CORONA- PANDEMIC RUMOR VS FACTS

Corona viruses are a family of viruses(Zoonotic kind of virus) that cause disease in animals. Corona is named based on its structure (a crown shaped when seen under electron microscope) but it is officially named now as COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2.

• Out of total group, seven no. of virus can affect Human beings.
• Two major corona viruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) – are much more severe.
• Corona viruses are circulating in animals and some of these corona viruses have the capability of transmitting between animals and humans.
• This virus have a high genetic mutation rate and rapidly develop resistance to new drug.
• fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent).
• The first cases were seen in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019.
• The virus has affected in more than 170 countries.
• Currently India has suspended all tourist visa until April 15,2020.
• The symptoms are non specific but the affected person may be asymptomatic or develop flu like symptoms.Initial symptoms might include fever, dry cough, tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell.
• WHO(World Health Organisation) had declared this virus as a pandemic on 11 march,2020.
• There is no specific treatment, although doctors are trialing existing drug for viruses such as Ebola and HIV. Early results seem promising but, until full clinical trials have been concluded, doctors cannot be certain that the drugs are effective. 
• Work to develop a vaccine is accelerating.

some of the rumors and the facts for the same are discussed:

                                   Rumors                                                            Facts

*Wearing a mask prevents corona virus.	CDC & WHO recommends for wearing a mask only: 1)     If a person is having a COVID-19 symptoms. 2)    If a person is in contact with a patient infected with COVID-19. 3)    Maintain a distance of at least 1 m. from the person showing similar symptoms. Just wearing a mask, one cannot protect itself from this virus.
*N-95 and N-99 mask is mandatory.	1)     A 3 layer surgical mask is enough.
*Gargles of Lukewarm water and salt.	WHO says “ no convincing evidence for such rinsing has been found”.
*COVID-19 can survive upto 10 hours on metal, 8 hours on clothes, and 10 min on human hand	WHO : No evidence found for the same. It Vary under numerous conditions like type of surface, exposure to environment, temperature, weather conditions, humidity etc.
*With the Onset of Summers heat, the outbreak of virus will decrease.	WHO : not known. Much more to learn its transmissibility, severity and other features.
*COVID-19 is nothing worse than seasonal flu.	It is 10 times deadlier than seasonal flu.
*Consumption of Garlic helps in curing COVID-19	WHO: No Evidence Found. Although it has a good antimicrobial property.
*Once infected leads to death only.	Not True. Nearly 70 % people show mild symptoms which is recovered in 2 weeks.

 As on march 19,2020:

                    

Confirmed case : 2,19,548

Recovered : 85,751

General Precautions:

1)     Wash your hands with adequate soap and water. ( Rubbing Process: almost 20 s).

2)    At times when handwash is not possible use alcohol based sanitiser.

3)    Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth with unclean hands.

4)    Maintain a distance of 1 metre from the person sneezing or coghing.

5)    Practice Indian way of greeting instead of a handshake.

6)    Avoid eating from unhygienic places.

7)    Maintain cleanliness in your nearby surroundings.

                                                 “Stay Safe”