SOURCE W.H.O
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in
animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause
respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe
diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The most recently discovered
coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
People
may be sick with the virus for 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are fever,
tiredness, and dry cough. Most people (about 80%) recover from the
disease without needing special treatment.
More
rarely, the disease can be serious and even fatal. Older people, and
people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart
disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. - Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. - Make sure
you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This
means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. - Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever,
cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in
advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. - Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19
hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading
widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are
an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
- Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
- Self-isolate
by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms
such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny
nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone
bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to
avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. - If you develop fever, cough
and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be
due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in
advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact
with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
