Pneumonia

Coronavirus disease 2019, or "COVID-19," is an infection caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus first appeared in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China. But it has spread quickly since then, and there are now cases around the world.

Most people who get COVID-19 will not get severely ill. But some do. In many areas, leaders are telling people to stay home and away from other people. This is to try to slow the spread of the virus.

How is COVID 19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person. This usually happens when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks near other people. It is possible to get sick if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. This is similar to how the flu spreads, but the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads more easily.

What are the symptoms of COVID 19?

Symptoms usually start 4 or 5 days after a person is infected with the virus. But in some people, it can take up to 2 weeks for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms can include:

Although less common, some people have other symptoms, such as headache, sore throat, runny nose, or problems with their sense of smell or taste. Some have digestive problems like nausea or diarrhoea.

For most people, symptoms will get better within a few weeks. Some people even show no symptoms at all.

But in others, COVID-19 can lead to serious problems like pneumonia, not getting enough oxygen, heart problems, or even death. This is more common in people who are 65 years or older or have other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, or cancer.

While children can get COVID-19, they are less likely to have severe symptoms.

Should I go to hospital?

If you have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, Call the helpline number. You might have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 if either of the following happened within the last 14 days:

●You had close contact with a person who has the virus – This means being within about 6 feet of the person, even if you do not actually touch them.

●You live in, or have travelled to, an area where lots of people have the virus

If your symptoms are not severe, it is best to call your doctor, nurse, or clinic before you go in. They can tell you what to do and whether you need to be seen in person. Many people with only mild symptoms should stay home and avoid other people until they get better. If you do need to go to the clinic or hospital, you should cover your nose and mouth with cloth. The staff might also have you wait someplace away from other people.

If you are severely ill and need to go to the clinic or hospital right away, you should still call ahead. This way the staff can care for you while taking steps to protect others.

Your doctor or nurse will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They will also ask questions about any recent travel and whether you have been around anyone who might be sick.

Will I need tests?

If the healthcare personnel suspect you have COVID-19, they might take a swab from inside your nose, and possibly your mouth, and send it to a lab for testing. If you are coughing up mucus, they might also test a sample of the mucus. These tests can help your doctor figure out if you have COVID-19 or another illness.

In Nagaland, it might not be possible to test everyone who might have flu like symptoms. If you are not tested, they might tell you to stay home, avoid other people, and call if your symptoms get worse.

How is COVID 19 treated?

There is no known specific treatment for COVID-19. Many people will be able to stay home while they get better, but people with serious symptoms or other health problems might need to go to the hospital.

Mild illness

-Mild illness means you might have symptoms like fever and cough, but you do not have trouble breathing.

-Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can rest at home until they get better. This usually takes about 2 weeks, but it's not the same for everyone.

If you are recovering from COVID-19, it's important to stay home and "self-isolate" until your doctor or nurse tells you it's safe to go back to your normal activities. Self-isolation means staying away from all other people. This decision will depend on how long it has been since you had symptoms. (showing that the virus is no longer in your body).

Severe illness

– If you have more severe illness with trouble breathing, you might need to stay in the hospital, possibly in the intensive care unit (also called the "ICU"). While you are there, you will most likely be in a special "isolation" room. Only medical staff will be allowed in the room, and they will have to wear special gowns, gloves, masks, and eye protection.

The doctors and nurses can monitor and support your breathing and other body functions and make you as comfortable as possible. You might need extra oxygen to help you breathe easily. If you are having a very hard time breathing, you might need to be put on a ventilator. This is a machine to help you breathe.

Doctors are studying several different treatments to learn whether they might work to treat COVID-19. In certain cases, doctors might recommend these treatments or being part of a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a scientific study that tests new medicines to see how well they work.

What if I am pregnant?

Experts do not yet know a lot about COVID-19 and pregnancy. Pregnant people do not seem to have a higher risk of serious problems like pneumonia.

In general, it is a good idea to be extra careful about hand washing and avoiding sick people during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and you have questions about COVID-19, talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife.

Can COVID 19 be prevented?

There is not yet a vaccine to prevent COVID-19. But there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it. These steps are a good idea for everyone, especially if you are in a country or state where the infection is spreading very quickly. But they are extra important for people age 65 years or older or who have other health problems. To help slow the spread of infection:

● Practice "social distancing." This means staying home and avoiding other people as much as you can.

● Wash your hands with soap and water often. This is especially important after being in public and touching other people or surfaces. Make sure to rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning your wrists, fingernails, and in between your fingers. Then rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel you can throw away.

If you are not near a sink, you can use a hand sanitizing gel to clean your hands. The gels with at least 60 percent alcohol work the best. But it is better to wash with soap and water if you can.

● Avoid touching your face with your hands, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.

● Some experts recommend avoiding travel to or from certain areas where there are a lot of cases of COVID-19. Travel recommendations are changing often.

What can I do to cope with stress and anxiety?

It is normal to feel anxious or worried about COVID-19. You can take care of yourself, and your family, by trying to:

● Take breaks from the news

● Get regular exercise and eat healthy foods

● Try to find activities that you enjoy and can do in your home

● Stay in touch with your friends and family members

Keep in mind that most people do not get severely ill from COVID-19. It helps to be prepared, and it's important to do what you can to lower your risk and help slow the spread of the virus. But try not to panic.

Where can I go to learn more?

As more about this virus is being known, expert recommendations will continue to change.

For information about COVID-19 in your area, you can call your local public health office.

Resources:

https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/temperature-cartoon.html

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-overview-the-basics