What is Covid-19, and how do we protect ourselves?

1. Novel coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough without a runny nose. Wuhan virus (called COVID 19) gets killed at a temperature of 30–35 degrees.
2.  This virus is large in size (about 400-500nm in diameter), so any normal mask should be able to stop it from spreading. The virus can travel 3 meters (about 10 feet) before it is no longer airborne.
3. The virus lives on a metal surface for at least 12 hours so wash your hands with soap after you touch metal surfaces such as doorknobs, railings etc.
4. The virus can remain active on fabric for 6-12 hours until washed with Normal laundry detergent. In case of winter clothing, you can put it out under the sun for 4 hours to kill the virus.

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by Coronavirus:

• The virus first infects the throat, leaving a dry sore throat feeling for 3 to 4 days.
• Then the virus blends into the nasal fluid and enters the lungs, causing pneumonia which takes another 5 to 6 days.
• After this, comes high fever and difficulty in breathing where the nasal congestion is not like the normal kind and feels like you are drowning. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you feel like this.

Ways to Prevent getting infected:

• The most common way of getting infected is by touching public things, so one must wash their hands frequently. Since the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, avoid touching your face or rubbing it.
• Avoid enclosed public spaces as much as possible. 
• Gargle with Betadine Sore Throat Gargle to eliminate or minimize the germs while they are still in your throat (before they reach the lungs).
• Embrace the Indian way of greeting and say namaste.
• Drink more hot water, go under the sun for a long time and avoid non-veg and very cold food intake like ice cream, etc. 
• if you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. 
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
• Stay home if you’re sick stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Embrace the Indian way of greeting and say namaste.