or COVID19 has left the World at its wits. Every nation is under the clutches of the virus and along with that, all the nations are fighting it back. Taking the right step will contribute a lot in restricting the spread of Coronavirus.

WHO has set some guidelines for all and they may check it on the website. For travel precautions check the previous articles. But for your safety and knowledge here are some points given –

Transmission ways to one to get the coronavirus:

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

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• 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.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Precautions for kids:

It can be difficult to avoid being exposed to the virus, especially if you’re often surrounded by other people. For kids, to stay at home and spend the whole day may be very difficult but it is necessary that the parents keep them at home under supervision. Teach them the following –

• Try to stay clear of people who are coughing or sneezing. Staying at least 3 feet away from people who may be sick. Wash your hands frequently.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds every time or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your face. You can easily transmit the virus from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes without even realizing it.
• Stay home which is called ‘social isolation’. Staying away from groups of people may help you avoid exposure to the Coronavirus outbreak.
• No need for a mask without flu-like symptoms.
• Do not panic avoid social media memes in front of your children.

Precautions for older people:

Age more than 60 with premorbid conditions like diabetes mellites, kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease and use of NSAIDS have shown serious outcome after coronavirus infection with increase mortality.

Ask them to stay at home. This is very important.

Medicine for this disease:

There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the outbreak of COVID-19, people may need supportive care to help them breathe. If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:

• Rest and sleep and isolation
• Keep warm
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
• Paracetamol and vitamin C

Medical treatment:

If you develop a fever, cough, and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with traveller one must visit ID HOSPITAL, BELEAGHATA for diagnosis and further advise.

Diet to be included or excluded to prevent the coronavirus:

• There’s no specific food guaranteed to protect you from the coronavirus so general healthy eating guidelines are the best advice for now.
• Regarding food safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued precautionary recommendations including advice on following good hygiene practices during food handling and preparation, such as washing hands, cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding potential cross-contamination between cooked and uncooked foods.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?

While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.

Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?

Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Vit -C, ZINC supplement, Vit-A, may be beneficial. Trial going on with some drug-like- FAVIPIRAVIR[705], HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, AZITHROMYCIN, AND ANTI-HIV drugs but results not yet fully established.

Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials.

[quotes quotes_style=”bpull” quotes_pos=”right”]The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to: frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.[/quotes]

Apollo is also facilitating the coronavirus outbreak in Kolkata:

At our hospital, we all are striving hard to fight the virus. There are some mandatory and strict steps taken for the benefit of the community and the patients as a whole.

• Visitor control in the hospital.
• Thermal cheeking mandatary of every visitor.
• Isolation ward with a negative pressure room.
• Cough and cold triage clinic.
• Hand sanitization compulsory for everyone.
• Barrier nursing.
• Patient education posters.
• Provide mask and essential medication available.
• Doctor and staff education with the latest article about the disease to keep in mind prevention is better than cure.

It is the need of the hour that people stay at home, maintain hygiene and do not panic. The only cure for this coronavirus outbreak is PRECAUTION. Stay safe and keep everyone safe!