1. Home
2. 
3. Health
4. 
6. 
7. COVID-19: Causes and Prevention Simplified

The simplest way to understand the virus lies here.

It’s official; the world is coming to a shutdown due to COVID-19. With so much news and information, what’s to be heard and what’s not?

It’s an urgent appeal not to panic but to be vigilant, so we asked Dr. Yogesh Agarwal, Consultant of Pulmonary Medicine, Aditya Birla Hospital, to help us sift between all information.

SYMPTOMS

Coronaviruses cause upper respiratory tract infections occurring sporadically or in outbreaks of variable size, and probably also play a role in severe respiratory infections, particularly adults with underlying pulmonary disease and older adults. 80% of the cases it is minor variety as it is symptomatic. The virus can cause severe disease but not to everyone. At this point of time when you have respiratory symptoms, it is best to avoid exposure to other people and consult your health care practitioner as soon as possible.

HOW IT SPREADS

Coronavirus spreads from person to person when they come in close contact. It can also spread if a person touches a surface that is contaminated. When a person suffering from coronavirus sneezes or coughs, there are droplets that are released. These infected droplets can land on people nearby or on the hands of the person suffering and gets passed on to people who come in close contact. Since these droplets also contaminate the surface where these droplets fall, it can be spread through touching that surface also.

HOW TO PREVENT AND PROTECT

It is important to take these measures:

• Hand washing is the key, use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Properly cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing. Disinfect surfaces frequently touched.
• Avoid unnecessary traveling to crowded places and gathering places
• Avoid eating raw and uncooked food items.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes with dirty hands. Use a Sanitizer.
• Reporting all symptoms of respiratory origin
• Be in clean surroundings and keep them clean.
• Follow travel guidelines by CDC.
• Use Face Mask if you are sick or visiting someone who is sick.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Dr. Yogesh Agarwal, Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine, Aditya Birla Hospital. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.