Everything you need to know about Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

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).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
  • Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
  • 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.
  • The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people.

Preventiive measures for everyone

  • Clean your hands Often. Wash your hands for atleast 20 seconds with soap and use a hand sanitizer having atleast 60% alcohol if water/soap not available.
  • Avoid close contact. Stay home as much as possible.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
    Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. And immediately wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Myth 1: Eating garlic or lemon (and other foods commonly used as home remedies for flu and common cold) can help prevent infection with the new coronavirus.

False. Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. Similarly, vitamin C is an essential nutrient that can support immune function. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic or lemon (or other foods for that matter) has protected people from the new coronavirus.

Myth 2: Regularly gargling with saltwater or saline can help prevent infection with the new coronavirus, as well as drinking water to “flush” the virus from your mouth.

False. There is no evidence that regularly gargling has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. While this may help soothe a sore throat, this practice will not prevent the virus from entering your lungs—neither will drinking frequent sips of water.

Myth 3: The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.

False. The COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.

Myth 4: Drinking warm water and getting enough sunlight are effective in preventing COVID-19.

False. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 can be killed at higher temperatures. Drinking warm water and getting enough sunlight may have other health benefits. For example, sunlight is good to get Vitamin D, but too much exposure to sunlight may also lead to sunburn.

Myth 5: Taking a hot bath can prevent the new coronavirus disease.

False. Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Myth 6: Hand dryers are effective in killing the new coronavirus.

False. Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand-rub (“sanitizer”) or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using towels or a warm air dryer.

Myth 7: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body can kill the new coronavirus.

False. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Myth 8: Vaccines against pneumonia can protect you against the new coronavirus.

False. No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and WHO is supporting their efforts. Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses such as flu is highly recommended to protect your health.

Myth 9: The new coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites.

False. To date there has been no evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

Myth 10: The new coronavirus affects only older people.

False. People of ALL AGES can be infected by the new coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.


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