Coronavirus COVID-19 disease 2019: A guide.

COVID-19 is the name given to the novel coronavirus infectious disease that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, ‘D’ for disease, and ‘19‘ for 2019 – the year it was identified.

Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that are known to cause disease in certain mammals and birds. COVID-19 is closely related to the SARS virus (2002-2003). Hence, the name of the virus itself is called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).

COVID-19 is colloquially being called coronavirus. Other terms used are ‘novel coronavirus’, ‘nCoV-2’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, and ‘Wuhan pneumonia’ - a name discouraged by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

When people sneeze or cough they release respiratory droplets that are suspended in the air and/or stick to surfaces. COVID-19 mainly spreads through direct contact with these droplets. 

A healthy person may inhale infectious droplets or their hands may touch surfaces that are infected. Surfaces or objects get infected from droplets that stick to surfaces when an infected individual coughs or sneezes nearby. A healthy person may touch their face: eyes, nose or mouth, which is where the virus gains entry. Hence, regular hand-washing with soap or hand-sanitizer is a must.

The virus could be present on the hands of someone who is infected (direct-hand contact) or on surfaces they have touched. In such cases, disinfectants such ethanol, hydrogen peroxide or bleach will disinfect surfaces by killing the virus.

 

The common symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and fatigue.

The uncommon symptoms include headaches, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills, muscle and joint pains, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

In severe cases, multiple organ failure and pneumonia have been observed. In rare cases, prolonged infection can be fatal.

It must be noted that these symptoms - and the preventative measures - are similar to common cold and influenza (flu) which are far more likely to affect people (see prevention). Hence, laboratory testing is required to confirm the presence of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

From the time someone is exposed to COVID-19 to the point where they may show symptoms, it may take 2-14 days. The average time it takes is about 5 days.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 infection has been found to be detected in air and on certain surfaces from several hours to days. According to the latest study done by a collective group of scientists from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. See the following table:

It is important to remember that the virus does not replicate on surfaces. That is, it requires a host in order to increase in particle number - in the case of SARS-CoV-2 the host would be us, and our lung cells. Contrary to this, the number of infectious particles decrease over time i.e. the virus particles keep dying over time on any surface or air. For example, the survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on plastic is 72 hours (3 days) but by the third day there's only 0.1% of the original amount of virus that was initially deposited on the surface. The virus in such small loads is highly unlikely to infect a person. You are more likely to get infected by another infected person within the 1 meter range sneezing or coughing at you than by surfaces.

Therefore, it is key to remember that the virus greatly reduces in number (number of infectious particles) when it is on surfaces or air.

Expanding on this, in a study environment (laboratory) the SARS-CoV-2 virus may stay in the aerosol droplets for 3 hours but in nature heavier particles (sneezes/coughs) sink into the ground faster.

You may clean surfaces that are touched often by hands by using disinfectants such as a solution of ethanol, a solution of hydrogen peroxide or a solution of bleach. Otherwise, if you can afford to leave items untouched for more than three days, please do.

Food items from stores:

For food items that you have just bought from the store (tin cans, plastic packets, plastic cans, cardboard boxes etc.) please do clean them with some logical form of cleaning agent (for example: a kitchen dish-washing liquid and water). Place them in a clean area for drying.

Follow guidelines for cleaning hands mentioned by the CDC here.

Current research says 'no'. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets which are heavier and, most of those droplets will land on the floor in a few minutes.

Caution with news media:

News has made a big deal out of the fact that this virus can hang in the air for up to 3 hours (see table above – ‘How long does the virus, SARS-CoV-2, survive on surfaces?’). While it is true that a study reveals that there is a very small proportion of droplet material that hangs in the air for up to 3 hours, the point being forgotten here is that those droplet materials are actually small particles of genetic material (RNA); not the complete virus – and there is no evidence so far to suggest that that causes disease or infection.

Scientist define “airborne” differently from what is being assumed in news media. When infected people sneeze, cough or talk, they let out droplets which contain the virus encased in mucus, saliva and water. Bigger droplets are heavier and so fall to the ground. Smaller droplets evaporate faster than they fall. This leaves dried-out virus in the air which moves farther in terms of distance from the source – these are called “aerosols.” Therefore, when scientists say, “airborne” virus, they mean that these are aerosols and travel several feet further than droplets. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, as mentioned by the CDC and the WHO, it is “NOT airborne.” This means that staying at least one meter away from others (social distancing) is best to avoid this virus. For now, we only need to be concerned with surface contact and respiratory droplets (coughs and sneezes). See our ‘Prevention’ section below for more details.

A naso-pharyngeal swab, sputum sample, and/or blood test can be taken.  Then, these samples are tested in a laboratory with results being returned within 2 hours to 2 days – depending on the burden on health services.

CT scans may be taken for suspected cases of pneumonia.

There are many measures that can be taken against the virus.

First and foremost, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. According to public health experts, when hands cannot be washed, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Here are two quick videos showing how healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, medical scientists etc.) wash their hands and arms. These techniques will be effective against the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

A key feature of the first video to remember is the technique used to close the tap with a tissue, not your fingers/palm.

A key feature of the second video is the technique used to clean wrists and arms.

Avoid direct contact; shaking hands, kissing on the cheek, touching your face with your hands or letting others touch your face.

Avoid mass gatherings, as the virus propagates faster when people are in close proximity to each other. It is known that the virus particles cannot travel more than a meter from infected people. Therefore, keeping at least a meter distance is advised.

Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that are known to cause disease in certain mammals and birds. COVID-19 is closely related to the SARS virus (2002-2003). Hence, the name of the virus itself is called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).

COVID-19 is colloquially being called coronavirus. Other terms used are ‘novel coronavirus’, ‘nCoV-2’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, and ‘Wuhan pneumonia’ - a name discouraged by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to health experts, face masks are only necessary for those people who suspect that they have been infected (are showing symptoms) and those that are in close proximity with someone suspected to have the infection. The masks help protect others from infection.

The advice given in most countries is that if you do not have any symptoms then there is no need to wear a mask.

On the contrary, masks may actually be unhelpful. The standard surgical masks seen below are not foolproof at all. The coronavirus can enter from the edges under the eyes where the mask covers the nose and also the sides next to the cheeks. In addition, the virus particle collects on the outside of the mask; as you would take it off, your hands would get the particles. If your hands touch your face, you could get infected. The masks can be taken off with hands on the straps of the mask only but that too is not something everyone would remember to do every time – not forgetting that there is no guarantee that there are no virus particles attached to the straps.

The N95 masks protect against the particles. However, they need to thoroughly be placed on – one may even need training to do so - and they also restrict breathing.

Even so, these N95 masks are essential for healthcare workers exposed regularly to infected individuals and there is currently a shortage worldwide of these masks. Hence, if possible, please only use these masks if have actually been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Quick answer: evidence suggest, quite likely, ‘yes’.

First, asymptomatic just means ‘a person who doesn’t display physical symptoms of a disease or illness but still is a carrier of the disease or illness’.

Second, COVID-19 mainly spreads through people who are already showing symptoms. There is low possibility for transmission through asymptomatic carriers (CDC link). It is important to know this because it gives scientists and governing bodies a better sense of how far the virus is spreading and to better control it.

However, it has happened (for example, this study). And more recently, there have been many findings that asymptomatic people can transmit COVID-19. One study was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was stranded in the ocean for nearly a month. Another, studied 565 Japanese nationals that were evacuated from Wuhan, China. Both studies have not been cross-checked and need review. However, it can be said with some confidence that at least 20% people are carrying the virus with no symptoms and spreading it to others too.

So yes, you can get COVID-19 from an asymptomatic person. But remember it also depends on the context; only if they sneeze or cough within 1 meter of you, staying next to you for over 15 minutes etc. It is believed that infected people talking to others can transmit the virus within salivary droplets. Again, the talking would have to take place for significant amounts of time – like over 15 minutes, in close proximity and not to mention a LOT of saliva! Therefore, social distancing has become the norm. We’ve mentioned ‘How COVID-19 spreads in a population’ (above) and ‘how to prevent being infected from COVID-19’ (section above).

Unfortunately, some news and media is missing the context – by not mentioning ‘how’ asymptomatic people can transfer COVID-19 – portraying it as though being ‘asymptomatic’ is a magical phenomenon that happens; a person stands next to you and you magically get sick. Like this, you obviously will not.

Finally, what worries most people is that a person may be ‘asymptomatic’ and use that as an excuse to not follow emergency rules of social distancing etc. However, that is  why the CDC, WHO and most local government organisations have already issued the preventative measures – masks for those infected or potentially positive, hand washing, surface cleaning, covering your sneezes and/or coughs, social distancing – for all people of any country (no matter symptomatic or asymptomatic). That is, the rules to fight this novel coronavirus apply to all people, with no exceptions.

Yes. The novel coronavirus spreads through infected lung droplets which means that the virus is present in saliva.

These are not normal times and, as inconvenient it may seem to not be able to kiss another person, there are several other ways to show affection and love towards another person. Social distancing please.

Use a tissue and then throw it into a closed bin straight away, then wash your hands. For a quick sneeze or cough, use your elbow so that that keeps the virus away from your hands where you could transmit it to other people.

Older people are more at risk and people with underlying health conditions.

In a study by the WHO, 44,000 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus from Hubei province were analysed. Based on this study, 4 in 5 people had mild symptoms on exposure, 1 in 7 developed pneumonia, and 1 in 20 were found to be in critical condition. The mortality rate was 3.7% (1 in every 27 cases).

Therefore, for most people (4 in 5) who got infected with the coronavirus, COVID-19, their immune system fought off the infection over a couple of days.

Of the people who passed away, most had underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The risk of disease was found to be higher in those over the age of 70.

One of the most detailed studies published till date on the COVID-19 coronavirus comes from Shenzhen, China. It analyses not only the people infected but also their close contacts. This study suggests that children under 10 years of age are just as likely to get infected as adults but they don’t seem to display symptoms.

This will depend on where you are living. According to the CDC, it would be best practice to stay indoors and call local healthcare services that will direct you on what you should do.

Ideally, wear a face mask (especially when in public areas). Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue, regularly wash hands and avoid sharing personal items with others.

Keep up with your health: drink plenty of water (warm); eat boiled vegetables; eat fruits; get lots of sleep so as to give your body the best chance to recover and fight off the infection.

There has only been one case of a dog in Hong Kong testing “weak positive” for novel coronavirus, according to Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). They added that the samples were taken from the dog’s nasal and oral cavities, with the dog being in good health; having absolutely no symptoms.

It can be inferred from this case that the dog was in contact with an infected person, such as the owner or someone within the same social circle as the owner. Dogs – and other pets too - show affection by licking the owner or someone they like; so it really is not surprising that a dog has, any virus really, on it’s coat, mouth or nasal cavity. You can expect this to happen to more pets.

There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that dogs, cats, birds or such are either carriers or affected by the novel coronavirus; we have checked – the WHO and AFCD agree - and we will keep this page updated! Scientists believe that both SARS and COVID-19 likely originated in bats, with pangolins potentially being involved. Therefore, there’s no need to worry or panic for your loyal friend(s). Keep your house surfaces clean and keep the pets clean as you normally would. This is sufficient.

Keep washing your hands. If you have infected hands and you touch your pet, then your pet becomes the ‘infected surface’. Therefore, you must wash your hands first, always, and look after your pet.

Yes. The novel coronavirus spreads through infected lung droplets which means that the virus is present in saliva.

These are not normal times and, as inconvenient it may seem to not be able to kiss another person, there are several other ways to show affection and love towards another person. Social distancing please.

The source for this is unknown.

Keeping your mouth and throat moist by drinking copious amounts of water daily (2-3 litres per day) will help to keep your mucous membranes in the nose and wind-pipe intact. If your mucous membranes are dry, they are more likely to crack; this makes easier for pathogen such as bacteria or viruses gain easier entry.

So yes, drinking water and keeping hydrated will add to the list of deterrents against the virus. But no, it will not stop virus from infecting you; only make it harder for the virus.

There is no evidence to suggest that gargling with anything will kill or eliminate this virus.

No. There are none. The ones that claim they can fight the novel coronavirus have no scientific evidence to back any of them.

Unfortunately, many businesses have been trying to make money by utilizing people’s fear of the novel coronavirus and their desperation to find a cure. Sham businesses are offering sham products that “miraculously” cure the infection. However, as most people now are starting to understand, the cure will be the vaccines that are being scientifically tested right now (many starting clinically trials and a handful that have already started gathering results).

No. Absolutely not. This is something you should never do because most vegetables are porous meaning that they can easily absorb the soap. This means that when eating those vegetables you can get many gastro-intestinal issues such as vomiting, nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.

Please wash your vegetables thoroughly with cold water which will remove 90-95% of unwanted pathogens and/or pesticides off of them. This is sufficient. Besides, most vegetables you are going to use for cooking, can be cooked properly (heat over 60 degrees Celcius) will kill off all bacteria and viruses.

This strain of coronavirus has spread from China to more than 80 countries. As of 7^th March 2020, the countries affected include China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, USA, India, Philippines, South Korea, France, Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and many more.

For the latest updates, please check the WHO website that tracks cases and infected countries - link.

Yes, you can keep your immunity high by keeping good health. This will help to fight off the infection.

Food:

You can do this by eating well: eating a variety boiled vegetables and fruits to get copious amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Sleep:

You can also optimize your sleep by getting at least 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.  Additionally, remember to drink copious amounts of warm water daily.

Exercise:

This is the best time to be exercising: what you do would depend in which country you are in and what the local emergency rules are. For example, if you are under strict lockdown in your house, you can do many on-the-spot exercises such as jogging in one place, push ups, planks etc. You can learn and do yoga at home. Breathing exercises are excellent for your body.

Bad Habits:

Smoking is the worst for your health. Not only does it severely weaken the lungs – which is the organ that the novel coronavirus specifically targets – smoking reduces the amount of oxygen going into your body which leads to a reduction in your body’s immune system response to pathogens.

Equally, drinking alcohol too reduces immunity – especially monocytes which are one type of cell that fights during an attack from any pathogen (bacteria or virus).

In addition, avoiding travel and public activities are recommended by the CDC.

Overall, there are many sensible measures that can be taken to protect ourselves and those that we know may be vulnerable from this coronavirus. Much emphasis must be placed on hygiene practices and one’s movement, especially in crowded spaces. Throughout media, there is not been enough emphasis on keeping your own immunity high.

1. Keep yourself updated by reading from credible news sources - For example, CDC, WHO, UNICEF etc.
2. Please only share information that will be informative for others rather than incomplete information that may put others in a state of panic.
3. Even if there's people panicking around you, remain calm and arm yourself with the right knowledge.