It has been noticed that elderly people are at higher risk, but there is no evidence that mortality is more in children. Younger patients have been noticed to have mild or no symptoms at all. Pregnant and immunocompromised patients are at potential risk. However, the higher the age, the higher the risk. Mortality above 80 yrs age is the highest.

There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat Coronavirus. However, symptomatic treatment and supportive care are available. It is advised to take preventive measures like maintaining hand hygiene, keeping a distance from people sneezing or coughing, avoiding social interactions or public hangouts, avoid travelling overseas or to any potentially infected places, keep clothes clean and exposed to sun rays etc. It is also advised to consult a doctor without delay in case one faces breathing issues or cold/flu/fever persists, for early detection and treatment

There are many running myths that say coronavirus can be killed by certain products. It has been said that the virus can be killed by hand-dryers, UV lamps, alcohol, sesame oil and herbal remedies like garlic or clove. WHO has advised that these myths are baseless, and the virus cannot be killed either way. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine as of now to prevent or treat COVID-19, but research is underway.

Practice hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene adequately. Avoid smoking, wash hands regularly and always wear a mask if you have a cough or are feeling sick. Be mindful of your surroundings, avoid shaking hands and keep one metre’s distance from anybody who has cough, fever or breathing difficulty, but politely.

Not everyone needs to wear a mask. If you are a healthcare provider, or if you are caring for an infected person, or if you are sick or having symptoms, or if you are going to be amongst a large crowd, you need to wear a mask to contain and prevent the spread of droplets. Do not hoard masks as they are not foolproof methods to avoid catching the infection. Remove the mask from the back of the head instead of touching it while disposing. As India is entering in community spread, mask is important protective equipment for prevention of disease. But as it is not full proof, you need to follow other precautions too.

Most people recover from the coronavirus infection. However, most people whose deaths were caused due to the coronavirus infection had pre-existing diseases and comorbidities or had a weak immune system or simply worse overall health. Therefore, the risk of coronavirus being fatal depends on the strength or weakness of your immunity and respiratory system.

Quarantine is a measure taken to isolate a sick or infected person or someone suspected of having caught an infection when there is an outbreak of contagious, communicable diseases. This is done to contain the spread of the infection. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19 infection, having originated in Wuhan Province of China, has now propagated its way into 80+ countries. Positive cases are springing up every day in different parts of the world. The virus is transmitted via droplets of mucus or saliva of an infected person when he or she coughs or sneezes. Due to its easy transmission route, the virus, as well as the panic surrounding it, has currently penetrated the very fabric of scrutiny and vigilance of various countries. Quarantine and the process of isolation are key in handling the spread of the infection, thereby reducing the mortality rate caused due to the coronavirus.

• A person tested positive with coronavirus with unmanageable symptoms at home like fever, cough and breathing difficulty that might need further evaluation and treatment at a hospital
• A person belonging to the older age group, especially over 60 years of age and having tested positive with symptoms. It has been noted that this is a high-risk group
• A person who has tested positive and has pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, TB, or has chronic comorbidities

If you have had a recent history of travel to an area with an outbreak or have been exposed to someone suspected of having the infection and you have developed symptoms such as fever or cough. If you have recently travelled from another country and screening has been done, you might be directed by the Embassy to put yourself on semi-voluntary quarantine at home. If you have already returned from the hospital after recovering from the coronavirus infection and testing negative, you may be put on self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. 

If you are sick and you notice your symptoms worsening with shortness of breath or if you notice any of your family members showing signs of the sickness, then it is important to reach out to a hospital or helpline numbers so that you can be placed in an isolation ward until recovery. (Helpline number for coronavirus information and medical help in India: +91-11-239780460)

Preparation for self-quarantine in your house involves appropriate stocking up (and not hoarding) of supplies- essentials being health and hygiene products such as adequate prescription medicines, health records, tissues, personal protective equipment, sanitizers, soaps, disinfectants for surfaces, etc. Food supplies such as canned goods, water cans can come in handy. Isolation may not be easy, so even comfort food like chocolates can be of help if you do not have symptoms.

Physical isolation can be strenuous and distressing. You might be prone to anxiety during this time, as you may feel more disconnected from the world around you. While you can continue maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene, keep a watch on how you are feeling, talk often with friends or mental health professionals.