What is coronavirus: It’s not a joke!

Coronavirus is not a joke. And I will tell you why!

Since last month, the buzz is all about coronavirus.

Newspapers are coming with scary headlines on the front page.

T.V channels are engaging in hysteric display and debates.

Social media is flooded with memes, rumours, truths, and advice.

Whatapp is circulating awareness messages every day!

People are drowning in an overwhelming amount of information. But knowledge remains in dark!

But it’s only a few cases!

Recently, I got a patient who came complaining of the flu. He had a mild cough.

His family was in a complete panic. Because of his recent foreign visit, everyone doubted him for coronavirus.

But the patient looked least bothered!

When I asked him about the symptoms he replied in a much laid-back tone.

“Sir, my family is panicking for no reason. Every year more people die of flu and road accidents.

Moreover, death tolls are not as scary as news channels are saying it to be.  Many have recovered too. People are not talking about recovery cases. They are just dwelling on the fear of death.

Also, if we see recent updates, the death toll in China has now gone down!”

I felt dumbfound at this man’s ignorance.

He and many others are putting their and their loved one’s life at risk with this mentality. 

Life and death is God’s will

This is another statement that has buzzed in my ears more than once.

And it’s not only the housemaids and vegetable vendors saying this in ignorance.

Even the literates are advocating this thought.

“We can’t control life and death. I will die no matter what if it’s in my fate”.

Fate and karma and intertwined. If ignorance is your karma then suffering will be your fate!

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Coronavirus: How are we fighting back?

Only a few are understanding the intensity of this situation. The government is taking accurate steps. Doctors are putting their life at stake. But the common people are sailing at the peak of ignorance.

Some are mocking it while some are panicking. But only a few have really stood up to awake awareness. Hardly few have extended a helping hand to the poor. 

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Here is a glimpse of people’s reaction, from what I got to see

People are not cancelling their travel plans. 

They are not even postponing their parties.

Many are not following WHO guidelines.

They are still out in the streets.

Offices are another place where it can spread wide.

People are more anxious than alert.

They are stocking on masks and sanitizers creating a scarcity in the market.

People are fleeing from isolation.

The poor are fleeing to their villages in fleet.

Some are mocking the situation. 

And as a doctor, it gives me immense pain to see people not value their life and even put others at risk!

Coronavirus is not a joke!

The last few days have really been hectic. With a flood of footfalls walking in. Checking, consoling and treating them. Educating them why coronavirus is not a joke!

Here is what you too should know.

India has reached stage II of this pandemic. Let’s understand the stages of pandemic first!

• In stage I, most cases are imported from the affected countries. 
• Stage II is when disease transmission is limited to people with a travel history and their close contacts. 
• The disease reaches its III stage when the virus spreads through the community.
• Stage IV is when it reaches the status of an epidemic. There is no clear endpoint of the ongoing transmission. 

China and Italy are the countries that have reported stage IV of the Covid-19 outbreak.

India on a beak of crisis

India is currently in stage II. Where most cases are found in people with recent travel history or close contact with infected ones. 

On March 13, the economic times reported: 112 infected, 2 dead, 11 cured of coronavirus!

Indian Government is gearing up to halt or delay the progression of this disease. 

Though there is a fair chance that the progression of this disease to the next stage will come. But the best thing to do now is to delay that progression and buy some time to find a cure.

Looking at the current situation, we have very less time in hand to contain the situation. Else we are facing an outbreak of one of the most disastrous disease. 

So, this is the time to act. And this time is very less!

The declining case of China’s epidemic

It is true that after reaching a peak, China is now seeing a decline in its cases of coronavirus.

But let’s look at the how’s before we say wow!!!

China quarantined large cities. It shut down the main cities, stopped transactions. And brought people to complete isolation.

Can India do that?

A country of this size! With over a billion population. A large portion of which is living in slums in urban India.  With bare facilities, no hygiene and zero safety.

People commute in metros and local trains, buses and carpools. 

Can India shut down all of this?

What kind of devastation awaits?

Can Indians survive without going to work?

Or can the government provide financial aid for such isolation?

These are the questions you need to ask now!

And if most of your answers are ‘no’, then remember prevention is better than cure!

15 tips for Prevention against Coronavirus: Steps you need to take now!

1. Practice the guidelines given by the WHO.
2. Listen to your doctor.
3. Practice isolation.
4. Enhance your immunity.
5. Educate your maids and servants.
6. Give them the necessary tools like soaps and sanitizers to fight the disease.
7. Don’t engage in myths and false news. 
8. Stay away from media for mental sanity. Follow the WHO website for true info.
9. Don’t share false claims and exaggerated videos.
10. Stay calm and practice good health practice.
11. Avoid gyms, swimming pools and AC rooms.
12. Soak some sunshine.
13. Do yoga at home.
14. Use this time of isolation as a boon for family time.
15. Take rest and breathe out your stress.

In this time of panic, make the best of what life has thrown at you. The business will get back. Your finances will be stable again. Doctors will find a cure. Focus on your inner peace and stay calm.

Follow the precautions religiously and encourage others too!

Because if your maid falls sick, you too are at risk!

So, its time to come together and fight Coronavirus before the beginning of a massacre.