Want to know everything about COVID-19 in a simple way? Let's talk about this!

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on all of our lives these days, hasn't it? You probably have a lot of questions and curiosity about this virus, how to protect yourself from it, and about vaccines. Don't worry! In this article, we'll try to talk about it simply and in a friendly way, as if a friend or family member were explaining these things to you.

What exactly is COVID-19? Let's learn some basics

COVID-19, simply put, is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 , which mainly affects the respiratory system. It is a new virus, so we were all a little scared at first, and rightly so. This virus is very small, we can't see it with our eyes, but it can spread very quickly from person to person. Imagine, it spreads like a stealthy attack.

So, how does this spread?

• It is mainly spread through tiny droplets (`droplets`) that are expelled from the mouth and nose when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks . These droplets can land in the nose, mouth, and eyes of someone nearby.
• The virus can also enter the body if you touch a surface (such as a table or doorknob) that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with the same hand.
• It has been found that sometimes, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated, and enclosed places, it can also be spread through the air (airborne) to some extent.

What are the symptoms? Are they the same for everyone?

This can vary greatly from person to person. Some people can have COVID-19 without any symptoms and can spread it to others without even knowing it. That's one of the dangers of this. But the most common symptoms are:

• Feeling feverish or cold
• Cough (often a painful, dry cough)
• Tiredness, fatigue, lethargy
• Body aches, muscle aches
• Sore throat, change in voice
• Some people lose their sense of smell and taste (this is a common symptom for many people)
• Headache
• Chest tightness with or without mucus
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath (this is a dangerous symptom, you should be very careful )

How does this affect young children?

Our little ones can get COVID-19 too. But the good news is that most of them tend to have milder symptoms and less severe illness than adults. However, it is important to be vigilant as some children can also get sick. We need to be especially careful with children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years . They may experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What are these 'variants' that are mentioned everywhere?

You must have heard of the Delta and Omicron variants. Viruses don't just exist in one place, they change their characteristics and shape over time. Just like we change clothes, but this happens in their genetic material. These are the viruses that have changed in new ways, called ``Variants''. Some ``Variants'' can spread faster than others, or may respond a little less to the vaccines we give. That's why it's important to continue to follow health advice and complete the vaccinations.

How can we protect ourselves from COVID-19? Prevention methods

There is a saying that "Prevention is better than cure." That is, it is better to take care of yourself before you get sick than to suffer from it. So, there are some simple, yet very effective things we can do to protect ourselves from COVID-19.

• Wash your hands often: This is the most important thing. Apply soap, lather well, and rub all over your hands (between your fingers, under your nails, up to your wrists) for at least 20 seconds . If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wearing masks: Be sure to wear a mask, especially when going to crowded places (markets, buses, trains) and when you are in closed spaces. This will protect you and others around you. Even small children (usually over 2 years old) can wear masks that fit them and are easy to breathe in. However, it is best to ask your family doctor for advice on this.
• Maintain social distancing: Keep as much distance from other people as possible. Try to maintain at least one meter (about 3 feet) away from them.
• Avoid crowded places and places with poor ventilation: Stay home as much as possible. Only go out for essential things. If you do, get back to work quickly.
• Maintain good ventilation: Keep windows open in homes, offices, and shops to allow good air circulation.

How to protect a small baby?

It is our great responsibility to protect newborn babies and infants from this virus.

• Limit the number of people who come to see the baby as much as possible. If they do, only ask healthy people to come.
• Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly before touching the baby, or use hand sanitizer.
• If you have a cold or fever, be sure to wear a face mask when approaching or breastfeeding your baby.
• Always keep the baby's environment and toys clean.

Special things to know about COVID-19 during pregnancy

Pregnant women can sometimes have more complications than the average person if they get COVID-19. So it's a good idea to be extra careful during pregnancy.

• Follow all the safety precautions mentioned above to the letter.
• Talk to your doctor and definitely consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine . The World Health Organization now says the vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
• If you develop any symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue), seek medical advice immediately without delay.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I have COVID-19?

This is a big question and fear for many new mothers. The good news is, yes, it is possible. According to current scientific information, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted to a baby through breast milk. Breast milk is one of the most valuable nutrients for a baby, as well as a source of immunity to protect against diseases.

However, if you have COVID-19, be sure to take these precautions when breastfeeding your baby:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before feeding your baby or touching your baby.
• Wear a well-fitting face mask every time you breastfeed.
• When you cough or sneeze, turn away from the baby and cover your mouth with a tissue.

What if I get COVID-19? Medical treatment and what to know

No matter how careful we are, sometimes COVID-19 symptoms may appear. If that happens, it is important to act wisely and not panic.

How to get tested (COVID-19 Testing)? What are the types?

If you have symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (e.g., lived in the same household, traveled together), it is very important to get tested. This will help you know for sure whether you have the disease and help you stop spreading it to others.

There are two main types of tests:

1. Viral Test: This is what will tell you exactly whether the virus is currently active in your body or not . There are two types of this:

• PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This is the most accurate test. It is usually done with a swab from the nose or throat. The results take a while to come back.
• Rapid Antigen Test: This can provide results quickly (within 15-30 minutes). However, it is not as sensitive as PCR, and can sometimes give false negative results.

2. Antibody Test: This tests whether you have had COVID-19 before and have antibodies against it . It is not used to detect an active infection.

So, which test is best for me?

It depends on your symptoms, how you were exposed, and your doctor's advice. Typically, a doctor will often recommend a ``Viral Test'', specifically a PCR test, for someone with symptoms or who has been in close contact with an infected person.

All about the COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccination is one of the most important and powerful weapons we have against this Covid-19 pandemic.

"Simply put, the vaccine trains our bodies to fight the COVID-19 virus in advance. Just like a soldier trains before going to war. Then, if the virus actually enters the body, our immune system will quickly recognize it, fight it, and prevent the disease from getting worse."

Common questions you may have about vaccines and their answers:

• Is the vaccine really safe? Yes, all COVID-19 vaccines approved by reputable institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and our country's Ministry of Health , are very safe and effective . They are approved for use only after extensive research. Minor side effects (such as fever, body aches, soreness at the injection site, fatigue) may occur for a day or two, but they usually go away on their own.
• Can children be vaccinated? Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine has now been approved for children over 6 months of age in many countries around the world, as well as in our country. Smaller doses are given to younger children, appropriate for each age group. Talk to your pediatrician about vaccinating your child and make a decision.
• There are several types of vaccines, which one is best? All approved vaccines significantly help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Therefore, it is important to get any approved vaccine that is available and recommended by health authorities.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine, and the RSV vaccine be taken on the same day?

This is a question that many people ask. Generally, yes. Doctors say that it is not a big deal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine, and in some cases, the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine on the same day, at the same doctor's appointment. However, it is best to talk to your doctor about this and follow his or her advice.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

This is a rare but serious condition. A few weeks after being infected with COVID-19 (sometimes without symptoms), some children may develop inflammation of multiple body systems (e.g., heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract) at the same time. Symptoms include:

• Fever (over 38 Celsius/100.4 Fahrenheit) that lasts for several days
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Red spots on the skin (rash)
• Red eyes, chapped lips, and redness
• Unusual drowsiness, tiredness, confusion
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If your child has one or more of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately without delay.

Is this a cold, a common flu, an RSV infection, or COVID-19? How do you know for sure?

This is actually a bit of a complicated issue, because the basic symptoms of all these diseases (fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, fatigue) are very similar to each other. So it's hard to tell for sure whether it's COVID-19 or not based on symptoms alone.

The best and most reliable way to know exactly what it is is to get a test for COVID-19 (e.g. PCR or rapid antigen). Only then will you know for sure. Accordingly, it will be a great help in seeking the necessary treatment and preventing the spread to others.

How to cope with COVID-19 at home and at school?

As COVID-19 impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives, it is essential that we all remain informed and act responsibly, both at home and when our children are at school.

Home Care & Precautions

• If you or someone in your family has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive, isolate yourself from others as much as possible. It is best to stay in a separate room, preferably with a separate bathroom.
• Get plenty of rest. Rest is essential for the body to heal.
• Eat nutritious meals and drink warm liquids (soup, porridge, steamed broth, hot water) frequently.
• For things like fever and body aches, take medications like paracetamol as directed by your doctor.
• Be aware of the warning signs . That is, if you experience symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or tightness, confusion, excessive drowsiness that makes you unable to get up, or blue lips or face, seek immediate medical attention or contact the nearest health facility.
• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces in your home (doorknobs, tables, chair arms, light switches, telephones) with disinfectant liquid daily.

What is `Quarantine` and `Isolation`? Let's understand the exact difference between the two.

Although we hear these two words often during the Covid era, we may not be fully aware of the clear difference between the two.

• Isolation: This is done to completely separate a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 from other healthy people. That is, to stop them from spreading the disease to others.
• Quarantine: This is done by isolating and observing someone who has been in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19, but who has not yet developed symptoms or tested positive, for a specific period of time (usually 7-14 days). This is because they may also be infected, but it can take several days for the virus to develop in the body and show symptoms.

How are you isolating at home?

• If possible, stay in a separate, well-ventilated room. Keep the windows open.
• Avoid eating together with other people in the house and hanging out in the same places (like the living room) as much as possible.
• Use separate plates, cups, cutlery, towels, and bed linens. Wash and dry them thoroughly after use.
• Do your best to protect other family members, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with other chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or heart disease). If you must go to a place where they are, make sure you both wear a mask.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember? (Take-Home Message)

In this time of learning to live with the challenge of COVID-19, it is very important for all of us to act responsibly, both individually and as a society.

• Always follow basic safety measures: Make things like washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distancing a part of your daily routine.
• Be sure to get vaccinated: Vaccination provides a great boost to protect not only yourself, but also your family, your friends, and the entire community from the severe consequences of this disease. Get every dose you receive on time.
• If symptoms appear: Don't panic, act wisely. Seek medical advice, get tested if necessary. Take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others.
• Get only accurate and reliable information: Don't believe every rumor or misinformation circulating on social media. Get accurate information from recognized international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our country's Ministry of Health, and your family doctor.
• Your mental health is also very important: This pandemic is putting a lot of stress on us, both physically and mentally. If you are feeling stressed, scared, or anxious, talk to a friend or family member about it. Don't be afraid to seek help from a mental health professional if you need it.

This COVID-19 pandemic has been a big challenge for all of us. However, if we help each other, follow health advice responsibly, and face this with a positive attitude, we can overcome this situation. Remember, you are not alone in this fight, we are all in this together!

` Covid-19, Corona virus, COVID-19, Sri Lanka, Health, Vaccine, Safety, Symptoms, Virus Testing, Quarantine