COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is an airborne disease that spreads through droplets and enters your body through the mouth, nose and eyes. COVID-19 can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. 

Coronavirus has been rapidly evolving into diverse variants through mutations. The most common latest variants of COVID-19 seen in India are:

• Delta
• Omicron 
• IHU 

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Coughing
• Sneezing 
• Shortness of breath or breathlessness 
• Fatigue
• Muscle ache or body pain 
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite 

Notable symptoms of Omicron variant are – 

Runny nose, fatigue, headache, sore throat, sneezing, nausea or vomiting & loss of appetite.

Practice the following safety measures if you are sick or infected with COVID-19:

• Isolate at home 
• Get enough rest 
• Stay hydrated 
• Get tested 
• Consult your healthcare provider 
• Avoid crowds & traveling, especially in public transportation 
• Consume immunity-boosting food

Get vaccinated 

COVID-19 vaccine is an effective way to keep yourself and your loved ones protected from the spread of coronavirus. Vaccines can reduce your risk of contracting breakthrough infection and falling severely ill. In India, individuals above the age of 15 years are eligible to receive vaccination. Book your vaccination here. 

Wear a face mask 

Wearing a face mask can prevent the transmission of virus-carrying droplets. Face masks and coverings can limit the distance and volume of expiratory droplets dispersed while breathing, talking and coughing. It is also advised to avoid crowded places and close contact with others. 

Take booster shots, when available 

A booster shot is an additional dose of vaccine given after the primary doses. Booster vaccination doses can add a higher degree of protection against COVID-19. You should receive your booster shot when it is available. 

Wash or sanitise your hands frequently 

Washing your hands with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can kill the viruses that may be present on your hand from coughing or sneezing. It is also advised that you should routinely clean and sanitise your surroundings to curb the spread of infection. 

Improve ventilation in your home 

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of virus-carrying droplets in a closed space. You should improve the ventilation in your house and workplace to make sure that there are lesser airborne contaminants indoors.

• Strict enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour & PPE norms
• Mandatory COVID-testing for all in-patients
• Stringent screening for all staff
• 100% vaccinated staff
• Strong restrictions on the number of attendants & visitors
• Isolated consultation area for flu patients
• Convenient tele-consult facility
• 24X7 Emergency, ICU and Critical Care facilities