Ans. - The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether
there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.
- For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is
still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or
areas) where the disease is spreading.
- For people living in, or visiting,
these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments
and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new
case of COVID-19 is identified.
- Be sure to comply with any local
restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings.
- Cooperating with
disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading
COVID-19.
COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as
has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately,
new outbreaks can emerge rapidly.
- It’s important to be aware of the
situation where you are or intend to go.
Q.12. Should I worry about COVID-19?
Ans. - Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for
children and young adults.
- However, it can cause serious illness:
about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care.
- It is
therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19
outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
- We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our
loved ones and our communities.
- First and foremost among these
actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory
hygiene.
- Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local
health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel,
movement and gatherings.
Q.13. Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
Ans. - While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people,
older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such
as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or
diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Q.14. Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?
Ans. - No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on
bacterial infections.
- COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do
not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or
treatment of COVID-19.
- They should only be used as directed by a
physician to treat a bacterial infection.
Q.15. Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure
COVID-19?
Ans. - While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide
comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence
that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease.
- We does not
recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics,
as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.
- However, there are several
ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional
medicines.
- We will continue to provide updated information as soon
as clinical findings are available.
Q.16. Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?
Ans. - No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the
outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are
related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are
quite different.
- SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19.
There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since
2003.
Q.17. How to put on use take off and dispose of a mask?
Ans. 1. Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers,
and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
2. Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based
hand rub or soap and water
3. Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
4. Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
5. Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the
coloured side).
6. Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of
the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
7. Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your
chin.
8. After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from
behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face
and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces
of the mask.
9. Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
10. Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the
mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash
your hands with soap and water.
Q.18. How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
Ans. - The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus
and beginning to have symptoms of the disease.
- Most estimates of
the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most
commonly around five days.
- These estimates will be updated as more
data become available.
Q.19. Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal
source?
Ans. - Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in
animals.
- Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people.
- For example, SARS-CoV was
associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by
dromedary camels.
- Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not
yet been confirmed.
- To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid
direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
- Ensure good food safety practices at all times.
- Handle raw meat, milk
or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods
and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
Q.20. Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?
Ans. - While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong
Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can
transmit COVID-19.
- COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets
produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- To
protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.
- We continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID19 topics and will update as new findings are available.
MCQs on Covid 19 Part 1
