Certain urgent requirements meant driving all over Delhi today and I was surprised not to experience the usual stress and frustration that this entails. The traffic was noticeably less. With schools shut, everyone taking precautions not to go out of doors unless necessary, there is a palpable change in the air. On the one hand they tell us to pretty much put our lives on hold for the time being; on the other they tell us not to panic. What really are we supposed to do and not do with the coronavirus currently casting a giant shadow upon all our lives? What will really help keep COVID-19 at bay and what is superfluous?
The reason things got out of hand in places like China, Italy and Iraq is that they weren't able to arrest the spread of the virus in time. In India, we are forewarned; therefore forearmed. We are advised to stop the transmission of the virus in its tracks by taking proactive measures – so that our healthcare system is not overburdened and valuable lives may be saved.
We are all being asked to stay at home as much as possible – even if we are perfectly healthy, even if it’s boring. Events, social gatherings, even meetings are canceled so as to prevent social contact. This social distancing is vital to prevent virus transmission. The fewer people come into contact with each other, the lower the chance of transmission. That is why Italians are singing to each other from windows and balconies.
This virus spreads via water droplets. It cannot travel on its own beyond a few feet, but it can remain alive on some surfaces for up to three days. Handwashing with simple soap and water (even hand sanitisers don’t work as well), avoiding physical contact with others and shared surfaces are the best ways to counter this virus. Frequent and thorough handwashing (for at least 20 seconds) and avoiding touching the face, are vital for preventing contagion. And of course, remember not to sneeze or cough into your hand. Use a tissue or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
With COVID 19, kids are more typically the vectors or carriers rather than the victims. They are usually mildly infected and there are times when infected individuals do not even show symptoms. So classrooms, school buses and school events are a bad idea. Even playdates may be a bad idea unless it is with just one or two close friends while maintaining good hygiene. Teach proper hand-washing and avoiding touching shared surfaces; explain the importance of this.
It is the contagiousness and not the fatality rate of COVID 19 that makes it so dangerous. The overall fatality rate is about 2.3%, which is lower than previous outbreaks such as SARS and MERS. Typical symptoms include fever and dry cough. Serious infections may cause pneumonia, but a majority of cases are mild and there are even cases where infected individuals show no symptoms. Be vigilant about people you come into contact; particularly their travel history.
The COVID 19 strategy is an evolving one. Trust only reputed sources for information; discount WhatsApp forwards – whether alarmist or reassuring. There is nothing to support claims show that so-called herbal tonics, homoeopathy, ‘medicines’ made from cow urine or dung, garlic or alcohol are effective against the virus. Stay abreast of advisories issued by health authorities. If you have been in contact with a person returning from abroad or suspect that you have coronavirus call the toll-free helpline number 011-239 78046 or email your query to [email protected].
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