Coronavirus & Precautions

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses responsible for causing illness ranging from common cold to more severe diseases like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. This is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans and does not currently have vaccine or known treatment.

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.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

PRECAUTIONS

Watch this video for basic hygiene measures to protect yourself:

https://openwho.org/courses/eprotect-acute-respiratory-infections 

To prevent infection, it is recommended to take following precautions:

1. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This kills viruses that may be on your hands.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and encourage others to do the same.
3. Thoroughly cook meat and eggs
4. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.
5. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
6. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
7. Avoid unnecessary travel
8. Avoid congregating in large groups

FAQS

Browse through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to find the answers to common queries. For more details, visit: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

HELPFUL LINKS

Some key reference links for more information are awareness are given below:

1. https://www.hec.gov.pk awareness-corona-virus.aspx
2. https://www.cdc.gov works 24/7
3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
4. https://www.who.int

CORONAVIRUS ADVISORY

If you have any flu-like symptoms, you are advised to stay home, self-isolate and notify the University immediately.

Be sure to check this page regularly for latest updates and guidelines.