Be aware from authentic sources as it is common to find in societies that one group will panic and another will not be bothered at all, Describes Dr. Muhammad Aziz Rahman.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly 200 countries around the world. Although the death rate is only 4%, people are getting stressed due to the nature of transmission. The symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat and fatigue; breathing difficulties are reported among severe cases. Some symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to those of common cold or seasonal flu.
The incubation period for the disease can take up to fourteen days. Older people, people with chronic diseases and compromised immune systems are mainly at risk; but cases have been reported across all ages. The virus spreads from direct contact, or being near to an infected person who is not careful when coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Evidence from the cases suggests that one infected person can spread the disease to 2 to 2.5 people.
The virus can survive up to three hours in air, four hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard and 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel. However, research also suggests that the virus can survive in a place even for 17 days after an affected person leaves the place. This means we should be careful about touching surfaces even if infected people are not around us.
It is common to find in societies that one group will panic and another will not be bothered at all. “I assume that these groups behave this way due to lack of awareness.” Being updated with current news and preventive activities will reduce stress at individual level and benefit the entire community. However, awareness should derive from authentic sources. Most people rely on Google and social media to get information, but they need to verify the sources of information. The World Health Organization or country government websites have updated information for proper community awareness. For Bangladesh, the IEDCR website contains reliable advice. I will suggest two steps in-line with global prevention messages: be informed and obey government advice.
In this global crisis, it is important to show solidarity, but social distancing is the key to limit spread of this disease. Bangladesh has also adopted such rules, but needs to be implemented strictly considering the impact on our resource-poor settings.
Although awareness has come late to Bangladesh, the potential impact of coronavirus is still ignored by most. The government is taking steps to maintain prevention efforts, but many people view this period as a holiday opportunity. What is alarming is that educated people believe misinformation about this disease too.
To conclude, I will re-emphasise on knowing facts from authentic sources. Knowing correct facts will assist in minimizing stress about coronavirus. If each individual acts responsibly, the entire community will be able to withstand this disease.
Dr. Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Public Health Specialist & Associate Professor of Federation University Australia.
