Dear Colleagues,
This is in continuation to the newsletter on “Corona Virus Keep yourself and other safe” in M-connect. Find the additional information adhere the fullest extend - .
Know How it Spreads:
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- The virus is spread through close contact with infected persons (droplet infection)
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- These droplets can land in the mouth/nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs
- Ways of airborne transmission include coughing, sneezing and breathing.
- Also, direct physical contact (touching an infected individual) can spread the virus easily. Same is true for touching contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms:
- Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness.
- The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. *
- Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath/ Difficulty in Breathing
- In fact, some patients will be completely asymptomatic – they carry and spread the virus without experiencing any (or only very mild) symptoms.
- Please educate everyone in your house and around you
Protect yourself:
- Avoid contact with people who are symptomatic or have been in high-risk areas. It is also crucial to know that not all infected persons show symptoms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth – especially with unwashed hands.
Get Medical Attention:
- you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.
- warning signs include*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, New confusion or inability to arouse, Bluish lips or face
- Please know the hospital where you must go in such situation well in advance and educate everyone in your house and around you
Protect others:
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• When you visit hospital for medical care, avoid public transportation
• Stay away from other people at home and animals If you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available,
clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• If you are sick: Wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g. sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear facemask (eg. because it causes trouble breathing), then you should cover your coughs & sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear facemask if they enter your room.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.