Preventive measures for Dental Professionals during worldwide emergency COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus (CoV-2) is a rapidly spreading viral infection all over the world. World Health Organisation declared COVID- 19 as the pandemic disease. Professionally, Dentists are prone to get the cross-infection. And are at 100% risk. This is because Dentists come across face to face communication with the patients, frequent exposure to saliva, blood, other body fluids while handling the teeth and sharp instruments. So, precautionary and preventive measures should be taken to prevent and minimize the cross-infection and spread of COVID-19. The susceptible people of COVID-19 are those who had a travel history from abroad, elderly people, immuno-compromised, and people with co-morbidities. This condition is more prevalent in males when compared to females. Transmission can be broadly divided into the direct and indirect transmission. In general, a COVID infected patient shows signs of symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body pain, lethargy, and breathlessness. At present, no cure or vaccine has been discovered. Currently, a combination of anti-viral and anti-malarial drugs is being used to treat patients. Simultaneously, multi-vitamins and Hydroxychloroquine is administered to most susceptible patients after consulting the physician. Prevention for aerosol, body fluids, nasal discharge is a must. Disinfection of surrounding and personal protective wear, which includes a face shield, mask, gown, head cap, double gloving, and glasses, should be worn by healthcare professionals to limit the contact to the virus. Social distancing is a must to control the transmission of this disease.