Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions

The unprecedented surge in the cases of COVID-19 has led people to search more and more about this disease including its treatments, sources, recovery rates, etc. Below are listed frequently asked questions on the deadly coronavirus that will help you attain clarity and prevent you from believing in rumors. 

Question- What is the Novel Coronavirus 2019?

Answer-2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV or COVID-19, is a new type of virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China. It has been named a novel as has not been identified previously.

Question-What is the source of COVID-19? 

Answer-At present, the exact source of COVID-19 is unidentified. Coronavirus is a huge family of viruses that cause illness in people and circulate among animals. Many patients infected with coronavirus in Wuhan had some links with the seafood and animal market. Therefore, the linkage suggests that the coronavirus emerged from an animal source.  

Question-What are the initial symptoms of coronavirus? 

Answer-Currently, the symptoms for patients with coronavirus are acute onset of fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. 

Question-How does this virus spread?

Answer-Since it is a novel coronavirus, the modes of transmission of the virus are not yet clear. The coronavirus is expected to spread from one person to another. It happens when a person infected with the coronavirus coughs or sneezes. 

Question-Is there any vaccine that can protect people from coronavirus?

Answer-No, currently there is no vaccine that can provide protection against coronavirus.

Question-Is it safe to travel to countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus?

Answer-Try to avoid non-essential travels to any of the affected countries. In case it is unavoidable, undertake the following health measures:

1- Observe good personal hygiene. 

2- Monitor your health.

3- In case you are not feeling well, seek medical attention. 

4- Check Travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India before traveling to any of the affected countries. 

Question-Are there any treatments available? 

Answer-No, currently there are no specific treatments that will cure the novel coronavirus but those who are infected are advised to take supportive care and get relief from the symptoms. 

Question-How can one protect themselves from the novel coronavirus? 

Answer- Wash your hands frequently with soap and cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing. You must observe good personal hygiene as well.

Question-Where can one find the list of affected countries? 

Answer-Yes, the list is available on the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is updated on time and again. 

Question-What should I do if I had close contact with a coronavirus infected person?

Answer-In case, you had close contact with a person who has been tested positive for coronavirus, then monitor your health for 28 days beginning from the last day of contact. Check for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. In case any of these symptoms arise, visit the nearest health center. 

Question-Should I get a test done for the novel Coronavirus?

Answer-If a person suffers from an acute onset of high fever, cough, shortness of breath then he/she must visit the nearest health care facility immediately. 

Question-Is the novel coronavirus like SARS? 

Answer- SARS is a coronavirus that was identified in the year 2003 and belongs to the same family of viruses as the novel coronavirus. Therefore, SARS and the novel coronavirus are indirectly related. Both viruses are capable of causing fatal diseases. However, the novel coronavirus does not appear to transmit easily between people as compared to the SARS virus which was much more transmissible.