Rohit Shishodia
Delhi-AIIMS has released a booklet which informs about corona virus in simple layman's language so that everyone can understand the virus and take precautions to be protected against it.

This booklet has been prepared by an expert group of doctors. It informs that when a person suffering from this disease sneezes or coughs, a lot of droplets spread in the air or fall on the ground and nearby surfaces. If another person is nearby and inhales the droplets or touches these surfaces and then touches his face, eyes or mouth, he can get the infection.

The chances are more if one is within a distance of less than a meter from the infected person. Majority of the people (80%) will require no treatment as such and will recover on their own.

According to the booklet, a small proportion (<20%) may need hospitalization. A very small proportion (mainly with underlying chronic illness) may need admission in intensive care unit (ICU).

This disease is known to occur in all age groups. It can spread to children as well through another person suffering from the disease in the household. The infection is generally mild in children.

Older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) are at a high risk to develop serious illness.

According to the AIIMS, it is not certain how long the virus survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other corona viruses. Studies suggest that corona viruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If an individual thinks that a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect himself and others. He should sanitize his hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. He should avoid touching his eyes, mouth, or nose.

The symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath.

These are similar to the symptoms of any viral infection like common cold, influenza etc.

According to the booklet, one should consult  a family physician if he is having clinical symptoms of a respiratory infection or he is having travel history to a corona virus-affected area and having close contact with a person infected with the virus.

If one has any of the symptoms of the virus and has travelled to any of the COVID-19 affected countries or he is a contact of a laboratory confirmed positive case, then immediately he must call helpline number- 011-23978046 and Toll Free No 1075 for guidance.

According to the booklet, as on date, there is no specific treatment for Corona Virus infection. Treatment for corona virus infection consists of symptomatic treatment.

Since it is a viral infection, in more than 80% of the cases it recovers within few days. A small proportion may need admission in hospital/ICU if they are having symptoms of severe disease. One should regularly and thoroughly clean his or her hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water after coming from outside or after visiting a patient with corona virus infection.

A person should maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between himself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. He should avoid touching his eyes, nose and mouth.