Facts About Coronavirus That You Need To Know

CoV has taken scary vibes over the world and has been everywhere in the news. But, the some proportion of the population is still unaware and living in the myths relevant to COVID-19. Below are the facts mentioned that everyone should know about the Coronavirus to stay aware and prevent it. 

1. COVID-19 is Pandemic 

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new pathogen emerges to infect people and can spread between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the latest virus, it spreads worldwide.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading quickly from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide, and community spread is being recognized in a growing number of countries. Check out the facts that can help you panic less and help you to prepare for COVID-19

2.  Coronavirus is zoonotic

This means COVID-19 is transmitted from animals to human beings. Although Investigations have shown that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans, confirmed evidences of spread to human beings are still debated.  Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.  

3.  Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk of spreading the virus.

4.  For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be less.

Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, etc are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

5. Risk of Severe Illness

New information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

Older adults and kids are vulnerable because of low immunity People who have severe chronic medical conditions like: 

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Lung disease, etc.

6. COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.  

From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including regions with hot and humid weather. Regardless of the environment, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently washing your hands with soap or sanitizing with alcohol-based sanitizers. By doing this, you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

7. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill new coronavirus or other diseases. The average human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water. Also, carrying a sanitizer is recommended though 

8. Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease.

Taking a warm bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bathtub or shower. Taking a bath with boiling water can be harmful, as it can harm you. 

9. The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites! 

To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that mosquitoes could transmit the new coronavirus. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. 

10.  Are hand dryers not effective in killing the new coronavirus?

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19. 

11. Thermal scanners can’t detect people infected with the new coronavirus. 

Thermal scanners are useful in identifying people who have developed a fever (i.e., have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with a fever. This is because it takes between 2 to 10 days before people who are affected become ill and develop a fever.

12. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body cannot kill the new coronavirus.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful

13. Vaccines against pneumonia don’t protect you against the new coronavirus.

Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine, do not protect against the latest virus. Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

14.  Are antibiotics not effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible. 

Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Key principles guiding hospital management

Providing services to those who need it is an extremely responsible task. Hospitals are the most looked upon institutions because they serve patients without any questions asked. However, not all these institutions are well managed. Just as in any institution, the larger they are, the higher is the challenge to operate them. The management should be established on the grounds of sound principles that indicate the right decisions at critical times and avoid errors in judgment. 

The fundamental principles that enable effective hospital management are: 

1. Handling records and equipment's details efficiently

Make sure your hospital files are kept up to date. The hospital should avoid the accumulation of undesirable assets that result in unwanted depreciation. If there is a piece of equipment or another asset that is outdated or not used, it should be physically disposed of by the guidelines and removed from the records.  In addition to adding a strain on the hospital's finances, accumulated depreciation makes it appear older than it is actually. "having fully depreciated assets, such as old MRIs, on the books make hospitals seem like they are dated and worn," says Adam Lynch of Principle Valuation. "You have to clean them out."

2. Focus on Quality Equipment

The latest equipment and technology can help doctors and support staff to provide the best in class treatments to their patients. This offers the best chance to their patients to recover. Hospitals need to have sturdy and well-equipped beds that can provide the necessary support to the patients. Thus giving them the comfort and support they need when they are undergoing treatment. Essential facilities such as clean corridors, proper infection control practices and well-designed OT and wards are imperative to follow in hospital environments. 

3. Keeping Budgets in Check

The word budget may sound rude or improper in hospitals. However, we all understand that a hospital runs on funds. Keeping budget checked allows a hospital to invest smartly in the requirements that can manage their patients as well as the staff. A clear understanding of market price differences of the products is very crucial. Understanding when to choose between purchasing a cheaper but quality product vs. negotiating for a preferential rate on volume orders for quality medical supplies is essential. The price must be evaluated to ensure the staff has reliable equipment and other supplies as needed.

4. Strategic Operations is the key

With the ever-growing healthcare industry, the management team plays a vital role in establishing goals for the organization and developing a strategy to deliver them. We know all healthcare institutions prioritize the quality of healthcare for patients and minimize errors as much as possible. However, majorly the strategy should be to achieve long term goals. Focusing on challenges for short term goals can be a concern when we fail to include the big picture. Clear priorities of a healthcare institution help the employees and support staff to sync with the system and function at their best. For instance, when the team responsible for medical supplies or new types of equipment is clear about the need to provide quality care within budgeted outlines, then they can make acute decisions keeping both practicality, needs revenues and expenses aligned. 

5. Keep the hospital up to date with the latest healthcare trends

Healthcare trends are evolving very quickly especially with technology playing a pivotal role in medical science as well. For being the hospital of choice in the region, it is necessary to stay updated with the latest healthcare trends. The digitalization of keeping patient healthcare records and data protection of the same is a significant change in recent times. However, the hospital management must choose wisely between the latest healthcare trends vs. sensible required upgrades and changes to implement hospital-wide which benefit either the patients or the hospital, or both. Better management in healthcare can help employees as well as patients. Healthcare institutions should also keep in mind that adapting to changes needs sufficient time and there should be sufficient lead time and training to everyone to ensure a smooth transition. As it is always said, the difference is the only constant. Thus, to become a world-class facility, the facility should keep upgrading itself with the latest updates and trends. 

6. Standardized Care Delivery through Inter-professional Teams

Standardized care delivered by inter-professional teams promotes continuity and completeness of the care process. Within effective inter-professional teams, all professionals are considered equal members; professional autonomy has to be maintained, and incentives should be provided to meet performance KRAs. The roles and responsibilities of all team members are clearly identified to ensure smooth transitions of patients between different care facilities. Shared protocols based on evidence, such as best practice guidelines, clinical care pathways, and decision-making tools are encouraged. These are essential to the functioning of inter-professional teams and help to standardize care across services and sites, thus enhancing the overall perceived quality of care.