The one thing that everyone is discussing across the globe is
Coronavirus and its impact on our lives. Naturally so, people have queries and they are rapidly seeking answers. We got in touch with Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania (CMAAO) at Ansal University to get some questions answered.
- What are the biggest myths circulating around coronavirus?One of the biggest myths is that by eating meat, chicken, fish and animals, you could get coronavirus. Well, it is not a food borne disease; it is not a food virus. There are also many claims regarding things that can cure COVID-19 cases. No, nothing as of now is a ready cure. Yes there are items, things to build up your immunity, which is good for every infection, not just Coronavirus.
- Apart from maintaining hand hygiene, what else can people do to protect themselves?It is very important to maintain respiratory hygiene. Whenever you have cough, don’t cough on your hands or handkerchief, either use a tissue paper or cough on your sleeve. Whoever has fever, cough and cold should maintain a distance of 1 metre or 3 feet from others. And third is maintain your hand hygiene. Moreover, if you are rubbing your eyes continuously, you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome, so use eye drops. If you are picking your nose again and again, you have allergy and you must get yourself treated for it.
- How panicked should we be?A little bit of fear is fine, as it will make you take necessary precautions. But panic can lead to low immunity so avoid that.
- Can drinking alcohol protect people from COVID-19?It is a big no. Alcohol cannot protect you from any infection. It is being said that alcohol is a sterilizer and it can kill any virus or bacteria in the blood. If that was true, they would be giving alcohol by intra nasal tube in every hospital. This is absolutely wrong. You must use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol, not drink it!
- How do see the virus rolling out in India?At this point, it is at Stage 2. There are 3 stages. We have clusters in India, specifically in Delhi. Agra cluster and even Jaipur cluster. It has not yet gone to community spread. Community spread is when you cannot trace the origin. Unless it enters the community, there is nothing to worry about.
- What are the tests for coronavirus?Whenever you have fever, with or without cough, or breathlessness, call your doctor or call the helpline number. They will advise you whether you need to undergo coronavirus test or not. Specifically, if you have travelled abroad or you have come in the contact of anybody who has travelled abroad such as Iran, Italy, Dubai etc, you may consult a medical professional on phone. They will tell you how to come and where to come for the test. Till then wear a surgical mask and maintain hand hygiene. The government will do your tests, throat swab twice and screening test. If it comes positive, they will send it for a confirmation and if it comes as positive, you will be called a red case. This means you will be isolated for 14 days. Isolation does not mean jail, it means social distance of 3 feet, wearing a mask.
Also See: Coronavirus Prevention | Coronavirus Symptoms | Coronavirus Treatment