Advice for the Public From Rawalakot Statistical Association (RSA) Poonch Azad Kashmir

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CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) Rawalakot Statistical Association (RSA)
Advice for the Public
Technical Report · March 2020
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.11509.73442
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2. Coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
(COVID-19)
Rawalakot Statistical Association (RSA)
Poonch Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Advice for the Public

3. CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
(COVID-19)
Compiled by
Rawalakot Statistical Association (RSA)
Poonch Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Mar, 2020

4. Institutions for collaboration
National Health Commission
of the People’s of China
Ministry of National Health Services,
Regulation and Coordination, Government of
Pakistan

5. Editorial Staff
Editor in Chief: Sajid Ali Khan
Co-Editor: Muhammad Fahim Yasin
Scientific Researcher: Sayyad Khurshid
Medical Researchers:
 Dr. Atif Bashir (Shenyang Medical University of China)
 Dr. Ishtiaq Mehmood
 Dr. Kulsoom Kabir
Supporting Staff:
 Rashid Shabbir
 Sajid Bashir

6. Contents
1. Coronavirus
2. Prevention
3. Symptoms
4. Advice for the Public-I
5. Advice for the Public-II
6. Protection Measures
7. Undergoing Clinical Trial
8. References

7. CORONAVIRUS
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the
common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-
CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not
been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and
MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating
in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath
and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute
respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing,
covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing
and sneezing.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered
coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory
illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with

8. underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory
disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-
19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection
by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose
when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice
respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are
many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.
Prevention
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based
hand rub.
 Maintain at least 1 meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
 Avoid touching your face.
 Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
 Stay home if you feel unwell.
 Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
 Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from
large groups of people.

9. Symptoms
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory
disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover
without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and
those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.
Common symptoms include:
 Fever
 Tiredness
 Dry cough.
Other symptoms include:
 shortness of breath
 aches and pains
 sore throat
 and very few people will report diarrhoea, nausea or a runny nose.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their
medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical
attention.

10. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Advice for the Public-I
1. 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
areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, 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 cleaning your hands. 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.
2. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.
The normal 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.
3. Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
Taking a hot 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 bath or
shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn
you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your
hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that
coud occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

11. 4. The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could
be transmitted by mosquitoes. 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. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently
with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact
with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
5. Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the
new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or
wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them
thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
6. Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can
cause skin irritation.
7. How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new
coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting 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 fever. This is
because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and
develop a fever.

12. 8. Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already
entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous
membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to
disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
9. Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza
type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to
develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory
illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
10. Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new
coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from
infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover
more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been
shown to prevent respiratory infections.
11. Can eat garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no
evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new
coronavirus.

13. 12. Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also
susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people and
people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease)
appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for
example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
13. Are antibiotics 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.
14. Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus
(2019-nCoV).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat
symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some
specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is
helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.

14. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Advice for the Public-II
When and how to use masks
 If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person
with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
 Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
 Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with
alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
 If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
 Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
 Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face
and the mask.
 Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-
based hand rub or soap and water.
 Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use
masks.
 To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard
immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and
water.
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them
with soap and water.

15. Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer
the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can
make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means
covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek
medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

16. Protection Measures for Persons who
are in or have Recently Visited (past
14 days) Areas where COVID-19 is
Spreading
Follow the guidance outlined above.
 Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache
and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and
visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and
help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
 If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as
this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance
and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in
advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health
facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

17. Undergoing Clinical Trial
A simple but potentially very effective tool that can be used in infectious outbreaks is to use
the serum of patients who have recovered from the virus to treat patients who contract the
virus in the future36. Patients with resolved viral infection will develop a polyclonal antibody
immune response to different viral antigens of 2019-nCoV. Some of these polyclonal
antibodies will likely neutralize the virus and prevent new rounds of infection, and the
patients with resolved infection should produce 2019-nCoV antibodies in high titer.
Patients with resolved cases of 2019-nCoV can simply donate plasma, and then this plasma
can be transfused into infected patients37. Given that plasma donation is well established,
and the transfusion of plasma is also routine medical care, this proposal does not need any
new science or medical approvals in order to be put into place. Indeed, the same rationale was
used in the treatment of several Ebola patients with convalescent serum during the outbreak
in 2014–2015, including two American healthcare workers who became infected38.
As the outbreak continues, more patients who survived infection will become available to
serve as donors to make antisera for 2019-nCoV, and a sizeable stock of antisera could be
developed to serve as a treatment for the sickest patients. Unfortunately, the exponential
growth of the outbreak would work against this strategy, since the growing number of cases
would likely outstrip the ability of previous patients to provide donor plasma as treatment.
Moreover, convalescent patient sera would have significant variability in the potency of
antiviral effect, making it less ideal37. While transfusion medicine services should certainly
pursue convalescent patient sera as an option right now for patient treatment, it is ultimately
limited in its effective scope of controlling the outbreak.

18. References
Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. Report of clustering pneumonia of unknown etiology
in Wuhan City. Wuhan, China: Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, December
31, 2019. http://wjw.wuhan.gov.cn/front/web/showDetail/2019123108989.
World Health Organization. Novel coronavirus – China. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health
Organization, January 12, 2020. https://www.who.int/csr/don/12-january-2020-novel-
coronavirus-china/en/.
Wang C, HornbyPW, HaydenFG, GaoGF. A novel coronavirus outbreak of global health
concern. Lancet[published online January 24, 2020]. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)
30185-9.
HuiDS, AzharEI, MadaniTA, et al. The continuing 2019-nCoV epidemic threat of novel
coronaviruses to global health – the latest 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan,
China. Int J Infect Dis,2020,91(2020):264-266.
ZhuN, ZhangD, WangW, et al. A novel coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in China,
2019. N Engl J Med[published online January 24, 2020]. DOI: 10.1056 /NEJMoa
2001017.
ChanJFW, KokKH, ZhuZ, et al. Genomic characterization of the 2019 novel human-
pathogenic coronavirus isolated from a patient with atypical pneumonia after visiting
Wuhan. Emerg Microbs Infect [published online January 24, 2020]. DOI: 10.1080
/22221751.2020.1719902.
TanWJ, ZhaoX, MaXJ, et al. A novel coronavirus genome identified in a cluster of
pneumonia cases—Wuhan, China 2019−2020. China CDC Weekly,2020,2:61-62.
PaulesCI, MarstonHD, FauciAS. Coronavirus infection—more than just the common
cold. JAMA[published online January 23, 2020]. DOI:10.1001/jama.2020.0757.
MunsterVJ, KoopmansM, van DoremalenN, et al. A novel coronavirus emerging in China –
key questions for impact assessment. N Engl J Med[published online January 24,
2020]. DOI:10.1056/NEJMp2000929

19. HuangC, WangY, LiX, et al. Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel
coronavirus in Wuhan, China. Lancet[published online January 24, 2020]. DOIi:
10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5.
ChanJF-W, YuanS, KokK-H, et al. A familial cluster of pneumonia associated with the 2019
novel coronavirus indicating person-to-person transmission: a study of a family
cluster. Lancet[published online January 24, 2020]. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736 (20)
30154-9.
World Health Organization. Statement on the second meeting of the International Health
Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel
coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, January
30, 2020.
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/30-01-2020-statement-on-the second meeting-of-the-
international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee regarding -the-
outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov).
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.epi-win.com/

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