As people continue to battle the deadly microscopic villain, coronavirus, its wave seems unstoppable. With the number of cases rising in the country, people are deeply concerned and live with fear of becoming infected. Because of the pandemic, people are even thinking about how safe it is to stay with their families without getting Covid-19.
The risk of getting coronavirus from a family member is low
The news that the risk of getting the novel coronavirus from a family member is only 16.6 percent is a relief for many. For the study published in the JAMA network openThe researchers analyzed 54 relevant studies involving more than 77,000 participants that reported secondary transmission of coronavirus in the household.
The researchers also found that the transmission of the disease was only 0.7 percent when the infected person did not show symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. However, the rate was higher when the person with Covid-19 showed these symptoms.
Adults are 28.3 percent more likely to develop the disease than children. More than one in three (37.8%) spread the virus to their husbands and wives.
This transmission rate has been reported to be 17.8 percent higher when compared to other family contacts, including children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Experts recommended taking every precaution to avoid contraction of the disease.
What To Do If Your Family Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus?
Here are the safeguards that can work if a family member becomes infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Start practicing social distancing right away
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid sharing the same laundry room, towels, linens, etc.
- If you share personal household items, disinfect them immediately
- The infected person should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Remain in quarantine until you have not had a fever for at least 72 hours without medication and symptoms have cleared
- Get tested twice after symptoms go away to make sure
- Monitor symptoms and know the warning signs
Coronavirus warning signs
Covid-19 can affect different people in different ways, which means your symptoms may not be the same as those of another person you know who is infected.
Most common symptoms
- fever
- Dry cough
- fatigue
Less common symptoms
- Pain
- diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Loss of taste and smell
- skin rash
- Discoloration of toes and fingers
Serious symptoms
- shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of speech
- Difficulty moving
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek help immediately to avoid complications.
Published: December 15, 2020, 4:15 p.m.