Dr Krishnaveni Sharath



MBBS, MD, Anatomy

Symptoms Novel coronavirus disease is flu like disease caused by a new strain of virus called as COVID-19. This was first reported in Wuhan province of China and now has spread to 199 countries and WHO has announced it as a pandemic.

Symptoms

Mild to moderate respiratory symptoms

Cough

Cold

Fever

Headache

Sometimes it may cause breathless ness, pneumonia and even death

Why follow social distancing

Mortality is low i.e. death rate is only 2%, but infectivity is very high. One person can infect more than 25 persons if he goes out. This is the reason for social distancing and home isolation.

Preventive measures

Avoid social gathering and any type of social outings

Do not touch others

Go out of your house only when it is absolutely necessary

Do not touch your face, especially nose, mouth and eyes

Keep washing your hands using soap and water. Sanitizer is not necessary

While washing, take care it is for 20 seconds

Mask is not necessary for people staying at home, please do not hoard masks

Social responsibility is very important, stay at home, stay safe and do not panic

Treatment for coronavirus

For asymptomatic patients or travelers from affected countries, isolation for 14 days with self-monitoring twice a day

For mild positive cases, there are antivirals being given along with paracetamol to reduce the temperature; antibacterial like azithromycin are also being used

For severe cases with severe respiratory distress, oxygen support using ventilators will be necessary

High risk patients susceptible to go into severe respiratory distress

Patients above 60 years

Diabetics

Those who are on hypertensive drugs