17 Things to Know About Coronavirus

Feeling bogged down or overwhelmed by all the information you are coming across regarding the novel coronavirus? Pretty sure the feeling is worse considering you are practising social distancing and are under home quarantine. A lot of fake news and rumours are making the rounds, and as is expected from human nature, it’s spreading panic and fear everywhere.

Fret not; we are here to help you. ManipalCigna Health Insurance ensures the all-around well-being of their customer - emotionally, physically and financially. It is imperative to remember that Covid-19 is covered under our health insurance plans. That’s why we have answered FAQs that will hopefully put you at ease and help you pass this phase in a more composed manner. Check it out:

#1. Why is it called COVID-19?

Ans: The novel coronavirus has two official names - as a disease, it is COVID-19 which stands for Corona Virus Disease 2019, and like a virus, it is known as SARS-CoV-2.

#2. Is Coronavirus the same as SARS?

Ans: Although the virus that caused the outbreak of COVID-19 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are genetically related, the two diseases are not the same.

#3. How long does it take for a person to figure if he/she has the virus?

Ans: There is a 2 to 14 days incubation period during which the symptoms can start showing up.

#4. What are the common symptoms of coronavirus?

Ans: Fever, dry cough and difficulty in breathing are the main symptoms of coronavirus.

#5. Is it true that youngsters are less likely to catch the disease?

Ans: Nobody is immune to the disease. Yes, children and young adults may suffer only mild symptoms, but that does not mean they cannot get infected. Senior citizens and individuals suffering from diseases such as asthma and diabetes are more likely to develop a severe illness due to the virus.

#6. How does the virus spread?

Ans: COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through microdroplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Since they are too heavy, they fall on floors and surfaces. You can get infected if you are standing within 1 metre of an infected person or come in contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated with these droplets. Then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth before sanitizing or washing your hands.

#7. Are animals and birds prone to catching and spreading the disease?

Ans: While there have been instances where the source of a virus is a bird or an animal, there is no verified proof that animals and birds can catch or spread the disease. Unfortunately, people are abandoning their pets out of fear and lack of information. This is truly sad and should not be done unless WHO or another verified sources publishes a statement.

#8. What are some safety measures or precautions I should keep in mind?

Ans: Frequently wash your hands in a day, disinfect surfaces and avoid going out as much as possible. If you cough or sneeze, do it in the bend of your elbow, use tissues or wear a mask. If you are stepping out of your house to purchase essentials, please make sure that you are carrying a sanitizer or even gloves. The virus can spread through contaminated surfaces, so it is essential to disinfect your hands. Practice social distancing and maintain at least 3 feet distance from another person.

#9. Does my current Health Insurance Policy cover coronavirus?

Ans: Yes, your current health insurance does cover hospitalization expenses incurred due to coronavirus. So, do not worry as you have Coronavirus health insurance and cover.

#10. Does the Health Insurance Policy cover even my family or just me?

Ans: Your Health Insurance Policy can be tailored to suit your and your family’s needs. Depending on what you have chosen, the policy will cover expenses for those individuals.

#11. Do I have to wait before my insurance comes into effect?

Ans: At ManipalCigna Health Insurance, all viral infections such as Ebola, H1N and now COVID-19 are viral infections and do not get categorised as pre-existing ailments so no waiting period needs to be implied before the insurance kicks in.

#12. Any additional benefit ManipalCigna provides financially?

Ans: In case of emergency hospitalization, ManipalCigna Health Insurance provides the option of a cashless claim for a hassle-free experience for you and your family.

#13. Is there any helpline number at ManipalCigna I get in touch with in case of queries?

Ans: ManipalCigna Health Insurance is always at your disposal in case of any doubts or questions. If you have any coronavirus insurance claim related queries/other queries on your insurance claims, please do get in touch at 1800-419-1159.

#14. What should I do if I have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19?

Ans: If you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you may have gotten infected even when you feel well.

After getting exposed to someone with COVID-19, do the following:

• Get yourself tested.
• If testing is not possible, stay at home and isolate yourself from other people for 14 days.
• Keep a 1-metre distance from others like your family members.
• Wear a medical mask when you go out to seek medical care.
• Frequently clean your hands.
• Monitor and observe your symptoms for 14 days.
• Stay positive.

#15. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Ans: Isolation and quarantine are the two methods that are being used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Being in isolation means staying separated from other people. The best place to isolate yourself is a medical facility, but if that is not possible and you are not at high risk, you can isolate yourself at home.

You must quarantine when you have been in contact with someone who is infected with Coronavirus, whether the infected individual has symptoms or not.

#16. What causes a virus to change to a new variant?

Ans: When a virus gets widely circulated among a population, it causes many infections and the likelihood of its mutating increases. The more the virus spreads, the more it can replicate, and so there are more opportunities for it to change.

#17. What impact do the new variants of the COVID-19 virus have on vaccines?

Ans: The COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed are seen to be providing at least some protection against the new virus variants. So, the changes in the virus do not make the vaccines completely ineffective.

Again, it is possible to change the composition of the vaccines to protect against the new variants.

Conclusion

You must be coming across a lot of information on the novel coronavirus these days. It is important that you only believe information that is from reliable sources. Also, know that treatment for Covid-19 is covered under ManipalCigna health insurance plans.

We hope that with this information, you pass this phase in a calm and composed manner.