What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several c...
What is a coronavirus?
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.
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coronavirus
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What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most
recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before
the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a
pandemic affecting many countries globally.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough,
and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients
include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore
throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of
fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some
people become infected but only have very mild symptoms.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without
needing hospital treatment. Around 1 out of every 5 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 and lung
problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious
illness. However, anyone can catch
COVID-19 and become seriously ill.
People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated withdifficulty
breathing/shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, or loss of speech or
movement should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, it is
recommended to call the health care provider or facility first, so the patient
can be directed to the right clinic.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms and when should
I seek medical care?
If you have minor symptoms, such as a slight cough or a mild
fever, there is generally no need to seek medical care. Stay at home,
self-isolate and monitor your symptoms. Follow national guidance on
self-isolation.
However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever
it is important that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend the health facility wear a mask
if possible, keep at least 1 metre distance from other people and do not touch
surfaces with your hands. If it is a child who is sick help the child stick to
this advice.
Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing
or pain/pressure in the chest. If possible, call your health care provider in
advance, so he/she can direct you to the right health facility.
How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus.
The disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from
the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs,
sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are relatively heavy, do not travel far and
quickly sink to the ground. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these
droplets from a person infected with the virus.
This is why it is important to stay at least 1 meter) away from others.
These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as
tables, doorknobs and handrails. People
can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their
eyes, nose or mouth. This is why it is
important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean with
alcohol-based hand rub.
WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways that COVID-19
is spread and will continue to share updated findings.
Can COVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets
expelled by someone who is coughing or has other symptoms such as fever or
tiredness. Many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is
particularly true in the early stages of the disease. It is possible to catch
COVID-19 from someone who has just a mild cough and does not feel ill.
Some reports have indicated that people with no symptoms can
transmit the virus. It is not yet known how often it happens. WHO is assessing
ongoing research on the topic and will continue to share updated findings.
How can we protect others and ourselves if we don't know who
is infected?
Practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at ALL
times and is the best way to protect others and yourself.
When possible maintain at least a 1 meter distance between
yourself and others. This is especially important if you are standing by
someone who is coughing or sneezing.
Since some infected persons may not yet be exhibiting symptoms or their
symptoms may be mild, maintaining a physical distance with everyone is a good
idea if you are in an area where COVID-19 is circulating.
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide
comfort and alleviate symptoms of mild COVID-19, there are no medicines that
have been shown to prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend
self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or
cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials of both
western and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop
vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to
provide updated information as soon research results become available.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others
against COVID-19 are to:
Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
Cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue. If a
tissue is used, discard it immediately and wash your hands.
Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from others.
How long does it take after exposure to COVID-19 to develop symptoms?
The time between exposure to COVID-19 and the moment when
symptoms start is commonly around five to six days but can range from 1 – 14
days.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
The most important thing to know about coronavirus on
surfaces is that they can easily be cleaned with common household disinfectants
that will kill the virus. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can
survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on
copper and less than 24 hours on cardboard.
As, always clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub
or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work
on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not
work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of
COVID-19. In hospitals physicians will sometimes use antibiotics to prevent or
treat secondary bacterial infections which can be a complication of COVID-19 in
severely ill patients. They should only be used as directed by a physician to
treat a bacterial infection.
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