COVID-19 : Basic Questions & Answers

There are various confusions about Corona. Below are some basic questions and answers according to :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} for public awareness.

For updated and authentic information, visit #IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Website: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

1. What is Coronavirus? / कोरोना व्हायरस म्हणजे काय?
   Coronavirus is a group of viruses that can cause illness ranging from common cold to severe respiratory disease.
2. What is COVID-19? / कोविड-19 म्हणजे काय?
   COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? / कोविड-19 ची लक्षणे काय आहेत?
   Fever, dry cough, tiredness, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty in breathing.
4. How does COVID-19 spread? / कोविड-19 चा प्रसार कसा होतो?
   It spreads mainly through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes.
5. Can COVID-19 spread through air? / वायूमार्गे प्रसार होतो का?
   Yes, especially in closed, crowded, and poorly ventilated spaces.
6. Can COVID-19 spread from people without symptoms?
   Yes, asymptomatic people can also spread the virus.
7. Can I get COVID-19 from feces?
   Risk is very low; good hygiene and handwashing are important.
8. How can I protect myself?
   Wear a mask, wash hands frequently, maintain physical distance, and avoid crowds.
9. Simple precautions to reduce risk:
   Hand hygiene, mask usage, respiratory etiquette, and vaccination.
10. Protection for people who visited affected areas (last 14 days):
    Self-monitor health, quarantine if advised, and seek medical help if symptoms appear.
11. How likely am I to catch COVID-19?
    Risk depends on exposure, location, and preventive measures followed.
12. Should I worry about COVID-19?
    Be alert, not anxious. Follow official guidelines.
13. Who is at higher risk?
    Elderly people and those with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or low immunity.
14. Are antibiotics effective?
    No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
15. Are there medicines that cure COVID-19?
    No specific cure, but treatment helps manage symptoms.
16. Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
    Yes. Vaccination helps prevent severe illness.
17. Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?
    No. They are related but different diseases.
18. Should I wear a mask?
    Yes. Masks reduce the spread of infection.
19. How to use and dispose of a mask?
    Cover nose and mouth, avoid touching, dispose safely after use.
20. Incubation period of COVID-19?
    Usually 1–14 days, most commonly 5–6 days.
21. Can humans get COVID-19 from animals?
    The virus originated from animals, but human-to-human spread is dominant.
22. Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?
    Risk is extremely low.
23. How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
    From a few hours up to several days depending on surface type.
24. Is it safe to receive packages?
    Yes, it is safe.
25. Is there anything I should not do?
    Do not panic, spread rumours, or ignore safety guidelines.

Stay informed • Stay safe • Follow Government guidelines