In a conversation with goodlifepedia, senior faculty of Microbiology, SMCH,Dr S. S. Sen has laid down a few important points for citizens to stay aware about the deadly COVID-19 .
This really has been an awful start to the year for the entire world.
I was involved in past 2 epidemics (bird flu and swine flu) and from my past experiences with epidemics I can attest the fact that steps and preventive measures taken in the initial weeks play a great role in controlling such an issue.
A matter of relief in this case is that it is not an airborne disease like H1N1 H5N1 bird or swine flu. COVID spreads only by direct contact with the infected patient (the droplet secretion can enter through mucosa of face, eyes and other places )
Virology: It is an RNA VIRUS causing diseases in animals and human. Human forms are novel for the fact that not much is not known about the virus yet. But as I mentioned earlier, it is a big relief that this disease is not airborne like H1N1 or H5 N1 swine and bird flu. Had it been airborne, it would have been very difficult to arrest the pandemic.
Symptoms and mode of screening
Symptoms are similar to influenza (upper respiratory tract infection). Fever, cough sneezing Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulty, etc. It is very difficult to differentiate in the initial rounds.
As a part of the screening team we check:
1- Travel history of the person from a country infected with COVID (like China Italy etc )
2- Whether the person has been in close contact with an already detected covid-19 patient.
At this particular moment, especially in India, this is the strategy which has been adopted by different states.
The entire medical fraternity of Barak valley is well equipped with sufficient knowledge to fight this threat. Doctors have been performing rigorous screening of passengers in airport and in some cases, railway stations too. Intensive training sessions have being conducted by SMC in collaboration with the government. However by God’s grace not even a single case has been found positive in SMC yet.
Last week in Silchar airport, though one passenger traveled with upper respiratory tract infection.
After the preliminary tests, no sign of COVID was detected. The subject was suggested a home quarantine. His condition improved soon.
To do’s and Not-to-do’s
The central as well the state Governments have been proactively fighting against this virus by providing every possible help to the doctors and citizens for the last few weeks. As a responsible citizen it is however our duty to help the govt by adhering to these points :
i) Any symptoms of cough, fever, breathing difficulty should be reported to doctor. In every district there are centers in medical colleges where tests are done.
ii) Contact with a Corona virus patient should not be kept hidden from the authorities
iii) Travel history in infected countries should be reported for proper investigation
iv) Medical advice should be sought at mildest suspicion in any civil hospital, or nearby hospital. You can also rush to your family doctor for the initial rounds of investigation.
Additionally,
i)Avoid crowded places like market places, malls, parties etc
ii) Take special care of elderly persons (above 60 years), small children and family members with pre-existing disease (like diabetes) and weak immunity.
iii) Work from home, spend time with your family. Use mask if you need to go out
iii) Wash hands with handwash /Sanitizers regularly
iv) Practice Cough etiquettes
v) Follow Government announcement and advisories. Refrain from spreading rumors in social media that may create unnecessary panic in town.
I have this strong conviction that we (India) are moving on the right track in curbing this pandemic and the next 3 weeks is very crucial for us. Stay aware and trust the medical authorities and the government.
We are doing our best to keep you safe.