What if you get infected with Corona Virus (Covid-19)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. As per WHO report, most people infected with Coronavirus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

According to the World Health Organization report(WHO) till now (July 2020) total number of cases are 12,964,809 and out of which 570,288 deaths are reported. COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. 
 

Most common symptoms:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Diarrhoea
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• A rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Loss of speech or movement

If you came in contact with someone who was Covid-19 positive and you have symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider for a COVID-19 test.

What Next if you show these symptoms?

• Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. 
• Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
  People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
• On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

Participate in a public health inquiry

An official from public health will contact you if you test positive for COVID-19,usually by phone. The interviewer will help you understand what to do next and what support is available.The interviewer will ask for the contact information of people you have had close contact recently.

Stay home strictly

You should stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, sharing rides, or taxis. Ask family members to do your shopping or use a grocery delivery service.

Call before you go to the doctor

Tell your health care provider you have symptoms of COVID-19,or are being evaluated for COVID-19. Put on a face mask before you enter any building. These steps will help keep people in the office or waiting room from getting sick.

Isolate yourself from people and animals in your home

• People: Its better to stay in a specific room away from other people and use a separate bathroom if available. Minimize your contact with other people at home.
• Animals: Limit your contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have a member of your household care for them.

How long you should isolate yourself?
 

• If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and have symptoms, you can stop your home isolation only when you’ve been fever-free for at least 3 days without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have gotten better.At least 10 days have gone by since your symptoms first appeared.
• If you tested positive for COVID-19, but have no symptoms, you can stop your home isolation when at least 10 days have gone by since the date of your first positive COVID-19 test.You have not gotten sick with COVID-19.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Wear a cloth face mask when you are around people or pets . Its very important to wear mask while you are in public area.
• Clean your hands regularly.Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues away and wash your hands.Regularly clean most touched surfaces every day, like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and bedside tables. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe,and follow the directions on the label.
• Don’t share personal items with anyone, including cups, eating utensils, dishes, drinking glasses, towels, or bedding with people or pets in your home.

Source: WHO