COVER STORY

COVER STORY | A layman’s Guide to COVID19

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from epidemic to pandemic.

Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface, there are many types of Coronaviruses that were first discovered in the 1960s different types of coronavirus circulate as the common cold and 30% upper respiratory tract infections. In the last 20 years, the world has seen 3 Coronaviruses outbreaks. The SARS in 2002, the MERS in 2012 and now the Covid 19 in 2019.

The new coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, was first encountered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

The name Covid-19 was announced on 11 February 2020 by the World Health Organization. The director-general of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has quoted “We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease. Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing.”

How does the Virus Spread? According to the world health organization (WHO), coronaviruses are most commonly spread between an infected person and others via: l From viral particles from a cough or sneeze COVER STORY |

Close personal contact (touching or shaking hands)

An object or surface with viral particles on it (then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands).

How to protect yourself? As per the recommendations of the world health organizations, these are the stated precautionary measures to reduce the impact of COVD19

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Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow Avoid close contact with anyone with flu or cold-like symptoms

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Practice food safety ( cook meat and eggs well)

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Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus infections and most people will recover on their own, according to the CDC (Center for disease control). So treatment involves rest and medication to relieve existing symptoms. A humidifier or hot shower can help to relieve a sore throat and cough. If you are mildly sick, you should drink a lot of fluids and rest. There is no vaccine for the new coronavirus but researchers have confirmed that they are in preliminary stages of developing one.

Myth Busters Common myths about COVD19 COVER STORY |

This list has been prepared as per the World Health Organization official advisory as an advice to the public

Myth: The COVID-19 can only be transmitted in areas with a hot and humid climate According to the evidence collected by the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.

Myth: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you states WHO.

Myth: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites. To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. Myth: Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus? No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Myth: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus? No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Myth: Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus? Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.

As the Erasmus quote goes, “Prevention is Better than Cure”. Covid 19 has been impacting our lives deeper than imagined, we spoke to some of Hyderabad’s medical experts and others who are part of the community to ask them about their opinions on the ongoing pandemic.

“For many, life, as we know it, has come to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are being closed, employees are being asked to work from home, retail outlets are pulling down their shutters. Social distancing has become the new norm. Amid all this uncertainty, as the whole world is confronting their mortality, doctors all over are being stretched to the limit. They are being asked to face a pandemic that no one fully understands, in spite of being short on personal protective gear, supplies, equipment, sleep, and personnel; thereby risking their own health and lives. Gross inadequacies in the health care systems have been exposed all over the world. I have heard a lot of people complaining about the work from home issues, cribbing about their daily planners that need to be submitted to their bosses. But they don’t realize that doctors are at the frontlines trying to protect them from this pandemic. Doctors don’t have the privilege of “working from home”.To all these people, on behalf of the medical fraternity, we request you to please cooperate with the authorities and stay at home to prevent the spread of the pandemic. At this point, there seems to be no way of containing the spread except by limiting contact with each other.” Dr. Amisha Kawle M. D. Anesthesia and critical care, Consultant anesthesiologist and intensivist

“The Corona threat is real and we should stop acting like we are immune to it. Coming 2 weeks are very crucial and challenging days for our entire health system. Reports from ground zero in other countries don’t look good. We are in a way fortunate to be the country affected later than most of the other countries, Which gives us time and a better understanding of this on-going pandemic. It’s time for us to act responsibly. The Corona threat is real and Coming 2 weeks are very crucial and challenging days for our entire health system. Reports from ground zero in other countries don’t look good. We are in a way fortunate to be the last country to be affected. Which gives us time and a better understanding of this ongoing pandemic. We should act responsibly and by proper precautions, we can mitigate its impact.” Dr. Sunil Mohan Murarisetty MD Pediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology

“I think the ICMR(Indian Council of Medical Research) and Govt should speed up testing and conduct random tests. When Community transmission happens, it will spread in a way that cannot be controlled. There will be no looking back! Currently, with only about 166 being infected, the attitude of people and the government seems to be relaxed. But if S.Korea and Italy could have numbers jumping from hundreds to Lakh in days, then we with a billion population need to definitely worry. People need to take this seriously. We need to be kind to what is being said and kinder to people who work with us. Stay home, and stay safe should be the motto. If we are focused on following precautions for 10 days then the situation should subside in India, and we will not be under the threat zone. It has created panic in my thoughts and schedule. The whole scenario of working from home, and cutting down commute is normal until you are enjoying it, but not when you are mentally compelling yourself to. Social recession and isolation are more than just mental changes. I have stopped buying vegetables and fruits. I have switched to e-commerce but the worry is how long does this have to go on for.” Karishma Asoodani, Independent Business Journalist

The key to stopping the spread of CoViD 19 is maintaining proper hand hygiene with soap and water, keeping a safe social distance (3 meters) and if you’re not well to stay at home and use precautions to not spread it to others. Efforts are ongoing to develop a vaccine but until then prevention is key. Dr. Mir Samir Inayath MD, Anaesthesiologist-Postdoctoral Fellow in Paediatric Anesthesiology

“Covid 19 and Pregnancy - Those who are planning for pregnancy it would be better to hold on as pregnancy is a state of immunocompromise, anemia, and gestational diabetes utmost care has to be taken precautions if u have flu-like symptoms observe yourself for 15 days, quarantine yourself screen yourself with a swab for culture and sensitivity, no case of vertical transmission reported so far (mother to baby in utero), no transmission during vaginal or cesarean delivery reported so far, no transmission through breast milk reported so far. The precautions you can take are, to have a nutritious diet, antioxidants, Control sugar, maintain good HB level, isolate from gatherings, wear a mask, cleanse your hands, do not shake hands, avoid sick people, ventilate your rooms, drink plenty of water, vitamin c, zinc, and multivitamin supplements to be taken never ignore minimal flu symptoms -Covid 19 is a cytokine storm the speed of infection is aggressive hence avoid superstitious culture-based gatherings after delivery and educate the older generation regarding this viral storm and follow all the preventive measures and be socially responsible together contributing these preventive efforts we can arrest the chain of transmission”. Dr, Kavya Priya Vazrala, MS OBG- Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Laparoscopic surgeon - Infertility Specialist -Fellowship (Infertility and Endogynaecology)

“I just went out a week back for dinner and I am very aware of the number of people we actually meet on a daily basis. The cab driver, the maid, the people at the restaurant, the people who serve you, my friends with whom I was out. Now imagining I carry the virus and each of these people goes out and comes in contact with more people? I can’t imagine what that will lead to. That’s when I realized the enormity of what this virus means for us. I just stay home now 99% of the time. Another thing I have noticed is that our privilege allows us to stay at home, work from home and still get paid. People from underprivileged backgrounds do not have a choice. Sadly, I don’t even know how we can remedy this situation. Making everyone work from home, in general, feels like the end of the movement as such. It’s living through tv screens and phone screens. It’s living virtually. It’s all very sad really.” Kriti Samidi, Post Graduate Student

“I’m actually interested in the long-term effects of COVID-19. Now that people are actually working from home, will that become a norm later? Will countries spend more on public healthcare systems? Will online classes and courses become more popular? There are so many questions to be answered once it’s all over. I have been practicing social distancing. And we are all working from home. And washing hands was essential anyway.” Manasi Bhallamudi Project Consultant, Change Seekers LLP

MULTIPLAYER GAMES

Pro Evolution Soccer PES is the game for huge lovers of football who can’t get out. Play online games or local games with a pal on the same couch in real-time; this feature gives you the thrill of football on your mobile phone.

UNO The famous card game that has been played for decades and still doesn’t manage to bore you. While playing with physical cards is definitely more enjoyable, this online version doesn’t disappoint. Play with players across the world or create private rooms for family and friends, this game is fun nevertheless.

Ludo King Don’t have the board game version? Worry not. This online gaming version of Ludo is as good and addictive. A classic, recall your childhood as you play with friends and family.

Duo Lingo Ever wanted to learn a new language? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and download this app right away. Pick from Spanish, French, German, English and 20 more languages. Regular exercises and competitive lessons will help you improve and you’ll learn something while killing time

Paperama An app for all those who loved paper folding games as kids, Paperama takes you into the world of origami. With its cool 3D effect and over 70 puzzles to solve, it’ll bring back the child in you.

Tender Imagine a world where foodies from all over the world could interact to give each other gastronomical pleasure. This app makes that a possibility. Look at the beautiful photos and if you like it, swipe-to-save and know the recipe. Like Tinder, but better!

A virtual platform to learn life skills Priya Rajiv a certified life coach who has created a virtual platform to help develop and learn new life skills

Online Summer Camp It’s a 2 months camp, 4 days a week along with one-hour parent counseling every week the camp is accomodating art therapy, photography, and communication.

Quartine with Liphul Get artsy and color your dream shade and challenge your friends, tag Liphaul and get featured.

British Museum, London This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Guggenheim Museum, New York Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

Parasite Parasite made history by winning an award for the Best Picture at the Oscars earlier this month. This Bong Joon-Ho movie is the first non-American film to achieve this feat. The movie tells the story of how greed and class discrimination comes in the way of a relationship shared between a wealthy and an impoverished family.

Marriage Story Marriage Story on the outside gives the feel of a regular love story. However, it is anything but that. The film exhibits how the troubles of life become obstacles in the most beautiful relationships. It is a scoop of romance with sprinkles of reality.

Article 15 Article 15 is inspired by real-life events. It kicks off with a police officer (Khurrana) being transferred to a remote village. There, two girls are reported missing and as the case begins unraveling itself, he discovers that corruption has penetrated this case at every level. This hard-hitting film has received three trophies at the 65th Filmfare awards.

Oranges Vitamin C -Increases the production of white blood cells and fights alien infections

Garlic It is highly powerful in fighting infections, Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin

Ginger Ginger helps decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses.

Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) Is packed in anti-oxidants, may decrease colostral, can help kill off bacteria, Could Help Protect the Liver and Can Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation.

Hydration Hydrate yourself to maintain the body functions on check.

Sleep One of the most evident ways to stay healthy to get enough sleep.

Meditation & Yoga It helps de-clutter your mind and keeps the stress away.

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1. Saif Ali Khan - Saif Ali Khan and son Taimur working on their green thumb 2. Twinkle Khanna - Twinkle Khanna and her little one growing intellectually reading books 3. Deepika Padukone - Decluttering her closet 4. Katrina Kaif - Cleaning around the house, activating her cleaning bug. 5. Tahira Kashyap - Working on her Artistic creativity

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The Masked Crusaders Wearing a mask during these uncertain times is a tiny action but contributes immensely towards te control of the spread of the COVID19. And these are our masked crusaders who with exercising this habit are contributing tremendously towards the control of spread of the virus. COVER STORY |

“The most important thing that I am doing to save and protect the world at this moment is staying at home and only getting out to get essential items. I have also given holiday to my maid and i m not cutting off their salary. I am also making my followers aware of the situation and asking them to stay at home”, Tanya Arora, Artist

“As makeup artist, we happen to come in close contact with our brides while dolling them up. While Hyderabadis failed to cancel their weddings at the initial outbreak of coronavirus in the city, we were obligated to continue our services taking the best preventive measures like wearing masks, using disposable gloves, sanitizing hands and disinfecting the makeup brushes at every step”. Maryam Alvi Makeup Artist

“I am being a hero by staying home with my baby and following strict precautionary measures. Kids are at more risk so I am following guidelines to ensure the safety of myself and my family. Even though I need supplies and essentials for my baby, I am putting the safety of the country first like millions out there. Every single citizen is responsible to stay at home and break the curve. That’s the least we can do to help save humanity”. Azrah JV Ebrahim, Makeup Artist “We have provided and are providing 10 day ration to the daily wage earners. We have been doing this since 5 days and shall be doing it till the days are back to normal m. Gulmohar boutique in colaboration with Motherland society Ngo is raising donations and working personally on it be it from purchase to packing till distribution.” Ayesha And Hajera Baquer, Entrepreneurs. “We gave out some amount through our charitable trust in the surrounding neighbourhood so that people can purchase necessary ration. We also distributed masks and gloves among families who were dependent on very little salaries for their livelihood. People who are unaware of these instructions need to be informed especially. So we are also trying to educate people about Covid-19. Apart from this, just being at home because nothing can be more responsible than that”. Naushi Farooqui, Entrepreneur.