Most-asked questions on Google on Coronavirus: We answer them for you

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What started as Coronavirus in December 2019 from China's Wuhan city has taken over the world and has been termed as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19, short for 'coronavirus disease 2019' is the official name given by WHO to the highly infectious disease that has spread alarmingly. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that cause illness. The disease is known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to other diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A state of fear has spread all over and people are searching about what it is, how it spreads and what could be the symptoms of the same. If you are one amongst them who's is curious to know more about coronavirus, we've put together some information basis what is being searched on Google.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the highly infectious disease caused by the recently-discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally.

How does COVID-19 spread?

Individuals can get COVID-19 from other people who have the infection - those people could be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The sickness can spread from individual to individual through little droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when an individual with COVID-19 coughs or breathes out. 

These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 metre of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

Covid-19 lives longest on plastic and steel, surviving for up to 72 hours. When the virus becomes suspended in droplets smaller than 5 micrometers — known as aerosols — it can stay suspended for about a half-hour before drifting down and settling on surfaces where it can live for hours, researchers have said.

Others at that point get COVID-19 by contacting these articles or surfaces, at that point contact their eyes, nose or mouth.

Individuals can likewise get COVID-19 in the event that they take in droplets from an individual with COVID-19. This is the reason it is imperative to remain more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from an individual who is infected. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

A few people contaminated with the infection show no symptoms. At the point when the infection shows symptoms, people have fever, body pains, cough, nasal clog, runny nose, chills, headache and sore throat. In any case, COVID-19 can infrequently cause progressively serious side effects like high fever, extreme cough, and shortness of breath, which regularly shows pneumonia.

Can COVID-19 be diagnosed?

There is a test for COVID-19 that involves collecting swabs from both the nose and the throat.

How can one avoid catching or spreading Coronavirus?

Does:

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly – do this for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Continuously wash your hands when you return home or from work.
• Use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not accessible.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or wheeze.
• Disposed soiled tissues quickly and wash your hands  
• Attempt to stay away from close contact with individuals who are unwell 
• Face masks offer some safety as they stop fluid droplets from accidently entering your body. In any case, they don't stop small vaporized particles that can go through the material of the veil. 

Don'ts:

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Is there any treatment for coronavirus?

• There is at present no particular treatment for coronavirus. 

• Anti-biotics don't help, as they don't neutralize infections. 

• Treatment is mostly symptomatic and your body battles the disease.
• You'll have to remain in isolation from others, until you have recouped.

Can pets catch coronavirus?

While there has been one occurrence of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, until this point in time, there was no proof that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is principally spread through droplets delivered when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. To keep yourself safe, clean your hands regularly.

Where can I get tested?

If you are feeling sick with COVID-19 symptoms, (for example, fever, cough, trouble breathing, loss of sense of taste, chills, headache, muscle pain or tiredness) it is suggested that you contact state government Covid-19 helpline.

Who is at more risk?

Mostly elderly individuals and those with secondary disease (for example hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory ailment, and cancer) are viewed as being majorly at risk. 

Can pregnant women and children catch coronavirus?

Yes, pregnant ladies are at risk and so are children. Presently, there is no proof of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child happening during pregnancy.

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