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Covid 19 FAQs

COVID-19 FAQ

What is COVID-19 and How does it spread?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease affecting the respiratory system caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

Symptoms Of COVID-19!

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are below mentioned. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
 

Fever
 
Breathing Difficulty
 
Dry cough
Aches & Pains
 
Nasal Congestion
 
Sore throat or Diarrhea

Follow these Do's and Don'ts

Do

Practice frequent hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand rub. Wash hands even if they are visibly clean


Cover your nose and mouth with handkerchief/tissue while sneezing and coughing


Throw used tissues into closed bins immediately after use


See a doctor if you feel unwell (fever, difficult breathing and cough). While visiting doctor wear a mask/cloth to cover your mouth and nose


If you have these signs/symptoms please call State helpline number or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s 24X7 helpline at 011-23978046


Avoid participating in large gatherings


Dont's

Have a close contact with anyone, if you’re experiencing cough and fever


Touch your eyes, nose and mouth


Spit in public


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Covid-19 more dangerous for older people?

The immune system is responsible for tackling any pathogens that enter the body. However, in the case of older people, the immune system may not be as strong due to the gradual loss of its strength over time. Thus, giving an edge to the virus to affect them more. Moreover, issues like heart and lung problems serve as triggers for the virus.

Do older people need extra precautions than an average adult person?



The basic precautions such as double-masking, handwashing, and social distancing will be the same. Elders need to follow these precautions more rigorously and should be careful of their pre-existing health conditions. Also, consulting a physician regularly is preferable. Activities and foods that strengthen immunity should become a part of the routine.

Are the vaccines available to everyone safe for elders and people with diseases like diabetes?

The vaccines are tested by the concerned authorities and are proven to be entirely safe for every eligible person. The effects of the vaccine, like headache and fever, are common, but they mean no harm and can be faced by anyone depending on their immune system's receptivity.

Do the symptoms differ according to age?


COVID-19 symptoms have a spectrum ranging from mild to high. Which part of the spectrum will affect who is conditional. Elders are at more risk of severe symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. For the rest of the population, it depends on their immunity.

What are the precautions for when a family member aged 50+ is showing mild symptoms?

One should get their COVID-19 tests done as the initial step. Quarantine arrangements should be made within the home, preferably. A doctor should be consulted who can guide you through the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms, hospital arrangements should be kept ready at hand.

What are the risks involved for kids aged 15 or less?

There are no specific risks for this age group. If a child is tested COVID-19 positive, chances are high of him having mild symptoms. To prevent the virus, children must follow the precautions strictly, and every outdoor activity should be prohibited. Proper sanitation must take place.

Is COVID-19 necessarily asymptomatic for children?

The nature of symptoms mainly depends on the severity of the virus. And that is decided by the immunity of a person. One can't tell exactly about the nature of the symptoms, no matter the age group. Children can show any symptoms depending on their physical well-being.

What preventive measures must be taken for the children who are not eligible for the vaccine yet?

Proper sanitation, strict social distancing, and wearing masks are a must. Immunity boosting activities and foods must be included. Medications like vitamins can be added to the routine on a doctor's prescription. The virus can be prevented using these steps religiously.

Does Covid affect teenage girls in any way in terms of menstruation?

There are no reports showing COVID-19 affecting the menstrual cycle of a teenage girl directly. However, there can be indirect effects caused due to increased stress, lifestyle changes that can disbalance the responsible hormones, thus, affecting the cycle.

Does the virus pose a higher risk for those who are pregnant?

The risk for a pregnant woman depends on her health. If she's facing issues like hypertension or diabetes, then she may be at a higher risk, but specifically, it's not riskier for a pregnant woman. The woman must follow all the necessary precautions to avoid infections.

Does COVID-19 have any symptoms related to periods for menstruating women of any age?

The menstruation cycle hasn't yet proved to be affected by the virus. The effect on menstruation isn't a topic yet researched to an extent. However, the available information shows no direct effect of the virus on the menstrual cycle of a person. Maintaining a proper diet is advised to avoid weakness during the menstrual cycle.

How do you know the right time to seek medical assistance if you're COVID-19 positive?

Severe fever, even after taking prescribed medications, followed by breathing complications and chest pain, are the symptoms that show the virus is now severed. One should immediately seek medical care if he's facing even any one of these issues.

How to ensure safety for elders with underlying medical issues from COVID-19?

The medical issues should be taken care of properly. Seek medical assistance. Outdoor activities should be stopped, and dietary habits should be checked. Alcohol or smoking should be avoided. Meditation and breathing exercises should be promoted. Someone should always be in the assistance of elders.

Does the Coronavirus act as a trigger to already pertaining medical issues in a person?

Yes, the virus affects those severely who have medical issues like hypertension, diabetes, heart issues, and lung issues. The immune system becomes less responsive in case of pre-existing conditions causing the virus to take a toll on the health of the person. However, taking preventive measures will help avoid infections.

Does coronavirus affect the mental health of the teenage part of society?

The lifestyle change can have some or other effect on mental health. A teenager is not accustomed to avoiding outdoor activities; thus, he may feel disturbed being confined to a single space for a while. Having a healthy routine and finding what suits oneself can help one sail through these days. Comparison in any way should be avoided.

What would be the effects and restrictions of COVID-19 on middle-aged people?

Covid related restrictions are many, and their effect can be seen in every aspect of a person's life. The financial restraints and physical distancing may take a toll on anyone's mind. Learning to cope up with anxieties and stress is essential. Meditation and a healthy lifestyle should be promoted within a household.

Are elders at a high risk of developing any mental conditions due to COVID-19?

The lack of social life and hampering the planned day-to-day routine will have a mental effect on a person. The mental effect of COVID-19, however, is less dangerous for an older person as compared to physical risks.

What activities should one undertake to boost the morale of those at a higher risk in the family?

The family should follow all the necessary precautions together, and the household tasks should be divided accordingly. The person at risk should be taken care of but not in an alienated way. One must undertake activities like reading to be optimistic.

How to maintain positivity when a person in the family is in quarantine?


The risk should be calculated, and the next steps should be planned accordingly. One can find ways to include the quarantined person in a distancing way. Keeping the resources ready and within reach helps a family be prepared and optimistic.
 

How does one bring the health back to normal after testing negative of the virus?

Dietary supplements play a vital role in bringing back the health of a person who has recovered from COVID-19. Activities about a healthy lifestyle should be promoted, and the sleep cycle must be in check.

Is COVID-19 more likely to infect women and girls in India than it is to infect men?

What influence has COVID-19 had on Indian women's employment?

During COVID-19, more women have lost jobs around the world, including in India. According to a recent analysis by the Center for Sustainable Employment at Azim Premji University in India, only 7% of men lost their employment during the first lockdown in 2020, compared to 47% of women who lost their jobs and did not return to work by the end of the year. 

Has COVID-19 resulted in an upsurge in violence against women?

Domestic violence rates soared over the world as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which imprisoned women at home with their abusers. Within the first few months of the pandemic, allegations of domestic violence, child marriage, online violence, and trafficking of women and girls rose.

How can women and girls be supported during the COVID-19 crisis?

Because of existing gender norms and inequities, every crisis affects women differently than it does for men. On the ground, UN Women is collaborating with the government and grassroots organisations to deliver food, personal protection equipment, and cash aid to women.

Why is the coronavirus killing more men than women around the world?

Coronavirus looks to be a particularly serious menace to men around the world. While scientists are unsure what is generating the current pandemic's gender imbalance, smoking and drinking have been suggested as plausible explanations because more males engage in these behaviours.

Why are biological distinctions crucial in COVID-19?

Oestrogen, the key female sex hormone, is being singled out by some experts as a biological element that makes women's immune systems more resistant to the virus. The topic of how exactly sex and gender influence the risks of coronavirus acquisition and transmission, as well as disease resistance, remains unanswered.

What does the data tracker indicate, and why is it important to COVID-19 to consider sex and gender?

These data will disclose any disparities in infection prevalence and illness outcomes between men and women. Men and women are equally likely to contract COVID-19, according to data collected from numerous nations throughout the world, but men have a higher risk of severe disease and death. Both sex and gender may play a role in explaining why.

Is it possible for pregnant mothers to transmit COVID-19 to their unborn children?


There is currently insufficient evidence to identify whether the COVID-19 virus is passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, or the potential consequences for the newborn. Pregnant women, on the other hand, should continue to take steps to avoid virus contact and seek medical help as soon as possible if they develop symptoms.

What impact does COVID-19 have on women's health services?

In epidemics, resources are frequently diverted from routine health services. Many girls and young women already have limited access to sexual and reproductive health care, as well as maternity, newborn, and child health services. The COVID-19 pandemic should not be used as a reason to deny or restrict girls and women's access to basic sexual and reproductive health care.

What effect does COVID-19 have on women's economic well-being?

During the outbreak, economic issues represent a major threat to young women's employment and entrepreneurial activities, exposing them to an elevated risk of exploitation and abuse. The health and well-being of care workers, the majority of whom are women, must be a priority in the outbreak's response.

What effect COVID-19 has had on the physical well-being of men?

Men appear to be more affected by the virus in general, with more men than women being hospitalised and admitted to critical care as a result of COVID-19 in several nations. Men have higher ACE2 levels, which means that more of their cells may be exposed to the virus, putting them in greater danger.

How should gender-based violence be addressed during and after the pandemic?

Lockdowns have raised awareness of the widespread impact of domestic violence and created a heightened feeling of urgency to combat violence against women and children in many countries. We can address the situation by providing support services, involving anti-violence experts, and developing primary prevention strategies.

What conclusions have the sex-disaggregated statistics provided concerning the LGBTQ community?

Data on the impact of COVID-19 on transgender and non-binary people is lacking because ex-disaggregated COVID-19 data does not report or account for gender identity. Without this data, the specific health care requirements of persons of various gender identities cannot be identified, health disparities cannot be addressed, and critical health care services may not be provided.

How has COVID-19 affected the LGBT community?

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequalities, making some people more vulnerable than others in terms of infection, prognosis, and economic impact, especially LGBT people. LGBT individuals have fewer economic possibilities and are more likely to be impoverished in nations where they endure social stigma, moral opprobrium, and legal discrimination, particularly in circumstances where certain LGBT people were left out of government economic recovery initiatives.

What is the financial impact of COVID-19 on the LGBT community?

There is limited information on how the coronavirus epidemic has affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's life (LGBT). Compared to non-LGBT persons, a higher percentage of LGBT adults say they or someone in their home has lost a job during the COVID era (56 per cent v. 44 per cent).

What effect has COVID-19 had on the LGBT community's mental health?

Worry and stress from the epidemic have had a negative impact on the mental health of three-quarters of LGBT persons (74 per cent), compared to 49 per cent of non-LGBT people, and they are more likely to think the negative impact has been substantial (49 per cent v 23 per cent).

Should women see their gynaecologist for routine checkups as well during COVID-19?

It's critical to continue to receive the care you require to be healthy. You are free to continue with your medical appointments. To keep you safe, your gynaecologist may make changes. During your visit, they may ask you to wear a mask and observe other safety procedures. Alternatively, you may be able to speak with your gynaecologist through phone or video call.

How did female health workers balance work and family life during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Women health professionals had one of the most difficult times. Not only because of the double workload but also because they had to return home and cleanse themselves to avoid putting their spouse and children at the risk of contracting the disease.

During the pandemic, how effective have women been in overcoming stereotypes?

Women in health care earn less and are less likely to be appreciated in their jobs. This is due to gender inequality and patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes in medical training, at work, and throughout society. This is typically owing to having numerous care obligations. While progress has been made, the rate of development for gender equality has slowed.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for women who are pregnant or menstruating?

COVID-19 vaccinations have not shown to cause serious or adverse effects in menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding women. In addition, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations induce infertility. The World Health Organization has also established that breastfeeding women can safely get thae vaccination, and that no active COVID-19 disease-causing virus has been identified in breast milk.

How has COVID-19 affected SMEs?

MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) constitute the backbone of all Indian industries, and they are frequently involved in manufacturing and exporting, two essential drivers of the Indian economy. Almost all MSMEs are currently shut down as a result of the lockdown, which has halted all production activity at big companies across all industries.

What impact did COVID-19 have on the tourism and hospitality industry?

According to some reports, the tourism industry will be the hardest hit by the viral epidemic. Because the industry's future is projected to remain bleak for at least the next few months as a result of increasing uncertainty, many people are calling for a minimum pay package for those who have been laid off as a result of the shutdown.

What employers are covered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act's paid sick leave provisions?

Private employers with less than 500 employees, as well as certain public enterprises, are covered by the FFCRA. If the leave payments would risk the survival of their firm as a going concern, small businesses with less than 50 employees may qualify for an exemption from the duty to give paid leave due to school, place of care, or childcare provider closings or unavailability.

How do seasonal, gig, and undocumented employees fare under the new unemployment insurance regulations and guidance?

The CARES Act extends unemployment benefits from three to four months and gives $600 per week in temporary unemployment compensation, in addition to and at the same time as regular state and federal UI payments. Part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers are all eligible for the benefits.

Do overtime hours have to be factored in when determining employee pay?

Yes. The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act mandates that you pay an employee for hours that they would have usually worked, even if those hours total more than 40 per week.

What impact does the pandemic have on the important labour market indicators?

The pandemic's greatest noticeable impact can be seen in employment and unemployment numbers. The number of persons not in the labour force who are currently looking for work has increased as a result of the pandemic's influence on many people's ability to participate in the labour market.

Can my employer refuse to provide me paid sick leave because I took it for a reason listed in the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act before it went into effect?

No. Employers will be required to provide new paid sick leave beginning April 1, 2020, under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act.

Can a licensee use distant technology to do social work or mental health consulting?

Yes. This form of intervention by a licenced and registered individual in New York is covered by practice alerts and guidelines. You must maintain the same level of confidentiality and record-keeping as if you were providing direct, in-person services as a licenced professional.

Is it possible for a licensee to complete all of their required continuing education through self-study activities provided by licenced providers in their field?

For continuing education obligations, certain restrictions limit licensees to a particular percentage of self-study. However, from March 1, 2020, through January 1, 2022, the Department will allow all licensees to complete up to 100 per cent of their continuing education through self-study if it comes from a Department-approved source and is in a subject area that is appropriate for the profession.

Is it possible for all dental hygienists to administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations?

No. All Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency are set to expire on June 25, 2021. Dental hygienists are not covered by the PREP Act. As a result of the Executive Orders, dental hygienists' ability to provide influenza and COVID-19 immunisations terminated on June 25, 2021.

How will we be able to work while the country is on lockdown because of the pandemic?

People in various fields of business are being pushed to learn not only digital abilities, but also additional skills such as cooperation, creative problem-solving, and receptivity to new ideas as a result of the demand that we interact fully in the virtual domain right now. Everything that can be done online at work will be done online, while things that cannot be done remotely will have to be rearranged in some way.

What impact has the coronavirus had on the educational sector?

At the height of the pandemic, 45 countries in Europe and Central Asia closed their schools, affecting 185 million pupils. The suddenness of the problem caught teachers and administrators off surprise, and they were forced to quickly create emergency remote learning solutions.

Is it possible for an employer to revoke my job offer because of COVID-19?

In general, unless the offer is "irrevocable" - which is uncommon in employment contexts - any offer can be withdrawn or revoked before it is accepted as a matter of contract law. With that said, we recommend following up with the hiring manager with whom you worked when you accepted your offer, as the possibility of cancellation varies by organisation and industry.

What effect has the epidemic had on service workers?

This category encompasses a wide range of jobs, such as food servers, security guards, and janitors, that require on-the-job training or face-to-face contacts. Many of these individuals were unable to complete their tasks due to widespread temporary company closures.

How has coronavirus affected professionals in the arts, design, entertainment, and media?

When theatres are close to the public, the cast and crew that create your favourite stage and film shows are laid off, at least temporarily. However, the consequences are far-reaching, resulting in employment losses for ushers, ticket takers, concession stands workers, and others — professions that older folks frequently occupy due to the part-time hours available.

How have healthcare workers dealt with the emergence of the coronavirus?

The nation's reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak has been centred on health care personnel. Nonetheless, job losses in these industries have occurred when hospitals and other healthcare facilities have halted elective medical operations.

What impact has Covid19 had on clerical and office workers?

Not everyone who works in an office is capable of working from home. Several workers in clerical, short-term temporary, or similar support professions faced layoffs or reduced hours during the outbreak.

What has been the most demanded occupation in Covid19?

Software Developer, Sales Representative, Project Manager, IT Administrator, Customer Service Specialist, Digital Marketer, IT Support/Help Desk, Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Graphic Designer have been some of the most in-demand careers during the pandemic.

What professions saw the biggest salary hike during the pandemic?

Medical directors run health organisations, cloud designers, Art Directors, Clinical trial Managers, Finance directors, and Research engineers are some of the professions that have seen the biggest hike in their salaries.

What occupations are the most vulnerable to the pandemic?

Essential workers who kept society running during the pandemic, as well as non-essential workers like hairstylists and restaurant workers who are most at risk of virus exposure, face greater job and financial insecurity than their higher-paid rivals who are able to work from home due to the face-to-face aspect of their work.

What is Home Quarantine?

It is intended for people without symptoms of COVID-19 to avoid contact with other people as much as possible as a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of Corona virus.

What is Home Quarantine?

It is intended for people without symptoms of COVID-19 to avoid contact with other people as much as possible as a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of Corona virus.
 
What should a home quarantine person do?
  • Stay alone in a well-ventilated single-room with an attached toilet.
  • Maintain at least 1-meter distance from other family members.
  • Stay away from elderly, pregnant women, children and persons with any chronic illness.
  • Avoid sharing household Items e.g. dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people at home.
  • Frequently wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a mask at all times.
  • Do not attend any social/religious gathering or visit public spaces.
  • If any symptoms appear, immediately call the central helpline.

What You Should Do?

  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a surgical mask - If you are symptomatic of COVID-19 or are exposed to an infected person. Never reuse disposable mask.
  • Used masks should be disinfected using ordinary bleach solution (5%) or sodium hypochlorite solution (1%) and then disposed of either by burning or deep burial.
  • If symptoms appear (cough/fever/difficulty in breathing), he/she should immediately inform the nearest health centre or call 9163325269.

Safety Measures

  • Only one assigned family member should be taking care of the quarantined person.
  • Avoid sharing linen or direct contact with skin.
  • Use disposable gloves when cleaning the surfaces or handling soiled linen.
  • Wash hands after removing gloves.
  • Visitors should not be allowed.
  • In case the person being quarantined becomes symptomatic, all his/her close contacts will be home quarantine (for 14 days) and followed up for an additional 14 days or till the report of such case turns out negative on lab testing.

Environmental Sanitation

  • Clean and disinfect.
  • Frequently touched surfaces in the quarantined person's room (e.g., bed frames, tables, etc.) daily with disinfectant solution.
  • Toilet surfaces daily with regular household bleach solution/ phenolic disinfectants.
  • Clothes and other linen used by the person separately, with common household detergent.

Pregnancy & COVID

I am Covid positive and due for delivery. Can I have a normal labour ? Will my doctor take care of me?

The mode of labour does not change just because you are Covid positive. Nowadays most hospitals take care of Covid positive labouring women in an isolation unit. The doctors taking care of you will be visiting you with personal protective instrument and attend to your labour or Caesarean section. Generally, you will be taken care of in the Covid wards.Your baby will be roomed in with you.You can breastfeed and while breastfeeding to prevent transmission to your baby, you need to use face mask and practice hand hygiene measures.It is also recommended that in your room the baby is kept about six feet away from your bed.

I am in my third trimester and covid positive. What should I be doing if I have an emergency?

If you are in your third trimester close to the delivery date, please report to the hospital in case you have symptoms of vaginal bleeding, pain or a water break. In such situations, you will have to inform your health care provider you are reaching the hospital and they would have made special arrangements to see you in an area which is cordoned off for Covid positive patients.

I am pregnant and Covid positive, due for an ultrasound and a visit to my doctor. Should I be going to the hospital or wait for my quarantine period to get over?

If you are due for your antenatal checkups or scans , you can delay them for a two week timeframe after consulting your health care provider on telephone or via video consultation.

There are many Covid positive people in my neighbourhood. I am pregnant, what precautions should I take?

Stay alert and safe with social distancing, appropriate usage of face mask, follow hand hygiene. Stay indoors.

I am pregnant and my family member has turned Covid positive. What should I do?

First isolate from the affected member. Wear mask at home all the time. You can get a nasopharyngeal swab test done for RTPCR. Do not panic. In case you develop any symptoms of fever cough or sore throat, you can get yourself tested if not already done.

I am pregnant and I got to know I am Covid positive. What do I do?

Do not panic. Most pregnant women who are Covid positive have either an asymptomatic course or a mild illness and can be managed at home. You drink plenty of fluids, remain active and have a well balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. If you have fever, then take paracetamol 650 mg thrice a day. Please check your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter at rest and after a six minute walk. If the oxygen saturation at rest ,is more than 94 % and after a six minute walk it does not drop more than 3 percent ,that would mean you can be managed at home. In case saturation is less than 94% at rest, or if normal at rest but drops by more than 3 percent after a six minute walk test, your health care provider may advise admission for monitoring. Be in touch with your health care provider on telephone or through video consultation.

What effect will Covid 19 have on my baby if I get infected with the virus?

Current evidence suggests that the virus is unlikely to cause problems with your baby`s development or increase your chance of a miscarriage. Transmission of covid 19 from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth seems to be uncommon , irrespective of the mode of delivery( i.e normal or Caesarean section).