In early 2020, a new virus began monopolizing global headlines called COVID-19 or Coronavirus Diseases 19. Because of the unprecedented speed of its transmission, the virus has affected more than a hundred thousand people, with a rising death toll now over 7000. This virus, which originated from Wuhan, China has been labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), since March 12th, 2020 and thus, it is extremely crucial for each and every individual to understand the virus and take the necessary measures to help drastically control the spread.
The virus is mainly spread through droplets. Thus, you are at risk if you come into contact with someone who’s carrying it, especially if you’ve been exposed to their saliva or been near them when they’ve coughed or sneezed or touched an item they have contaminated. Some of the reported illnesses due to the virus have ranged from patients with mild symptoms to more severe ones such as pneumonia and even death.
Symptoms:
COVID-19 may not initially show any symptoms as it may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. Also, the symptoms tend to be similar to a cold or flu. While you may have little to no symptoms for a while, as a carrier you can still infect others who are more at risk.
Some of the common and earliest symptoms linked to the virus include:
– Low-grade fever that gradually increases
– Dry cough that gradually worsens
– Shortness of breath and severe body ache.
These symptoms can develop into more severe conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, including pneumonia.
Who are mostly at risk:
While 80% of the cases are patients with mild symptoms, there are three types of people who are more at risk of fatality:
– Elderly people who are above 60 years old;
– Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, auto-immune diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases; and
– Pregnant women
Steps to Prevent the Spread:
– Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizers every 20 seconds
– Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth with your dirty hands
– Keep your immune system levels up and consume high doses of Vitamin C
– Drink warm water every day as the virus gets killed with exposure to heat above 27 degrees.
– Do not go out if you are feeling sick and have any cold or flu-like symptoms
– Wear a mask if you are sick
– Stay at least a meter away from someone who is coughing or sneezing
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If a tissue is not accessible then cover yours with the inside of your elbow.
– Use disinfectants on objects you use often such as your phones, computers, utensils, doorknobs, keys and more.
Seeking Medical Care:
There’s currently no treatment specifically approved for COVID-19, and no cure for an infection, although treatments and vaccines are currently under study. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms as the virus runs its course.
If you have COVID-19 or suspect that you have the virus then you should seek medical care in one of these places:
Jakarta:
– RSPI Prof. Dr Sulianti Saroso
– RSUP Persahabatan
– RSUP Fatmawati
– RSUD Cengkareng
– RSUD Pasar Minggu
– RS Bhayangkara Tk. I. R. Said Sukanto
– RSPAD Gatot Soebroto
– RSAL dr. Mintohardjo
– RS Pertamina Jaya
Bandung:
– RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung
– RS Paru Dr H.A Rotinsulu
– RS Tk.II Dustira
Yogyakarta:
– RSUP dr. Sardjito
– RSUD Panembahan Senopati
– RSUD Kota Yogyakkarta
– RSUD Wates
Surabaya:
– RSU Katholik Surabaya
– RSU Adi Husada Undaan
– RSU PHC Surabaya
– RSUD Bhakti Dharma Husada
– RSI Surabaya Jemursari
– RSU Siloam Hospital
– RSU Haji Surabaya
– RSU Premier Surabaya
– RSU Husada Utama Surabaya
– RSU Bhayangkara Tingkat II H.S. Samsoeri Mertojoso
– RSU Manyar Medical Center
– RSU Universitas Airlangga Surabaya
– RSU National Hospital
– RSU Royal Surabaya
Bali:
– RSUP Sanglah Denpasar
– RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar
– BRSU Tabanan Bali
– RSUD Kab. Buleleng
Should you require assistance, the hotline for the virus is: 112 or +62812 8837 6955
By: Divyha Pridhnani-Bhojwani
