Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.

Dr. Yogesh Jadhav Created on 31st Dec, 20

Understanding COVID-19 and How to Stay Safe

Coronavirus disease 2019, also called COVID-19, is caused by a virus that can be passed from person to person. It first appeared in people in December 2019 and has quickly spread around the world. COVID-19 affects your respiratory system. In some cases, it can cause problems with your lungs, like pneumonia. There is a lot out there about COVID-19. Guidelines are quickly changing as we learn more about the virus and how it acts. Trying to keep up with what to do and what not to do can be confusing and overwhelming. So let’s break it down. Let’s talk about what practical steps to take that will keep you and those around you safe and healthy.

How does COVID-19 spread?

1. The virus is spread through droplets. So if an infected person sneezes or maybe a cough, they project droplets of the virus out into the air. These droplets then land on or are breathed in by other people. That is the most known way the virus can spread.
2. It can also spread is when those infected droplets land on surfaces (like door handles and elevator buttons). If a healthy person touches the area that has droplets on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, it is possible for them to fall sick.
3. These are travel paths for the virus, so the less you touch them, the less chance there is that the virus will enter your body. That is why everyone keeps saying, Do not touch your face!
4. If the virus contacts your skin, like on your hand, you want to wash it off by using soap and water. You can also use a hand sanitizer before it reaches your eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. It may be possible for a person with COVID-19 to pass the virus to others when they are not showing signs of being sick (this is called asymptomatic transmission). It often takes 2 to 14 days before people start to feel sick after being exposed to the virus.
6. So you could be getting other people sick without knowing it. That is why, when there are a lot of cases of COVID-19 in an area, leaders recommend staying home unless you really need to do something (like getting groceries). And if you are feeling sick, stay home and call your doctor.

What are COVID-19 Symptoms?

Some signs of being sick with COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Body aches
• Trouble breathing
• Some less common symptoms of the virus:
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Problems with the sense of smell or taste
• Nausea and diarrhoea

We know it may seem like anything can be a symptom, so if you are not feeling well, stay home and call your doctor. Most people who get the virus may only experience mild symptoms. Some people won’t experience any symptoms at all. Most people, including children, who get sick with COVID-19, can recover at home. But, for some people, especially people who are 65 and above, people who have other health problems.

People who have lung conditions, diabetes and heart disease

People whose immune system (or infection-fighting system) does not work so well

COVID-19 may cause more serious problems that require hospitalization.

What should I do if I am worried about being exposed?

Your chances of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 increase if:

You were in 6 feet of someone who is infected (about the length of a bed away from them)

You live or have travelled to a location that has a lot of cases

You were at a crowded event with someone who is infected (like a party)

If you think you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, but you do not have any symptoms, call your doctor or public health office. They can tell you what to do next.

If you think you might have been exposed, and you have symptoms like fever or cough, you should call before going to your doctor’s office or to a hospital.

Your doctor can tell you what to do and if you need to be seen in person. If you are asked to come to the hospital, you may be asked to follow special procedures (like using a special entrance away from other people and covering your nose and mouth).

It is important to know that currently, there is no proven treatment for COVID-19. But, doctors can help support your breathing and make you as comfortable as possible.

Most people will not need to stay in the hospital and will be able to make a complete recovery at home.

What can I do to stay healthy?

• Wash your hands with soap and water. It may sound simple, but it has a big impact. Basically, it is because soap breaks apart the container that holds the virus.
• Once the container is open, the virus just washes away with the water. For this to happen, you gotta spend some time washing your hands, and you need to scrub.
• You have to wash your hands for 20 seconds
• You will want to rub your hands together, clean your wrists, fingernails, in between your fingers, and dry your hands with a paper towel which you can throw away.
• Lastly, turn the water off using the paper towel instead of your hand.
• Now, if you have kids in your house, make sure they’re washing their hands this way too. If you do not have water and soap around, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to rub it in until it is dry.

Homoeopathic remedies and COVID-19

• Like many cases of flu, the first stage of COVID-19 is a sniffle, a fever and a sense of feeling unwell – along with an understandable sense of panic.
• During stage 1, taking doses of Aconite (Aconitum napellus) has helped cut the whole thing down and reduce some symptoms. Aconite can stop it in the initial stage. It is useful in the first stage of any kind of febrile condition.
• Aconite is not the only remedy useful in stage 1. You can also go for Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, Kali muriaticum, Bryonia and Antimonium tartarkum.
• However, homoeopathic specialists point out that Aconite is not the best remedy for stage 2 or 3. This is when the condition becomes more serious with pneumonia, severe respiratory problems and high fevers.
• Even products that homoeopathic pharmacies sell for the 2nd and 3rd stages—remedies like Antimonium tart, Phosphoric acid and Antimonium arsenicosum.
• Remember, these are remedies that have shown to be very good for initial stages, but they are not efficient remedies for this pandemic.
• For finding the most efficient remedy for yourself, knowing the optimal dosage, knowing when to shift remedies, you have to consult an experienced homoeopathic doctor.