“Self-quarantine is the best method”

“Population is a major problem for India to follow all the guidelines, as it may not be  possible. Because advisory, quarantine, Govt orders, police interference have all been  tried but there are still people who escape the security chain. Hence, self-discipline is the only way to contain corona virus,” said Dr Rudra Prasad Acharya, Director, GI Onco surgery, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, in an interview to Ravi Mishra. Excerpts:

Who should get tested for novel coronavirus ?

There is a standard guideline by the Govt  of India that category A patient with symptoms of  cough, sneezing and fever with history of travel need to be tested for COVID-19

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

From the day of exposure to appearance of symptoms it varies  from one week to 3 weeks. Hence, with history of travel minimum two weeks of quarantine has made  mandatory.

Is it necessary to wear a mask?

Masks are not  necessary as such at home, only required when you are going to public  places where the details of others around you are unknown. Simple surgical masks are  sufficient for normal population going to public places . N95 special masks are needed  for healthcare workers directly working in respiratory dept or ICU only, because of high probability of public exposure.

What is the correct way of wearing a mask ?

Mask should cover nose / mouth and smugly fitted to the face,Upper and lower straps  used for tying should be at distance to keep the mask stretched over the face.

Is there any probability that a person cured of novel coronavirus can get it again ?

Person who has recovered from corona infection who has recovered from corona  infection will be almost cured of infection . As in other viral infection, mutation of virus  happens and fresh infection might happen but not in the same person may be two to three  years later and the virus might be renamed.

How is social distancing good in country like india where 135 crore population reside?

Population is a major problem for India to follow all the guidelines, as it may not be  possible. Because advisory, quarantine, Govt orders, police interference have all been  tried but still there are people who escape the security chain. Hence, self-discipline is the only way to contain corona virus.

Is there any connection with non-veg food ?

Although it has been proved no- veg  food has no connection with corona virus  infection, the  origin is considered to be  from strange animals handling in the food  industry. So, non-veg food as such has no association with corona.

Compared to other countries India has less incidence, what is the reason?

Right time to act, is the most precious decision of Modi Govt to strictly plan, anticipatory  and execute measures needed with drastic exemplary decisions have led to less  incidence. Still we will have to wait till all phases of COVID-19 infection is over.

What are the three most effective methods to control it ?

Social distancing, hand wash, hand hygiene with sanitizers every time you touch a surface, are most effective methods  to control the corona virus infection.

Self-quarantine , how to do it ?

If in doubt of symptoms immediate self quarantine is the best method. Go for all food  storage , do not allow anybody to came in nor to go out. Avoid minimum exposure to  others. Do everything from home and self–containment is the best to break the chain. If  symptoms worsen , seek the help of hospital. .COVID -19 test will be done , if found to have suspicious.