What are Coronaviruses?
They are viruses that affect the respiratory tract and are associated with the common cold, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS).
According to WHO, the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a special strain of coronavirus that has not been previously found in humans.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes, and how it spreads.
Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
What are the symptoms?
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How long will the Coronavirus live on a surface?
Coronovirus can live on a surface for up to 5 days.
How can I prevent or protect others from Coronavirus?
• Wash your hands often with soap or water for at least 60 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you have cold-like symptoms.
• Avoid close contact with others.
How can I get it?
• Coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth can disperse droplets into the air, spreading the virus.
• Touching or shaking hands with a person that has the virus can pass the virus from one person to another.
• Making contact with a surface or object that has the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.
• On rare occasions, a Coronavirus may spread through contact with feces.
