All you need to know: Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronaviruses that can transfer from animals to humans. The virus causes respiratory disease, and it is called "SARS-COV-2" and the disease it causes called " Coronavirus disease 2019" (Abbreviated COVID-19).

There is a large family of coronaviruses that are common in many different species of animals, including bats, cats, camels, and cattle. Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are four main sub-groupings of coronaviruses, known as alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.

WHO has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on 12th March 2020. Coronavirus's first case was detected on 13th December 2019, and the COVID-19 epicenter was in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. 

In the past, there were other types of human coronaviruses:

1. SARS-associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), first detected in Asia in February 2003. There are not any newly detected cases of SARS since 2004.
2. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), The first case was reported in Jordan in April 2012. Later, it was detected in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. The largest known outbreak of MERS was in the Republic of Korea in 2015.

What is the difference between COVID-19 and influenza?

1. Influenza has a shorter median incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) and a shorter serial interval (the time between successive cases) than the COVID-19 virus.
2. The serial interval for the COVID-19 virus is estimated to be 5-6 days, while for the influenza virus, the serial interval is 3 days, which means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.
3. The reproductive number – the number of secondary infections generated from one infected individual – is higher in COVID-19 than for influenza.
4. Children are essential drivers of influenza virus transmission in the community. For the COVID-19 virus, children are less affected than adults and that clinical attack rates in the 0-19 age group are low. Moreover, Studies in China suggest that children are infected from adults, rather than vice versa.
5. Symptoms for the two viruses are similar, but for COVID-19, data to date suggest that 80% of infections are mild or asymptomatic, 15% are severe infection, requiring oxygen, and 5% are critical infections, requiring ventilation. That is higher compared to influenza infections.
6. Mortality for COVID-19 is higher than for influenza.

• What is the difference between MERS and COVID-19?

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19 are different types of diseases caused by viruses belong to a large family of Coronavirus. They are different in the diseases they cause, but they are related to each other genetically. 

Symptoms

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People affected by COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

In some cases, the disease may lead to death. These include older people and individuals with a weak immune system (underlying chronic health conditions such as Diabetes, lung ailments, and cancer).

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

The most common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath
• aches and pains
• Diarrhoea

Note: Not all symptoms can be seen in a person suspected to be infected by COVID-19.

Not everyone with cold or upper respiratory symptoms needs to be tested for COVID-19.

Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

Emergency warning signs are:

• Breathlessness
• Persistent chest pain
• Bluish lips or face
• Drowsiness or any new onset change in mental status.

If you notice any symptoms mentioned above, visit the nearest medical Centre or hospital for further guidance and medical care.

Severe illness symptoms can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and can lead to death.

• How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Yet, in some cases, such as younger people, symptoms may be as delayed as 27-28 days.

• Can symptoms of COVID-19 present even after 14 days?

Yes, in some cases, such as younger people, symptoms may be as delayed as 27-28 days.

• Who is at a higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19?

In some cases, the disease may lead to death. These include older adults and individuals with a weak immune system (underlying chronic health conditions such as Diabetes, lung ailments, and cancer).

Spread

• How COVID-19 spreads?

Person to person spread: Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through contaminated hands.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

A person can also catch COVID-19 if he breathes in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets.

Contaminated Surfaces or objects: The person can get COVID-19 by touching the surface that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

• Why does the Coronavirus spread relatively easily between people?

Because it spreads mainly from person to person contact, so if an infected person coughs or sneezes, the other person can easily be infected through the droplets that spread in the place.

These droplets are heavy, and they fall quickly to the surface/ground below. If the person touches a surface with the virus on it, then he touches his mouth or nose, he can get easily infected.

• Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

Infected people are thought to be most contagious when they have the symptoms. However, in some cases, some people may spread the disease before showing any symptoms, but this is not the main way to spread the virus.

• What is the close contact?

The close contact has been defined as:

• Being within about 6 feet (2 meters) of COVID-19 case for a long period.
• Close contact resulted from caring, visiting, living with, or sharing a health care area with a COVID-19 case.
• Having direct contact with infectious secretions of COVID-19 Case.
• If contact happens without wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves, certified masks, and eye protectors.

• How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

Regarding COVID-19, there are no certain studies to confirm how long does COVID-19 stays on surfaces, but studies suggest that other coronaviruses persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. It depends on several factors, including humidity, temperature, and surface type.

• If a colleague gets infected, what should be done?

Suggest the colleague visit the nearest health center to get tested for COVID-19 and to observe self-isolation.

If you are in close contact with the infected person, observe home quarantine, and mentor your symptoms. Seek medical help if your symptoms developed.

• Can I get infected with COVID-19 from touching food, food packaging, or food contact surfaces with Coronavirus on it?

There is currently no evidence of human food packaging being associated with the transmission of the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that Coronavirus can survive on surfaces or objects.

So, following food safety steps, clean, separate, and cook, is critical.

Prevention and protection

• What does social distancing mean?

According to public health officials, social distancing, "physical distancing," is increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. This includes many different measures, including staying home, keeping 6 feet away, avoid closing public places, canceling events and large gatherings, and restricting people's visits to your home.

• What steps should I take to prevent COVID-19?

Prevention is better than cure.

So you have to prevent the illness by doing the following:

• Wear a face mask to cover your nose and mouth while stepping out of the house.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% Alcohol.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice safe greetings. Avoid physical contact (nose-to-nose greeting, handshaking, or hugging).
• Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead).
• Take enough rest and take a large number of fluids.

• Are hand sanitizers better than soap to kill the virus?

Both washing hands with soap and using hand sanitizers are highly effective ways of fighting the Coronavirus. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all your hands and rubbing them together until they get dry.

• What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Isolation and quarantine are ways used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

Isolation: separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

Quarantine: separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

• What is the duration of the home quarantine?

The duration of home quarantine is for 14 days from contact with a confirmed case. However, this period may vary from case to case depending on the health of the person. It may continue until the risk of secondary transmission to others become low.

• Can home quarantine end up earlier if a suspect case turns out negative on laboratory testing?

Yes, if a suspect case turns out negative on laboratory testing, home quarantine can end up early.

• Can home quarantine be more than 14 days?

The home quarantine can be up to 28 days in some high-risk cases, including:

• Contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
• Visiting hospitals where COVID-19 cases being treated.
• Being in places where COVID-19 transmission being reported.
• Having direct contact with infectious secretions of COVID-19 case without wearing recommended protective equipment.

• I am on home quarantine, and I notice symptoms appearing what I should do?

Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital or medical Centre immediately because you may need further care and management.

• I am on house isolation, and I notice my symptoms worsening, what should I do?

Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital or medical Centre immediately for further care and management.

• Who can't be home quarantined for COVID-19?

Patients with severe illness symptoms of breathlessness, persistent chest pain, bluish lips or face, abnormal pulse or blood pressure readings or people with chronic diseases will need hospital care, and they can't be quarantined at home. 

• What to do if I am sick with COVID-19?
• Practice self-isolation.
• Get immediate medical care.
• Stay in a well-ventilated single room with an attached/separate toilet.
• Stay away from older people, pregnant women, children, and persons with co-morbidities.
• Avoid public areas
• Avoid public transportation
• Work from home
• Wear a face mask all the time
• If another person has to be with you in the same place, keep a distance of at least 1 m (3 feet) away from him.

• If I am healthy, Do I still have to wear a facemask?

Yes, as per new guidelines issued by the government of the UAE, the general public has to wear face masks and gloves while stepping out of the house for any reason, or you will get fined.

• How frequently should I replace my facemask?

A medical face mask is effective for 8 hours. After that time, you have to change it.

If it gets wet in between, it has to be changed immediately.

• How to wear a facemask correctly?
• Before putting on the mask, rub your hand with water and soap or use an Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose 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 sanitizer or rub your hands with soap and water.
• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is wet and don't re-use single-use masks.
• To remove the face mask: remove it from behind, discard immediately in a closed bin, and clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.

• What are the instructions for the family members of persons being home quarantined?
• Only one family member should be responsible for taking care of such an affected person.
• Avoid direct contact.
• Use disposable gloves when cleaning the surfaces or handling solid linen.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after removing the gloves.
• Visitors are not allowed.
• All the person's close contacts will be home quarantined for 14 days or more until his case turned out to be negative on lab testing.

• Why isolation is the best way of preventing Corona spread?

Avoid being exposed to this virus is the best way to prevent illness. Thus, Self-isolation is a useful precautionary measure to help others around you from contracting COVID-19. Try to avoid close contact with others as much as possible.

• How do I know if I had COVID-19 or regular flu?

COVID-19 and flu have common symptoms that can progress and become life-threatening in both cases.

Doctors suspect Coronavirus if:

• The patient has respiratory symptoms.
• The patient recently traveled to countries where there is a spread of COVID-19.
• The patient has direct contact with a suspected COVID-19 case.
• There is a community spread of COVID-19 in the patient's area.

Investigations

• Is there a test for COVID-19?

Yes, there is a laboratory test for COVID-19.

• What is the CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time- Rt-PCR Diagnostic Panel?

This is the test designed to detect the novel Coronavirus in respiratory specimens, such as nasal or oral swabs.

• Who should be tested for the Coronavirus?
• All symptomatic individuals who have undertaken international travel in the last 14 days.
• All symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.
• All symptomatic health care workers.
• All symptomatic direct contacts of confirmed cases
• All those who live in the same household with confirmed cases or health workers who examined a confirmed case without wearing protective equipment.

• What does it mean if I have a positive Coronavirus test result?

It means that you have infected with Coronavirus, so you will be placed in isolation to prevent spreading the virus to others.

• What does it mean if I have a negative test result?

It means that Coronavirus was not found in your sample. While the negative test means you don't have Coronavirus, your doctor will consider the test result together with all other aspects of your medical history, in case the test result may be a false negative.

• Can a person test negative and then test positive for COVID-19?

It is possible to have a false negative result in some people with COVID-19 infection in the early stages before the symptoms appear, meaning you might have an infection with Coronavirus even though the test is positive.

If COVID-19 is still suspected in your case, your health care provider will consider pre-testing.

Treatment

• Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

As there is no specific treatment for the virus to date, the treatment of COVID-19 depends on enhancing the immunity level of patients, treating the symptoms, and easing complications.

• Is there a vaccine available to prevent COVID-19?

Till now, there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19.

• Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year?

COVID-19 and influenza are entirely two different viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19.

• Are antibiotics effective in treating or preventing COVID-19?

No, Antibiotics don't work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. A virus, not bacteria, cause COVID-19.

• Are there any natural health products that can treat or prevent COVID-19?

Until this time, there are no authorized natural health products to treat or protect COVID-19.

Relapse

• Can a person who has had Coronavirus get infected again?

However, there is no crucial answer to this question, and most people may develop at least short immunity to the specific Coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Animals Related

• Can humans be infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?

While there is current research that links COVID-19 to certain types of bats, there is no evidence that pets like cats or dogs pose a risk of infection to humans. As a precautionary measure, avoid direct contact with animals or surfaces in contact with animals. Also, avoid handling raw meat, milk, or animal products with care to prevent contamination of uncooked food and avoid uncooked products that come from animals. 

• Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?

There is no evidence that pets like cats or dogs pose a risk of infection to humans. As a precautionary measure, avoid direct contact with animals or surfaces in contact with animals and wash your hands after handling animals or animal waste.

• Should I avoid contact with animals if I am sick with COVID-19?

Yes, it is still recommended that people with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. If it is a must to care for the pets by yourself, wear a mask and wash your hand before and after handling the animals. Avoid petting, being kissed or licked, snuggling, and sharing food.

• Can eating chicken or eggs cause COVID-19?

There is no evidence; currently, that Coronavirus spread through poultry products. Yet, you have to follow the food safety procedures and avoid uncooked meat.

• Should non-vegetarian food be avoided?

There is no evidence that non-vegetarian food should be avoided, but you have to follow the food safety procedures: Separate, clean, and cook. 

Children Related

• What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?

Depending on available studies as of today, children don't appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. Most cases are for adults compared to infants.

• Should children wear masks?

As per new guidelines issued by the UAE government, everyone should wear masks while stepping out of the house for any purpose to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain public health.

• Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?

No, Symptoms for children and adults are the same. The most prominent symptoms for children are cold-like symptoms, including fever, runny nose, and cough. Generally, children with confirmed COVID-19 have presented with mild symptoms.

• Can I send my children to school?

As per the advisory issued by the government of UAE and the Ministry of Education, closure of all educational establishments (Schools, Universities) shall be in force until further notice. The latest updates can be found on https://www.moe.gov.ae/En/Pages/Home.aspx.

• How can students be protected from Coronavirus?

To protect students, several procedures have been followed:

• Closure of all educational establishments to maintain social distancing.
• Cancelling all the activities (Marathons, swimming, theatres).
• The government advises all the students to stay at home.
• Online education.
• Exams postponed.

• My children would contract the infection if they touched a floor cleaned by Dettol?

As per the current guidelines, cleaning, and daily disinfecting surfaces with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution offers protection from Novel Coronavirus.

The best way to avoid being infected is to avoid touching the contaminated surfaces and washing hands with water and soap frequently.

Pregnancy-Related

• Is COVID-19 severe in pregnancy?

It is always important for pregnant women to keep themselves protected from illnesses. There is no evidence until now that pregnant women have a higher chance of getting infected with COVID-19 than ordinary people.

• Can COVID-19 be passed from the pregnant woman to the new-born?

There is still no evidence if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

• If a pregnant woman has COVID-19 during pregnancy, will it hurt the baby?

There have been a small number of reported problems with pregnancy or delivery (e.g., preterm birth) in babies born to mothers who have COVID-19. However, there is no evidence till now that any problems posed to infants of pregnant women who have COVID-19.

• What precautions should pregnant women take?

There is no evidence until now that pregnant women have a higher chance of getting infected with COVID-19 than ordinary people. Generally, they have to protect themselves by practicing social distancing.

Elderly Related

• Why is Coronavirus more threatening to older people and mostly spares children?

In the elderly, the disease represents a severe form of illness that leads to death. This is likely resulting from the presence of other diseases, a weaker immune system, or worse overall health, including suffering from Diabetes, Cancer, etc.

However, the most prominent symptoms for children are cold-like symptoms, including fever, runny nose, and cough. Generally, children with confirmed COVID-19 have presented with mild symptoms.

• What can we do to protect older adults (people more than 60 years of age)?

Follow protective measure:

• Observe strict social distancing (with at least 1 meter (3 feet)) and avoid public places, social gatherings, and non-essential travels.
• Wash hands, frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if there is no water and soap.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with infected people.
• Practice safe greetings. Avoid physical contact (handshakes, hugging).

Special Conditions (Asthma)

• Should people with Asthma wear a mask?

As per new guidelines issued by the UAE government, everyone should wear masks while stepping out of the house for any purpose to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain public health.

In addition to wearing the mask, do the following:

• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your hands with water and soap for 20 seconds. If water and soap are not available, clean your hand with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% Alcohol.
• Don't touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
• Avoid people who are coughing, sneezing, or having cold symptoms.
• Get the seasonal influenza vaccine, if you have not.
• Make sure you get your medicine and get your Asthma under the best control.

Special Conditions (Heart)

• I have a heart-related problem, am I more prone to catching Corona Virus?

Results to date suggest that people with a heart-related problem appear to have a higher risk of getting infected when exposed to viruses due to their weak immune system and long-term medical condition.

Funerals

• Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who dies of COVID-19?

There is currently no confirmed risk of being in the same room with a person who died of COVID-19. However, People should avoid touching the body of the deceased without personal protective equipment.

• Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after he has passed away?

Kissing, hugging, bathing, etc. of the dead body is not allowed. The personal handling of the body of the deceased person should follow standard precautions of wearing personal protective equipment.  

• Can I follow the religious practices of washing the body of the deceased?

As per the directives issued by WHO, the bathing of the body of the deceased affected by COVID-19 is not allowed.

• Can I follow the religious method of burial for a person who dies of COVID-19?

The body of the deceased has to be adequately packed in a body bag and should be disposed of under controlled conditions. 

Travel

• I've recently traveled to an area with sustained community transmission of COVID-19 and don't feel sick, what should I do?
• Home Quarantine yourself
• Monitor yourself for symptoms
• If you develop symptoms within 14 days of travel to the affected area, contact the nearest hospital.

• I have a trip planned (domestic or international), should I still go?

"Don't travel" is highly recommended under the current conditions. You can check with the appointed authorities for more information.

• I went to the underground station today. Am I safe?

Avoid all non-essential commuting. The best way to avoid the virus is to practice social-distancing or self-quarantine.

• I am traveling within the United Arab Emirates, am I at increased risk of catching the virus?

"Don't travel" is highly recommended under the current conditions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and reduce opportunities for virus transmission.

General Questions

• What is the mortality rate for Corona Virus?

As per the official website of WHO, there are 264K deaths.

• Is it safe to visit hospitals with COVID-19 patients?

It is safe to visit the hospitals if you have an acute care need. Follow updated guidelines for visitors and caregivers set by the local health authorities.

• Can wearing rubber gloves keep me safe from COVID-19?

If you touch your face with contaminated gloves, you may get infected. The best practice is to wash your hands with water and soap frequently.

•   Can disinfectant sprays or wipes be used on my skin to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

No, don't use disinfectant sprays or wipes to be used on your skin because they may cause skin irritation. They are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. 

• I had contact with someone who traveled to an area with sustained community transmission of COVID-19. Should I be worried?

Monitor yourself for symptoms and contact your doctor if you feel sick.

• Should I accept packages from China?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions is also low.

• Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?

Some viruses, like the cold and flu, spread more when the weather is colder. At this time, there is no evidence that the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when the weather becomes warm.

• Am I at risk of getting COVID-19 from a mosquito bite?

At this time, there is no evidence that the new Corona Virus can be transmitted from a mosquito bite.

• Are hand dryers effective in killing the new Coronavirus?

No, hand dryers are not effective in killing the new Coronavirus.

• Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new Coronavirus?

UV lamps shouldn't be used to sterilize hands, or other areas of the skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

• How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people affected with Coronavirus?

They are useful in detecting people who developed a fever because of the infection of the Coronavirus.

However, they can't detect people who are not infected but are not yet sick with a fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 14 days before people who are affected become sick and develop a fever.

• Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new Coronavirus?

Eating garlic is healthy because it has some antimicrobial properties, but no evidence eating garlic has prevented people from getting infected by a coronavirus.

• Will I die if I get COVID-19?

No. Most people have mild symptoms and recover from the disease in 2 weeks with supportive medical care.

• How can I clean or disinfect my phone to protect myself from the new Coronavirus?

Phone cleaning tips:

• Unplug the phone before you clean it.
• Use only soft, microfiber cloth.
• Don't spray the phone directly with disinfectants.
• Avoid bleaches or other cleaning products. Use only spray disinfectant that contains 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Even if your phone is waterproof, don't wash it with soap and water under the tap.
• Remember to clean your phone case as well.
• Remember to clean your hands after cleaning the phone.

• Will a cough droplet that falls on one's clothes infect someone?

If you touch the cough droplet of an infected person and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you may get sick.

• We have servants coming to our house, are we at higher risk of getting corona infection?

The best way to avoid being exposed to this virus is to maintain social distancing and limit visitors to come to your house.

• Can we go to an open market to buy groceries to avoid coronavirus infection?
• Try to go during off-peak hours.
• While being there, maintain a 1 meter (3 feet) distance between you and other people.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eye with unwashed hands.
• Practice safe greetings.

• Will cleaning doorknobs keep the novel Coronavirus away?

It is useful, especially in public places, to practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, keyboards, tablets) daily with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution.

Helpline and Medical Guidance

• Is there an Emirati government helpline number for COVID-19?

Yes, you can call:

• Ministry of Health & prevention: 80011111
• Medical operations command center: 8001717
• Dubai Health Authority: 800342

• Where can I get medical advice regarding COVID-19?

Visit the Ministry of Health and Prevention official website: https://www.mohap.gov.ae