Covid: Fiction and FAQs

We live in an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, often leaving us confused about what is fact and what is fiction. Information gives us power—and we must use it to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and to ease the burden on our already strained healthcare system.

We understand the basics of COVID-19:

• The virus spreads from person to person through small droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze.

• Common symptoms include fatigue, dry cough, and fever.

• The best protection is prevention—wear masks and maintain physical distancing in all social situations

Here is a list of FAQs and facts separated from fiction:

Q1. Can you get Corona from handling food or food packaging?

First off, COVID-19 is not a foodborne disease. There’s absolutely no evidence to suggest people will get infected by swallowing the virus through food or drink. Research has actually shown that the virus is inactivated in the acidic environment of the stomach and is therefore unlikely to reach the gastrointestinal tract and cause illness.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been zero cases of COVID-19 related to food packaging or shopping bags. However, it is possible that the new variants of coronavirus can survive on these surfaces.

In fact, studies have shown how long coronavirus can survive on common food packaging materials, such as:

• Cardboard: The virus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard.

• Cloth: The virus can survive up to 2 days on cloth.

• Glass: The virus can survive up to 4 days on glass.

• Plastic: The virus can survive between 3 and 7 days on plastic

Overall, the new coronavirus does not survive well outside the human body. Because of this, you do not usually need to wipe down groceries. However, you should still follow basic safety measures—wash your hands before and after handling food, rinse fresh produce thoroughly with clean water, and cook food at the right temperatures before eating.

Q2. What precautions should you take if you absolutely must leave your house?

• Wear a mask at all times and ensure it fully covers your nose, mouth, and chin.

• Use an N95 respirator without a respirator valve for the best protection. If that is not available, choose a KN95 mask, which serves as the next best alternative. However, watch out for fake or untested masks and always buy from reliable sources.

• You can also double mask by wearing a surgical mask under a thick cotton cloth mask. Make sure the cloth mask is dense—when you hold it against light, it should not let light pass through. Avoid using masks that are too thin, as they do not provide adequate protection.

• Use surgical masks for up to 24 hours, provided they remain clean and are not soiled with saliva or mucus.

Remember!

Mask Hygiene

Keep your mask clean at all times. Sanitise your hands before and after putting on or removing your mask, and handle it only by the straps.
Ensure your mask fits properly—it should not be too loose or too tight. Always wear it correctly, covering your nose, mouth, and chin.

Sanitise

• Carry a hand sanitiser with you at all times. Avoid touching commonly used surfaces like handles, doorknobs, and railings. If you do touch them, sanitise your hands immediately.

• Do not touch your face before cleaning your hands.

• Use a sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content.

Social Distance

• Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters (about 6 feet) from others at all times. If someone comes too close, politely ask them to maintain distance.

• Avoid physical greetings like handshakes, and do not remove your mask while speaking to others.

Vaccinate

Register for vaccination and get vaccinated as early as possible.

Q3. How do you know if you have COVID-19

The only sure-fire way to know is to get tested for the virus. The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fatigue, dry cough and fever.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported in 40% of COVID-19 cases.

The second wave has been associated with red and bloodshot eyes, hearing loss, dry mouth, skin rashes and conjunctivitis. Reports suggest that there’s a high chance of lung involvement, up to 25% in most cases hit by the mutant coronavirus strain, especially amongst the younger age groups now.

Q4. When and who should test for Coronavirus?

‣ If you have symptoms of COVID-19

‣ If you are asymptomatic but have come in contact with anybody who has been diagnosed as covid positive, you must get tested.

‣ Asymptomatic high-risk individuals (i.e. elderly ≥ 65 years of age, those with comorbidities, etc.) in containment zones.

The ideal time to take the test is 4-5 days after exposure, though there is no set best time. The incubation period or the time from the virus entering your body and setting up shop, to the time you develop symptoms, varies from 5 to 14 days.

Q5. Which test should you take—RT-PCR or RAT?

Choose accuracy first. Tests like the RT-PCR test, TrueNat test, and CBNAAT test provide more reliable results and are generally preferred.

However, healthcare workers may recommend the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in high-load situations, such as in containment zones, because it delivers quicker results.

Remember!

Do not assume you are infection-free just because your test result is negative. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, especially mild ones, isolate yourself immediately and contact your doctor or the official helpline for guidance.

Q6. What should you do if you have tested positive for coronavirus?

What should you do next?

Start by isolating yourself immediately. If you experience symptoms like breathlessness, chest tightness, slurred speech, or any other severe discomfort, seek medical help without delay.

• Contact your healthcare professional. Call the DISHA helpline or your nearest hospital and follow their guidance. If they advise hospital admission, act on it immediately.

• If you are under home isolation and live in a society or apartment, inform your local ward office or municipal authorities so they can take necessary measures, including sanitisation.

• Follow all instructions given by health professionals during home isolation. Take these steps seriously to protect your family and those around you.

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