Coronavirus COVID19 FAQ in India - Detailed mohfw.gov.in report

Based on Central Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare a detailed report for Coronavirus COVID19 in India.

What is Coronavirus or Covid19? 

2019 Coronavirus is a new virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is named Novel as it has not been previously identified.

What is the source of Novel Coronavirus 2019?

At present exact source of infection of 2019 novel Corona virus has not been identified. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and other that circulate among animals.
Initially, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly has some link to large seafood and animal market, suggesting the virus likely emerged from an animal source.

What are the initial symptoms of Coronavirus Covid19?

Current symptoms reported for patients with Covid19 include acute onset of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.

How does the virus spread?

• The specific modes of transmission of the virus is not clear yet since it is novel virus.
• The virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person.
• It's not clear yet how easily Cov2019 spreads from person-to-person.
• It is thought to have happened mainly when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.

What is Government of India doing about Covid 2019?

• 24x7 helpline has been setup by the GoI at NCDC, New Delhi to answer all queries regarding the disease.
• The GoI is closely monitoring the situation and has ascertained the level of preparedness in every State of India.
• As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation the GoI will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

Is there a vaccine for Coronavirus Covid19 to get protection?

Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against Covid2019 Coronavirus.

Is it safe to travel in other states or regions where Coronavirsu has infected?

• All non-essential travel to any region or state to be avoided.
• If the travel is unavoidable - At that situations please follow the simple health precautions before you leave
• Observe good personal hygiene
• Monitor your health closely
• Seek medical attention promptly if you feel sick
• If you feel sick during travel, inform airline crew about your illness and seek mask from the airline crew.
• For further details kindly check Travel advisory issued by MoHFW, GoI available on website (www.mohfw.gov.in)

What are the treatments?

There is no specific antiviral treatment available for 2019 covid coronavirus infection.
People infected with virus should receive support care to help relieve symptoms.

How can I help protect myself and my family?

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus COVID19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• All Non-essential travel to china or affected countries to be avoided.
• Observe good personal hygiene.
• Practice frequent hand washing with soap
• Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing with your folding hand
• The list of affected countries is available on WHO website (www.who.int) and would be updated time to time.

What should I do if I had close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of Coronavirus 2019?

• Self monitor your health starting from the day of last contact with such a case and continue for 28 days. Watch for the development of acute onset of signs and symptoms
• Feve, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• If you observe any of the above symptoms visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment.
• Further you must furnish the details of exposure of such patient to your health care worker.

Should I be tested for Coronavirus Covid19?

If you develop acute onset of fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath you should visit nearest health facily and the doctor's will decided if  you need to be tested for novel corona virus depending upon your history of travel to other regions/states where affected or any suspected areas with postive case confirmed.