Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
By now you have heard about the Coronavirus (COVID -19)
The sad reality is that it is spreading quickly and will continue to spread for a while. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the Coronavirus (COVID -19), the disease it causes and how it spreads.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease. The virus is typically spread during close contact and via respiratory droplets produced when people cough or sneeze. Respiratory droplets may be produced during breathing but it is not considered airborne. It may also spread when one touches a contaminated surface and then their face.
How easily COVID – 19 Spreads?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.. The COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community.
| Community spread refers to people have been infected in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected |
Symptoms of Coronavirus disease COVID – 19
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment.
Common Symptoms includes
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Dry Cough
Other symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- and very few people will report diarrhea, nausea or a runny nose.
As it is common with infections, there is a delay from when a person is infected with the virus to when they develop symptoms, known as the incubation period.
The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically five to six days but may range from two to 14 days. 97.5% of people who develop symptoms will do so within 11.5 days of infection.
Preventive Measures from COVID – 19
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
Five steps to kicking out COVID-19
The “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on hand washing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell.
Step 1: Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution.
Such frequent washing with soap and water, or preferably with an alcohol-based hand solution, kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is simple, but it is very important.
Step 2: Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough.
Step 3: Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body
Hands touch too many surfaces and can quickly pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your face, from where the virus can move inside your body, making you feel unwell.
Step 4: Stay at least one meter distance from others
By maintaining such social distancing, you are helping to avoid breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity.
Step 5: If you feel unwell, stay home
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.
Keep informed as local health authorities provide the latest information on the situation in your area. Please follow their specific instructions, and call in advance to allow them to direct you to the appropriate local health facility. This serves to protect you and to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID -19) and other infections.
Source:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019
- https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/23-03-2020-pass-the-message-five-steps-to-kicking-out-coronavirus
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
- https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/23-03-2020-pass-the-message-five-steps-to-kicking-out-coronavirus
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
