About the disease
Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. It was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
What you need to know
How coronavirus is spread
Transmission of
COVID-19
Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
Person-to-person spread as close contact with infected
The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another.
Person-to-person spread as close contact with infected
The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another.
Person-to-person spread as close contact with infected
The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of Coronavirus
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. Also the symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
High Fever – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature). It is a common sign and also may appear in 2-10 days if you affected.
Continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual).
Difficulty breathing – Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
How to Protect Yourself?
Prevention & Advice
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus (COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Soap on Hand
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself & anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you are too close, get chance to infected.
Avoid touching face
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. So, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Maintain good respiratory hygiene as covering your mouth & nose with your bent elbow or tissue when cough or sneeze.
Be Carefull & Stay Safe
Take steps to protect others
- Stay home if you’re sick – Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose – with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw used tissues in the trash) or use the inside of your elbow.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick – You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily – This includes phones, tables, light switches, doorknobs, countertops, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Clean the dirty surfaces – Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation – Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials.
- Dedicated, lined trash can – If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling & disposing of trash.
Treatment for Coronavirus
To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms and most patients recover thanks to supportive care
Self Care
If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:
- Rest and sleep
- Keep warm
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
Medical Treatments
If you develop a fever, cough, and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travelers.