Avoid public gatherings, wash hands frequently: Ex-IMA National President Dr KK Aggarwal

In an exclusive interview with the former National President of the Indian Medical Association Dr KK Aggarwal, Ten News observed that washing hands on frequent intervals and avoiding public gatherings are the best ways to prevent the COVID-19 infection.

Dr KK Aggarwal is a well-known Delhi-based cardiologist and physician. He is the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India and former National President of the Indian Medical Association. The Government of India honoured him in 2010 with the Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the field of medicine.

Following is a brief interview with the cardiologist about the coronavirus pandemic, its symptoms, recommendations, and more to aware the public about the same.

Ten News: What is coronavirus and its symptoms?

Dr. Aggarwal: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.

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

Ten News: How Coronavirus affects elderly?

Dr. Aggarwal: The people who are at higher risk for severe disease and death are those who are older and with underlying health conditions. Older adults may be particularly sensitive to the respiratory illness, which can cause pneumonia and symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Ten News: What should I do as an individual to protect myself and others?

Dr. Aggarwal: 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.

Ten News: Are kids immune to the virus that causes COVID-19?

Dr. Aggarwal: We aren’t sure yet if kids are getting infected but we definitely know that kids below 10 years of age do not get pneumonia

Ten News: Can a person who has had coronavirus get infected again?

Dr. Aggarwal: Either it isn’t there yet or it’s uncommon as of now. We cannot say anything for sure.