Does a sneeze or cough mean COVID-19? Callers bombard helpline

Chennai, Apr 23 () "Am I COVID-19 infected if Isneeze?", "Can I consume meat in view of the virus outbreak?"-- these are some of the queries landing at a governmenthelpline, seeking expert advice on the viral infection anddietary issues amidst the spread of the deadly contagion.

More than their daily dose of essentials or apprehensionof when the lockdown will be eased, a sneeze or cough seems tobother many.

Afraid of contracting the disease, the callers to the 104government helpline seek clarification if sneeze or coughcould mean symptoms for COVID-19, those handling the queriessaid.

"We receive hundreds of calls daily from those in thecity and other parts of the state and many among them displayanxiety that they may have been infected with the virusbecause they sneezed or coughed," Shylaja (name changed) whoattends the calls, said.

She is part of a team of nearly a dozen counsellors,which include nutritionists, who guide the people duringthe lockdown being enforced to combat the spread of COVID-19.

With many clinics closed following instruction from thegovernment as a precaution to focus on the fight mostlyagainst the pandemic, people exercise the option of thehelpline.

"People become so anxious that they fail to realisethat common sneezing is caused by allergy.

We explain the symptoms (of coronavirus) and ask if theyhave a history of travel to any of the COVID-19 affectedcountries or were in contact with those under home isolation,and offer guidance accordingly," she added.

People also are concerned if their liking for meatcould land them in a quarantine ward and public queriesrevolve around this issue too, those handling the helplinesaid.

A nutritionist said, "We advise them to cook the meatwell before consuming, if they are particular on eating non-vegetarian food. There are other callers who ask for an idealdiet to enhance their immunity."

Such people are advised to eat freshly prepared mealson time and supplement them with fruits and vegetables.

"Even Amla or orange could be consumed to boost one'simmunity," she said, sharing what she advices the callers whoring up the helpline for tips on immunity.

Incidentally, the poultry industry in Tamil Nadu earlierfaced issues following rumours that eating chicken could leadto the spread of the pandemic.

Much explanation had to be done both by the industry andthe state government to convince the people that consumingchicken will not result in coronavirus. COR SAROH ROH