World Health Day 7th April 2020

Dr. Shiva Raju, Sr. Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad

In the present scenario and near future, world health organisation and most of the health organization all over the world, urge to take care of ourselves and family.

Prevention is the best way of tackling corona pandemic.

Food habits:

Balanced and nutritious food, good hydration is important. Avoid cool items and refrigerator food items or beverages. Eat fresh and hot food

Regarding physical activity:

Most important thing, most of us are habituated for going out for walking or jogging or going to gym should be avoided. Better do excersize at home or yoga at home.

Going out for any purpose is risky and stay at home and be safe. Home is heaven and going out is hell, don't invite trouble in the form of corona infection. Protecting your self is protecting family.

What is corona Virus:

Group of viruses which can cause mild symptoms of cough and cold to severe lung infections.

Three important viruses in this group are:

a. Middle East Respiratory syndrome virus - MERS CO V
b. SARS CO V
c. Novel corona virus - COVID 19

Novel corona virus, COVID 19 is new virus, which was not detected before and is the cause for China epidemic in Dec 2019 and presently spreading worldwide including INDIA.

Around 80 percent patient has mild symptoms and they recover. 2 percent mortality noted.

How it spreads

Main spread is by respiratory droplet, when somebody coughs or sneezes, who has the symptoms of this virus or carry virus without symptoms.

Air Borne spread, not well documented .but as per the reports, it may remain in the air for 7 to 9hrs, but may vary with humidity, temperature.

Preventive Measures

Social distancing to prevent spread of infection in the community. Maintain minimum distance of 1 metre or 3 feet.

Hand Washing

Frequent hand wash with soap and water or alcohol based antiseptic (more than 60percent of alchohol content is more effective)

Diet

More fruits, protein and proper fluid intake and maintain personal hygiene.

Avoid hand shaking.

Prevent touching the contact surfaces, more in public places like shopping malls, parks, theatres, functions, gatherings.

Avoid going to functions, gatherings and crowded places.

Whenever coughing or sneezing, cover with cloth or flex the elbow.

For any person, history is important.

What history is important?

1. Travel history

2. Contact history with suspected covid 19 patient

3. Contact with the confirmed covid 19 patient

If no symptoms, travel history is there, last 2 to 3 weeks

HOME quarantine for 2 weeks

If mild symptoms are present

3. Suspected cough /cold and respiratory symptoms

Isolation for 5 days to 10days (till 2 weeks)

Rest

Keep away from family members including children

If symptoms are severe like fever, cough and breathlessness

If symptoms are severe or have breathing difficulty

Immediately consult the doctor or patient to be sent to Gandhi hospital for confirmation of corona virus infection.

Best way is to avoid infection by frequent hand wash,maintain social distance  and avoid contact with the the people with respiratory symptoms like cough and cold ,fever ,body pains.

Pnemonic to remember for prevention

A. Avoid touching face

B. Be hygienic

C. Keep away from Cold products

D. Maintain Distance of 1 metre

E. Maintain proper excersize

F. Spend with Family

G. Don't go to public places

H. Avoid Hand shake

Regarding Prophylaxis

Please avoid taking hydroxy chloroquine for preventing corona virus .there is no sufficient evidence for prophylaxis for general population taking this medication ,can cause side effects like eye related issues and liver problems. Please avoid taking this medicine. Persons who had, contact with confirmed covid 19 patient or doctors or medical staff, who are at high risk of get the infection, can take medication, under prescription.

Conclusions

Best way to deal with infection is prevention.

Not getting infected and preventing spread of infection are the main goals.

No vaccine is available

No specific medicines are available.

If everybody takes care of themselves and their family, whole community and state as well, will be safe and prevent further spread of infection.