What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 also known as coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus.
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’
The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus? • Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath Symptoms may appear in as little as 2 days and as long as 14 days after you’re exposed to the virus.
How does the novel coronavirus spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. It is not airborne, so you can’t catch it from breathing. The virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.
How can I avoid the risk of infection? Here are four precautions you and your family can take to avoid infection:
Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissue immediately
Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
Seek medical care early if you or your child has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
Should I wear a medical mask?
The use of a medical mask is advised if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others. If you don’t have any symptoms, then there is no need to wear a mask.
If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the virus.
The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever).
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
If you believe you may have COVID-19, call your doctor’s office before you go. Alert them to the situation so they can prepare for your arrival.
Is the coronavirus seasonal, like the flu?
Will the coronavirus die out once warmer weather hits? It is possible, but they do not know enough about the virus yet to know for sure.
Most respiratory viruses, like the flu, are seasonal. Coronavirus may behave like the flu and we shall see cases go down in spring and summer. But it is premature to assume that.
Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
Not yet. And any working vaccine is at least a year away. But several research universities and drug companies are working on it. At least one possible vaccine is ready for phase I human trials.
How is coronavirus treated?
There is no drug treatment yet, and antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections.
Experts recommend treating symptoms: • Try ibuprofen for pain and fever; • Get rest; • and drink plenty of water. • People with more serious cases need to be in the hospital, where they may need help with breathing and other support.
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