The Best, Popular Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19

The below article is regarding frequently asked questions about Covid-19. These FAQs will help to clear many inquiries related to covid 19.

A novel strain of coronavirus, namely SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19 disease. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They generally infect people around the world with mild upper respiratory infections. But it can evolve like all other viruses through mutation and become a different strain—the power and result of such mutation we have been observing since 2019.

Many people who get Covid-19 have only mild symptoms. But for others, it is a severe illness. COVID-19 affects mainly people with underlying medical conditions and older adults. And both types of people can get intense health problems weeks after getting infected, known as post-COVID conditions.

How does Covid-19 spread? (FAQs Covid-19)

The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads in different ways.

Suppose you are close to an infected person, and that person is exhaling tiny droplets and particles. In that case, you are likely to get the infection. During cough or sneezing, the virus can also spread from an infected person to a completely healthy person when the droplets land on the mouth, nose, eyes, or such body parts.

How does the community Spread of Covid-19 happen?

When people in an area get infected by the virus, it is known as community spread. It may include people who might not know how they became infected with the virus. Based on local conditions, the health department determines whether it is community spread or not. The data of Covid-19 tests performed and how many became positive, the rate of admission of the patient in the hospitals, their severity, etc., determines the level of community spread. 

What are the preventive measures regarding Covid-19? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

• In the first place, COVID-19 vaccines are the most successful way to prevent one from getting ill. These vaccines are very much effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisations, and death.
• Regardless of vaccination status, everyone (ages two years and older) should wear a minimum 3-ply mask in public places where the COVID-19 Community Level is high. Maintain a 6 feet distance in public areas.
• At home, avoid close contact with people who are sick. If someone in your household is at risk, take appropriate care. You should do proper sanitisation and disinfection. 
• Try to keep the windows and doors as much as possible so that fresh air circulates within the house. Try to avoid crowded places or places which does not have a proper ventilation system.
• It is essential to wash your hands often. You might not realise how often you use your hands on your face or part of your body. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. It would be best if you wash your hands before eating or preparing food, touching your face, and using the restroom. You should also wash your hands after leaving a public place, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, caring for someone sick, and touching animals or pets.
• You can use a hand sanitiser that contains a minimum of 70% alcohol. It would be best to rub your hand with sanitiser so that every part of your hand is properly sanitised.
• You need to regularly clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces. High-touch surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets, etc.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Most common symptoms:

• Cough
• Fever
• Loss of taste
• Loss of smell

Less common symptoms:

• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body pain
• Diarrhoea
• Redness of eyes
• Serious symptoms:
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Loss of Speech
• Confusion

If symptoms are severe, then immediately get the attention of a health care professional.

How to detect Covid-19?

Different types of tests are available as of today.

Tests for SARS-CoV-2 will tell you if you have an infection. A positive test result indicates that you have an infection. Therefore, you should isolate and inform your close contacts who came in touch with you to avoid spreading the disease to others.

Over-the-counter self-tests could be used at home or anywhere. They are easy to use and produce rapid results.

What to do if You Have COVID-19?

One frequently asked question about Covid-19 is what to do if we have Covid-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please follow the steps below to care for yourself and protect other people in your home and community.

• In the light of covid-19 infection, stay at home (except for testing or medical care).
• Take your temperature at a regular interval if symptoms develop.
• Take a note of your blood oxygen level (SpO2) with an Oximeter.
• Additionally, get plenty of rest.
• Have plenty of fluid and healthy food.
• Wear a 3 Ply mask at least or an N95/KN95 respirator.
• Get yourself tested.
• Follow recommendations for quarantine.
• Separate yourself from others.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Inform your close contacts.
• Do not go outside for 2 weeks at least.
• Follow recommendations for isolation.
• Watch for changes in symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, then immediately seek emergency care.

Can children get infected with covid-19? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Like adults, children can also be infected with COVID-19 and can get sick. In most cases, children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms (“asymptomatic”). But they can still become very ill and even prove fatal for them. Children with underlying medical conditions are more likely to become very sick from COVID-19.

Certain medical conditions might increase a child’s risk of serious illness with COVID-19, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Congenital heart disease
• Genetic conditions
• Conditions affecting the nervous system or metabolism

If you think your child might have COVID-19:

• Talk to your child’s doctor.
• Keep your child at home and away from others, except to get medical care. 

Some children develop a rare but severe disease called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), linked to COVID-19.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition where different body parts can become inflamed, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.

Can Pets and Animals get infected with covid-19? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

The risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is low. If you have COVID-19, you should avoid contact with your pets and other animals. It includes petting, snuggling, kissing, licking, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.

Talk to your veterinarian if your pet is sick and you suspect it may be from the coronavirus.

Why has WHO termed COVID-19 a “pandemic”? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

When the infection spreads over a wide geographic area like multiple countries or continents and affects significantly, the term “pandemic” is used. The same thing happened with Covid 19. Hence it is declared a pandemic.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Yes. The vaccines have gone through testing in clinical trials. They meet internationally agreed benchmarks for safety and effectiveness. After their efficacy and safety standards are satisfied, they receive validation from different national regulatory agencies and WHO (World Health Organization).

Will my child be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

As of now, many vaccines have been approved for children. Hence, stay infirmed regarding guidance provided by your national health agencies.

Children must receive the recommended childhood vaccines as per the advice of your paediatrics.

Do the COVID-19 vaccines work against the new variants? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Scientists around the globe are continuously studying the virus’s behaviour and found that it is constantly mutating and creating new variants.

Like Omnicron became the dominant variety recently, the vaccines might offer reduced protection from it. But still, it is crucial to get vaccinated and follow safety precautions such as wearing a mask, washing hands, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, etc.

I’ve been vaccinated. Do I still need to get tested for COVID-19?

You should consult your physician in such a case.

What is ‘Long COVID’?

There could be symptoms for weeks or months after you are infected by Covid-19. It is called Long Covid.

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

Yes, you can. Take precautions like wearing a mask, washing your hand, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, etc. This way, you can prevent spreading the virus.

What precautions should I take for my family if we travel? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Always follow local and national guidance if you are planning to travel. Look out for any restrictions, quarantine and other relevant travel advice. Not to mention, follow the protection measures like wearing a mask, washing your hand, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, etc., during travel.

Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she is infected with COVID-19? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

There is no evidence to support that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through breastfeeding. Antibodies in breastmilk significantly protect babies against many infections.

There’s a lot of misinformation about COVID-19 online. What should I do?

Always check your facts with trusted sources like your physician, hospital, local health authorities, UNICEF, and WHO.

How does Covid-19 affect the lungs? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Covid 19 damages the lungs and alveoli. Alveolus helps transfer oxygen to the blood vessels, which further carry them to RBCs (Red blood cells) responsible for delivering the oxygen to all the internal organs in the body. The virus damages the wall and the lining of the alveolus and capillaries. This damage releases plasma protein. It accumulates on the alveolus wall, thickens the lining, and hinders oxygen transfer to the red blood cells. Furthermore, the lack of oxygen to the internal organs creates a deficit in the body and impairs the functioning of the organs.

Do smokers have higher risks for COVID-19?

There is no such concrete proof that smokers are at high risk. But remember, smoking impairs lung function and makes it difficult for the body to fight off respiratory disease because of coronavirus.

Who are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19?

Older people with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are likely to develop serious illnesses.

Why do some people get fever after taking the COVID-19 vaccine? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Fever is an immunogenic response triggered by an antigen present in the vaccine. Due to the increased circulation of the defensive immune cells, the blood flow in the body also improves. It increases the body’s temperature.

Why does the coronavirus mutate or change?

RNA viruses evolve—geographic separation results in genetically distinct variants of Corona Virus aka Covid-19.

Does Omicron and BA.2 variants cause more severe illness?

Omicron has an affinity for upper airways more than lower airways. It spreads through talking, coughing or breathing, especially from people without masks. But they are less lethal than the Delta variants.

Are Omicron and BA.2 more contagious than other variants of the coronavirus? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Omicron and its subvariant, BA.2, are both very contagious. As it has more affinity toward upper airways, it quickly spreads through talking, coughing or breathing than the original coronavirus or the delta variant.

Do the COVID vaccines work on the omicron variant and BA.2?

To clarify, complete vaccination and booster dose provide good protection and reduce the chance of hospitalisation and death.

Will there be more new coronavirus variants? (frequently asked questions about Covid-19)

Yes, of course. Mutations will continue as long as the coronavirus spreads through the population. Omnicron and other varieties will continue to evolve.

What are the currently circulating variants of concerns? (FAQs Covid-19)

As per WHO, the currently circulating variants of concerns are as per below

Omicron Variant and Delta Variant

* Includes BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5 and descendent lineages. It also includes BA.1/BA.2 circulating recombinant forms such as XE.

References

1. CDC. (2022, July 28). COVID-19 and your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
2. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants. (n.d.). Who.int. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants