Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a type of virus that can cause an infection in your nose, sinuses or throat. The coronavirus virions are spherical with a cell diameter of 120-160nm. Coronavirus is likely to have more severe symptoms in people with low or weak immune systems and people who suffer with long term conditions such as cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes – as per research.
How does coronavirus spread?
Identification of the exact mode of spread is still uncertain considering the mass havoc created by the virus and the outbreak being relatively new. Center for Disease Control says “It is believed to be spread via direct or close contact (within 6 feet). In some cases, respiratory or cough droplets are believed to be a source as similar virus are spread through this medium.” However, The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Symptoms of Coronavirus:
Symptoms commonly include cough, shortness of breath, fever and fatigue, which could be misleading due to similarities with common cold and flu.
As per WHO, the symptoms of the disease is not specific and the disease presentation could range from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia and death. Individuals at highest risk for severe disease and death include people aged over 60 years and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer.
Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild with approximately 2.4% of the total reported cases reported amongst individuals aged under 19 years. A very small proportion of those aged under 19 years have developed severe (2.5%) or critical disease (0.2%). (Image Source: Science Direct)
Ways to Stay Safe:
| Dos | Donts |
| cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze | do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean |
| put used tissues in the bin immediately | antibiotics do not help, they do not work against a virus. |
| wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available | do not stockpile face masks. |
| try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell | do not self-diagnose in any situation, always consult a doctor |
It is also advisable not to use masks unless you’re sick as it would not really yield much if you are healthy. Since the increase in shortages of masks are sky-rocketing, better leave them for the sick and healthcare professionals. (Image Source: Health Plus)
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need to avoid Public Places?
Most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places. - When should I get a medical help?
Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. - Can the spread happen through Food or other objects?
“Experience with SARS and MERS suggest that people are not infected with the virus through food. So, it is unlikely the virus is passed on through food and there is no evidence yet of this happening with COVID-19 (coronavirus) to date. Coronaviruses need a host (animal or human) to grow in and cannot grow in food. Thorough cooking is expected to kill the virus because we know that a heat treatment of at least 30min at 60ºC is effective with SARS.” – as stated by FSAI
- Would swimming or any community habits impact my well-being?
It is generally safe to go swimming during this period. Water – and the chlorine – within swimming pools will help to kill the virus. What you’ll have to be mindful of are the interactions you have with others outside the swimming pool. – by Dr.Leong, Infectious Disease Specialist at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital & Health Plus
At Fitso, Public Health and Safety is our prime motto. To maintain sterile environment for our pool users, we use chlorine and potassium permanganate in all our swimming facilities to avoid any infectious transmissions. Also, we highly recommend all our users to refrain from using any sporting facilities and public places if they suspect any abnormalities.
For further information, course work and recent updates on Coronavirus, visit World Health Organization (WHO) portal on https://openwho.org/channels/covid-19
Content Credits: STA-UK & Dr. Mona
About Fitso: Founded by IIT-Delhi Alumni, FITSO is India’s largest sports discovery platform. On FITSO apps, you can search for a sports facility near you, book your slot and just go and play your favourite sport! FITSO currently maintains the largest inventory of premium temperature controlled swimming pools, indoor Badminton courts, Tennis courts, Cricket grounds, TT tables, Basketball courts, Squash arenas and access to 8+ sports in 5+ cities across India.
