Coronavirus (COVID 19) related Q&A

Questions & Answers: Coronavirus (COVID 19)

COVID-19: The meaning of COVID-19 can be explained in three parts. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ indicates ‘virus’ and ‘D’ for ‘disease’ which was formerly known as ‘2019-nCoV’.

01. Question: What are coronavirus diseases?

Answer: Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal.

02. Question: What causes COVID-19?

Answer: COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus strain.

03. Question: Where was COVID-19 first discovered?

Answer: The first known infections from SARS-CoV-2 were discovered in Wuhan, China. The original source of viral transmission to humans remains unclear, as does whether the virus became pathogenic before or after the spillover event.

04. Question: When was COVID-19 first reported?

Answer: On this website (www.who.int) you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.

05. Question: How long have coronaviruses existed?

Answer: The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all coronaviruses is estimated to have existed as recently as 8000 BCE, although some models place the common ancestor as far back as 55 million years or more, implying long term coevolution with bat and avian species.

06. Question: What are the known coronaviruses that can infect people?

Answer: Human coronaviruses are capable of causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS, fatality rate ~34%). SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh known coronavirus to infect people, after 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1, MERS-CoV, and the original SARS-CoV.

07. Question: Is COVID-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?

Answer: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.

08. Question: In what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?

Answer: Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).

09. Question: Can COVID-19 spread through food?

Answer: There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through contact with food or food packaging. COVID-19 is generally thought to be spread from person to person. However, it’s always important to practice good hygiene when handling food to prevent any food-borne illnesses.

10. Question: Who issued the official name of COVID-19?

Answer: The official names COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 were issued by the WHO on 11 February 2020.

11. Question: Can I get COVID-19 while swimming?

Answer: The COVID-19 virus does not transmit through water while swimming. However, the virus spreads between people when someone has close contact with an infected person.

12. Question: Can you get COVID-19 from faeces?

Answer: The risk of catching the COVID-19 virus from the faeces of an infected person appears to be low. There is some evidence that the COVID-19 virus may lead to intestinal infection and be present in faeces.

13. Question: Do smokers suffer from worse COVID-19 symptoms?

Answer: Early research indicates that, compared to non-smokers, having a history of smoking may substantially increase the chance of adverse health outcomes for COVID-19 patients, including being admitted to intensive care, requiring mechanical ventilation and suffering severe health consequences.

14. Question: How do viruses get their name?

Answer: Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines. Virologists and the wider scientific community do this work, so viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Coronavirus: All you need to know

15. Question: What are some of the animals that are susceptible to COVID-19?

Answer: Studies have identified a range of animals —such as cats, ferrets, hamsters, non-human primates, minks, tree shrews, raccoon dogs, fruit bats, and rabbits— that are susceptible and permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection[62][63][64] Some institutions have advised those infected with SARS‑CoV‑2 to restrict contact with animals.

16. Question: Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?

Answer: Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

17. Question: What is a healthy diet during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: 

• Every day, eat a mix of wholegrains like wheat, maize and rice, legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables , with some foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk).
• Choose wholegrain foods like unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice when you can; they are rich in valuable fibre and can help you feel full for longer.
• For snacks, choose raw vegetables, fresh fruit, and unsalted nuts.

18. Question: Can people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover at home?

Answer: People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

19. Question: What is the definition of a COVID-19 death?

Answer: A COVID-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID-19 disease (e.g. trauma). There should be no period of complete recovery between the illness and death.

20. Question: What are signs and symptoms of the coronavirus disease?

Answer: Signs and symptoms include respiratory symptoms and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and sometimes death.

Standard recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include frequent cleaning of hands using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water; covering the nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing; and avoiding close contact with anyone that has a fever and cough.

21. Question: Can the coronavirus survive on surfaces?

Answer: It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days (11).

The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.

22. Question: Is coronavirus disease zootonic?

Answer: All available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has a zoonotic source.

23. Question: How long does it take for symptoms of the coronavirus disease to appear?

Answer: On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

24. Question: What is the meaning of SARS‐CoV‐2?

Answer: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), also known as the coronavirus, is the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

25. Question: What does it mean that coronaviruses are zoonotic?

Answer: 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.

26. Question: What is the natural reservoir for SARS-CoV-2?

Answer: The most likely ecological reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 are bats, but it is believed that the virus jumped the species barrier to humans from another intermediate animal host. This intermediate animal host could be a domestic food animal, a wild animal, or a domesticated wild animal which has not yet been identified.

27. Question: Can people in quarantine eat fried foods?

Answer: WHO recommends limiting total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake, of which no more than 10% should come from saturated fat. To achieve this, opt for cooking methods that require less or no fat, such as steaming, grilling or sautéing instead of frying foods.

If needed, use small amounts of unsaturated oils like rapeseed, olive or sunflower oil to cook foods. Prefer foods that contain healthy sources of unsaturated fats, such as fish and nuts.

28. Question: Is it safe to take paracetamol before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Answer: Taking painkillers such as paracetamol before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent side effects is not recommended. This is because it is not known how painkillers may affect how well the vaccine works.

29. Question: What are the long lasting fruits and vegetables I should buy for COVID-19 quarantine?

Answer: WHO recommends consuming a minimum of 400 g (i.e. 5 portions) of fruits and vegetables per day. Citrus fruits like oranges, clementines and grapefruit are good options, as well as bananas and apples, which can also be cut into smaller pieces and frozen for later consumption or to add to smoothies.

Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and beets, as well as vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are relatively nonperishable. Garlic, ginger and onions are also great options to keep at home, as they can be used to add flavour to a variety of meals.

30. Question: Can COVID-19 spread in hot and humid climates?

Answer: 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. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

31. Question: Can asymptomatic people transmit COVID-19?

Answer: Yes, infected people can transmit the virus both when they have symptoms and when they don't have symptoms. This is why it is important that all people who are infected are identified by testing, isolated, and, depending on the severity of their disease, receive medical care.

32. Question: What is the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic COVID-19?

Answer: Yes, both terms refer to people who do not have symptoms. The difference is that asymptomatic refers to people who are infected but never develop symptoms during the period of infection while pre-symptomatic refers to infected people who have not yet developed symptoms but do go on to develop symptoms later.

33. Question: How does COVID-19 spread?

Answer: The virus that cause COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

34. Question: Is consuming raw meat safe during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

Answer: The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

35. Question: Is it good to buy frozen fruits and vegetables to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: Is it good to buy frozen fruits and vegetables to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?

All frozen fruits such as berries, pineapple and mango are great options, as they still contain high levels of fibre and vitamins and are often less expensive than the fresh versions. These frozen fruits can be added to juices, smoothies or porridge or eaten with low-fat plain yogurt after defrosting.

Frozen vegetables are nutritious, quick to prepare, and consuming them can help reach the recommendations, even when fresh foods are scarce.

36. Question: When was the official name of SARS-CoV-2 announced?

Answer: On 11 February 2020, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses adopted the official name "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2).

37. Question: When we will find our world safe from it?

Answer: Fortunately, many scientists and medical specialists of the world have found a ray of hope after long research and been able to discover vaccines to prevent it. It’s our utmost expectation that very soon we will find our world a safe and sound place removing coronavirus- maybe within the year 2021.

38. Question: What have been some of the names for the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: The pandemic is known by several names. It is often referred to as its colloquial name, "the coronavirus pandemic",[9][10][11] despite the existence of other human coronaviruses that have caused epidemics and outbreaks (e.g. SARS).[12] Before it was declared a pandemic, it was known as "the coronavirus outbreak" and "Wuhan coronavirus outbreak"

39. Question: Can COVID-19 spread through food?

Answer: There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through contact with food or food packaging. COVID-19 is generally thought to be spread from person to person. However, it’s always important to practice good hygiene when handling food to prevent any food-borne illnesses.

40. Question: How long have coronaviruses existed?

Answer: The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all coronaviruses is estimated to have existed as recently as 8000 BCE, although some models place the common ancestor as far back as 55 million years or more, implying long term coevolution with bat and avian species.

41. Question: Can I exercise outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic?

Answer: Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Stay home and rest, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

42. Question: Has the coronavirus disease been detected in blood and stool?

Answer: COVID-19 virus has been detected in blood and stool, as had the coronaviruses responsible for SARS and MERS (14,16,19-21). The duration and frequency of shedding of COVID-19 virus in stool and potentially in urine is unknown.

43. Question: Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through water?

Answer: Drinking water is not transmitting COVID-19. And, if you swim in a swimming pool or in a pond, you cannot get COVID-19 through water. But what can happen, if you go to a swimming pool, which is crowded and if you are close to other the people and if someone is infected, then you can be of course affected.

44. Question: Can you get COVID-19 from faeces?

Answer: The risk of catching the COVID-19 virus from the faeces of an infected person appears to be low. There is some evidence that the COVID-19 virus may lead to intestinal infection and be present in faeces.

45. Question: How long should I wash my hands during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: Thorough hand hygiene after any cough or sneeze is required. The WHO also recommends that individuals wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the toilet or when hands are visibly dirty, before eating and after blowing one's nose.