COVID-19

Description

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS?CoV?2 that mainly affects the lungs and airways. It spreads mainly through droplets from the nose or mouth when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Many people have mild or no symptoms, but some may develop fever, cough, tiredness, or shortness of breath, and a few can become seriously ill. In India, vaccines are available to reduce the risk of severe illness, and testing can be done at government facilities, primary health centres, and private laboratories; follow local Indian guidelines for vaccination and testing. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips, seek urgent medical care, and consult a qualified doctor or your nearest government hospital or primary health centre for personalized advice.

Common Symptoms

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
If you have these symptoms, consult a doctor or local healthcare provider in India for guidance.
In an emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

Causes

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which infects the respiratory system. Transmission mainly occurs through respiratory droplets and aerosols from an infected person, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated places; touching contaminated surfaces can also spread the virus. Risk of catching the infection is higher with close contact with someone who is infected, attending large gatherings, and being in crowded, poorly ventilated settings. Severe illness is more likely in older people and in those with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, obesity, or weakened immunity. In India, vaccination (e.g., Covishield, Covaxin) helps reduce the risk of severe disease, but guidelines vary; follow local public health advice and consult a doctor for personal health decisions.

Treatment Options

In India, COVID-19 treatment is guided by government guidelines and depends on how mild or severe the illness is; many people with mild symptoms are managed at home or at a primary health centre, while others need hospital care.
Lifestyle and self-care include rest, adequate fluids, balanced meals, avoiding smoking, and using a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels; seek care if saturation falls or symptoms worsen.
Medications are used only under a doctor's supervision; common symptomatic options can include fever/pain relievers like paracetamol, while antibiotics are not routinely used unless a bacterial infection is suspected.
In hospital settings, treatment may involve oxygen therapy, and in appropriate cases, doctors may use medicines such as steroids for severe illness or antivirals under supervision; the choice depends on the patient.
Procedures may include regular vital signs monitoring, blood tests, chest imaging if needed, and supportive care; severe cases may require ICU care or mechanical ventilation.
Vaccination status and local guidelines influence management; if you have risk factors or symptoms worsen, contact your local PHC or government hospital and follow Indian guidelines, and always consult a qualified doctor for personal medical advice.