Q & A COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and feeling tired. Other less common symptoms that some patients may experience include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, skin rash, or discoloration of fingers or toes. The symptoms experienced are usually mild and appear gradually. Some people become infected but have only mild symptoms.
Most (about 80%) of infected people recover without the need for special treatment. About 1 in 5 people infected with COVID-19 suffer from severe pain and difficulty breathing. Older people (elderly) and people with co-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart and lung disorders, diabetes, or cancer are more likely to experience more serious illness.
However, anyone can become infected with COVID-19 and become seriously ill. People of any age who have a fever and/or cough accompanied by difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, or loss of ability to speak or move should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, it is advisable to contact the health care provider or health facility in advance, so that the patient can be directed to the appropriate health facility.
source: WHO
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Call the health facility in advance to let them know if you have traveled to an area where there have been reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) or if you have met someone who has traveled to that area and is showing symptoms.
Corona virus usually shows symptoms in 1-14 days. Therefore, the suspected person should be isolated for 14 days, either in a hospital, home or other location and monitored for symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. To confirm infection with the corona virus, the suspect can take the test several times. During isolation, suspects must follow all orders of health workers to prevent the spread of the virus.
On the other hand, health workers and all of us must always show empathy and compassion. Those who are isolated usually experience loneliness, worry and what is clear, the pain they experience is not of their own volition. You can support them by finding out their needs and helping as much as you can.
All mothers living in areas affected or at risk, especially those showing symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, should seek treatment as soon as possible and follow the orders of health professionals. Because of the importance of breastfeeding, mothers who are breastfeeding can continue breastfeeding while continuing to take preventive measures. Like other respiratory viruses, the new coronavirus is not transmitted through breast milk.
For mothers or anyone who experiences symptoms of fever, fatigue and dry cough, who needs to interact with children, pay attention to the following points.
- Use a mask when around children (including when breastfeeding)
- Wash hands with soap before and after contact with children (including breastfeeding)
- Clean the surfaces of objects touched by hands with a cloth, tissue or disinfectant
- If the mother is too weak, it is best to express breast milk and give it to the baby with a clean cup or spoon, while still following the precautions above.
In general, symptoms begin to appear about five to six days after exposure, but the timing of these symptoms can range from 1-14 days.
source: WHO
There is no evidence that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. Regardless of the external temperature or weather the normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C. The most effective way to protect yourself from the corona virus (COVID-19) is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water or otherwise available, alcohol-based cleaning fluid (minimum 60%).
source: WHO
If a person is infected with the virus, he will show symptoms within 1-14 days of being exposed to the virus. Common symptoms are
- fever
- fatigue
- dry cough
Most people will experience only mild symptoms, but in certain cases, the infection can cause pneumonia and difficulty breathing. In a minority of cases, infection with the corona virus can be fatal. Older people (elderly) and people with health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes may experience more serious illness.
Because the symptoms are similar to the common cold, it is necessary to have a test to determine whether a person is infected with the corona virus. Tests are available at referral hospitals for people experiencing symptoms on a doctor's order.
The key to preventing the corona virus (COVID-19): Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water, avoid touching your face, stay away from people who show symptoms (fever, dry cough, fatigue), when coughing or sneezing: cover your mouth and nose with your elbows folded or tissue that is disposed of directly in a closed trash can after use.
COVID-19 is generally mild, especially in children and young adults. However, infection can also cause serious illness: about 1 in 5 infected people requires hospitalization. Therefore, it is natural for people to worry about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on themselves and their loved ones. We can channel our worries by protecting ourselves, our loved ones and society.
The most important actions are diligently washing hands with soap and running water or if not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60%) and covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with folded elbows. In addition, stay up-to-date with information and follow the advice of the local health department including for travel, movement and meeting restrictions.
source: WHO
