Photo by Pille R. Priske
In this article we tried to cover the most commonly asked questions regarding the current pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) and also this post will clear the frequent myths and facts with authentic references.
#1 - What is COVID-19 disease?
It is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, first detected in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html)
#2 – How can you be affected by COVID-19 disease?
It is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html)
#3 – Am I at risk?
If you have a history of travel in China and other countries with known cases of COVID-19 disease, you are most likely at risk. The risk is also high in the elderly and immune-compromised people.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html)
#4 – What are the cardinal signs and symptoms of COVID-19 disease?
The symptoms are very similar to flu, common colds, and allergic rhinitis, but what sets COVID-19 disease symptoms different from the rest are dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html)
#5 – How long will it take for the symptoms to manifest?
The symptoms of COVID-19 may appear as early as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
#6 – Is there an available vaccine for COVID-19 disease?
COVID-19 disease is new and unfortunately, there is no vaccine available to date.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/biosafety-faqs.html)
#7 – Is wearing a mask protect you from COVID-19 disease?
Ideally, healthy individuals do not need to wear a mask. The mask should only be worn by sick people such as those with COVID-19 disease to prevent infecting other people. Those who are working in the hospital and caring for COVID-19 patients are strongly advised to wear an N95 mask to protect themselves.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/biosafety-faqs.html)
#8 – Can I prevent the spread of COVID-19 by using wipes or disinfectant sprays on my skin?
Avoid directly spraying disinfectants on your skin as they may contain harmful ingredients, which could hurt or burn your skin. When using disinfectant to prevent germs and viruses, make sure you strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.Reference : (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/biosafety-faqs.html)
#9 – Can antibiotics treat or prevent COVID-19?
Antibiotics are only effective in treating diseases caused by bacteria. With viruses, antibiotics don’t work, but they can be used to treat co-existing symptoms.Reference : (https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/03/15/frequently-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/)
#10 – Can I be infected with COVID-19 if I touch foods, food packaging, and surfaces contaminated by coronavirus?
It is possible for the virus to survive for a few hours on objects and surfaces, but the risk of contracting the disease is low.Reference : ( https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/03/15/frequently-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/)
#11 – Do people living in warm weather less likely to be infected?
It is too early to predict if the spread of the virus has something to do with the weather. To date, COVID-19 disease has infected people across the globe including those living in the cold and warm climate.Reference : (https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/03/15/frequently-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/)
#12 – What can I do to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19?
Avoid unnecessary travel to places with known cases of COVID-19. Maintain good hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, and after taking care of sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay away from sick people. If you are sick, it is best if you stay at home. When coughing or sneezing, make sure you cover your nose and mouth.Reference : ( https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/03/15/frequently-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/)
#13 – How long does the virus remain on surfaces?
It is unclear as to how long the virus can survive on surfaces, but studies suggest that it could last for a few hours to days. Many factors can affect the resistance of the virus such as temperature/humidity and types of surface.Reference : (https://www.uwhealth.org/covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus/53156)
#14 – what should I do if I feel like the surface may be infected with a virus?
Clean the surface using disinfectant known to kill germs and viruses. Make sure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.Reference : (https://www.uwhealth.org/covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus/53156)
#15 – Can my pets get infected with COVID-19?
There is no evidence that pets or other animals can be infected with the coronavirus.Reference : (https://www.uwhealth.org/covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus/53156)
#16 – Is it safe to import animal products from China?
The Center for Disease Control does not have evidence to suggest that animal products from China pose a risk for spreading coronavirus.Reference : (https://www.uwhealth.org/covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus/53156)
#17 – Am I at risk for COVID-19 if I receive a package or products from China?
Coronavirus has poor survivability on surfaces and so the risk of spreading the virus from products or packages shipped from China is extremely low.Reference : (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/faq.html)
#18 – How is the COVID-19 disease spread?
The main mode of transmission is respiratory droplets.Reference : (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/faq.html)
#19 – Are animals responsible for the spread of COVID-19 disease?
The transmission is from human to human. There is not enough evidence suggesting that animals are responsible for the spread of coronavirus 2019 disease.Reference : (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/faq.html)
#20 – What are the cardinal signs and symptoms of COVID-19 disease?
COVID-19 is confused with cold, allergic rhinitis, and common flu as they share the same symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Some may experience diarrhea. Reference : (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/faq.html)
#21 – What is the incubation period/ time before the symptoms start to manifest?
It could take as early as two days to as late as 14 days for COVID-19 disease symptoms to manifest.Reference : (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses)
#22 – How to test for COVID-19 disease?
There is an available test kit for COVID-19 disease called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 – Novel Coronavirus Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-PCR Diagnostic Panel.Reference : (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses)
#23 – Is garlic useful in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 disease?
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Some people say that it can kill viruses including the new strain of coronavirus, but there is no evidence that consuming garlic can treat and prevent COVID-19.Reference : (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses)
#24 –Who is vulnerable to COVID-19 disease?
Healthy people are less likely to be infected with COVID-19 disease, especially those who have a strong immune system. However, those who have immune-compromised conditions and people in the geriatric category are at risk of contracting the disease.Reference : (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses)
#25 – Is taking a hot bath can prevent you from contracting COVID-19?
One way of preventing the spread of the virus is by maintaining good hygiene such as regularly taking a bath. However, taking a hot bath is not a guarantee of preventing you from contracting COVID-19. A hot bath can harm your skin, especially in people with rosacea and other heat-sensitive skin conditions.Reference : (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19)
#26 – Can mosquitoes transmit COVID-19?
To date, there is not enough evidence indicative that mosquitoes can transmit coronavirus disease 2019.Reference : (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19)
#27 – Can COVID-19 be destroyed using hand dryers?
Hand dryers, while effective at drying your hands, do not kill the virus. Frequent hand washing remains the top shield against infection.Reference : (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19)
#28 – Can coronavirus be detected by thermal scanners?
Thermal scanners detect body temperature, which means that it can detect people with fever; one of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 disease. However, fever alone is not a 100% indicator that a person has COVID-19.Reference : (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19)
#29 – Can spraying alcohol and chlorine all over the body kill the virus?
Alcohol and chlorine can kill germs and other harmful microorganisms, but just putting them directly to the body is unacceptable. They are harmful and could actually do more harm than good when put to the body.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#30 – Can pneumonia vaccine protect you against COVID-19 disease?
Vaccines against pneumonia do not give protection from COVID-19. Currently, there is no vaccine yet for COVID-19 and researchers are continuously doing their best to come up with a vaccine.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#31- what is the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 mask?
Surgical mask filters used particles of microorganisms while an N95 mask can filter minute particles. N95 masks can filter out 95% of particles.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#32 – Which is better a surgical mask or an N95 mask?
When it comes to filtering out harmful microorganisms, the N95 mask is better. It is worn by people caring for patients with respiratory pathogens such as in the case of COVID-19. The surgical mask only serves as a barrier, but not really effective in preventing the spread of the virus.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#33 – Will you die if you contracted COVID-19?
The majority of COVID-19 disease cases are mild and patients recover in a few days. However, death is also possible, but it does not mean you will die once you are infected. It all boils down to proper and timely management.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#34 – are children spared from COVID-19?
No. Children can still contract COVID-19, but they are less likely to be infected by the virus. Only those with immune-compromised conditions are at higher risk.Reference : (https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/communicable-disease-control/covid-19/)
#35 - Can coronavirus spread on notes and coins?
Not really. However, the Chinese government suggested that money received by all banks should be sterilized before they are released to clients – this includes both notes and coins.Reference : (https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/frequently-asked-questions)
#36 – will I develop my immunity after I am healed from COVID-19?
Since it is a new strain of the virus, there is really no guarantee that you can develop your immunity from it.Reference : (https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/frequently-asked-questions)
#37 – Can I spread the virus to others if I test positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic?
If you don’t have the symptoms but tests positive for COVID-19, it means that the level of virus is not high enough to cause harm to the body. Hence, you won’t be causing any harm to other people too.Reference : (https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/frequently-asked-questions)
#38 – Can eating a banana helps treat and prevent COVID-19?
No. Bananas are rich in potassium but there is not enough evidence to show that it is effective in treating and preventing COVID-19.
#39 – How will I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?
Common flu and COVID-19 symptoms are very similar but you’ll know if what you have is a flu or COVID-19 based on the symptoms. Flu comes sudden and characterized by headache, fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and joint pain, and severe fatigue. COVID-19 symptoms are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.Reference : (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-disease-2019-vs-the-flu)
#40 –Will social distancing prevent COVID-19 disease?
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is through frequent hand washing and avoiding sick people. However, social distancing is recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens.Reference : (https://www.conehealth.com/services/primary-care/social-distancing-faq-how-it-helps-prevent-covid-19-coronavirus-/)
