PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CORONA VIRUS

As you know a new respiratory disease called COVID-19 is spreading across the world. India has also reported cases from states and the government is trying to contain the spread of the disease. As an important frontline worker, you play a major role in preventing its spread..

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the “novel corona virus”.

Common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Breathing difficulty

Some patients also have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea About 80% of confirmed cases recover from the disease without any serious complications. However, one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill* and develop difficulty in breathing. In more severe cases, infection can cause severe pneumonia and other complications which can be treated only at higher level facilities (District Hospitals and above). In a few cases it may even cause death.

How does COVID-19 spread?

•  COVID-19 spreads mainly by droplets produced as a result of coughing or sneezing of a COVID-19 infected person.
• This can happen in two ways:
  • • Direct close contact: one can get the infection by being in close contact with COVID- 19 patients (within one Metre of the infected person), especially if they do not cover their face when coughing or sneezing.
    • Indirect contact: the droplets survive on surfaces and clothes for many days. Therefore, touching any such infected surface or cloth and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes can transmit the disease.
• The incubation period of COVID 19 (time between getting the infection and showing symptoms) is 1 to 14 days some people with the infection, but without any serious symptoms can also spread the disease.

Which group of people are at higher risk of getting infected?

•  People who have travelled to other countries in last 14 days and their family members.
•  People coming from other states if they have been working with people who travelled to
  other countries in last 14 days.
• Family members and contacts of patients confirmed to have COVID-19.
• People older than 60 years of age and people with medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, respiratory disease/asthma, cancer or diabetes are at higher risk for developing serious complications.

Key messages to spread for prevention of COVID-19

1. 1. How to avoid getting COVID-19 or spreading it?
      • Practice Social Distancing:
        • •  Avoid gatherings such as melas, haats, gatherings in religious places, social functions
            etc.
          • Maintain a safe distance of at least one Metre between you and other people when in public places, especially if they are having symptoms such as cough, fever etc. to
            avoid direct droplet contact.
          • Stay at home as much as possible.
          • Avoid physical contact like handshakes, hand holding or hugs.
          • Avoid touching surfaces such as table tops, chairs, door handles etc.
      • Practice good hygiene
        • • Wash your hands frequently using soap and water:
          • After coming home from outside or meeting other people especially if they are ill.
          • After having touched your face, coughing or sneezing.
          • Before preparing food, eating or feeding children.
          • Before and after using toilet, cleaning etc.
   2. What to do if you are having symptoms or have travelled to other countries or states in past two weeks?
      • Symptoms of COVID 19 and seasonal respiratory illness (common cold/flu) are similar. All people with these symptoms may not have COVID 19.
      • Following persons should be quarantined for 14 days at home as a precaution:
        • • People who have travelled to COVID 19 affected countries/areas in past 14 days
          • Those who have come in close contact with suspected/confirmed COVID 19 patient
          • Those who develop symptoms
      • These persons should inform you. If symptoms become severe then the person should visit a health facility after speaking with you.
   3. How to take care of yourself and carry on with your duties as afrontline worker?
      • Take all preventive measures that you are talking about in the community such as keeping safe distance, washing hands frequently including before and after home visits. Carry your own soap if necessary
      • If you are visiting or accompanying a suspected case to any health facility, make sure to cover both your mouth and nose with folded cloth or mask.
      • If you are conducting community meetings or supporting outreach sessions the groups should not be larger than 10-12 people.
      • Maintaining safe distances for those living in crowded areas or the homeless is going to be difficult. Even then you should inform them about preventive measures and support them as required.
      • Self-monitor for signs of illness and report to the Medical Officer, immediately if any symptoms develop.
      • Ensure that you continue to undertake tasks related to care of pregnant women, newborns and sick children, Post Natal Care, Breastfeeding and Nutritional Counselling, TB and NCD patient follow up while taking preventive measures.
      • Remember older people are at higher risk, so take special care to visit homes of elderly people.
      • Continue to pay special attention to the marginalized, as is your routine practice.
      • Also as the people’s trusted health worker, try to reassure them that while those with symptoms and high risk need close attention, for others, prevention measures will decrease the risk of getting the disease.