Q & A COVID-19
The novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new type of coronavirus that causes a disease called COVID-19. Before it was known as COVID-19, the disease was known as the novel coronavirus 2019 or 2019-nCoV.
The novel coronavirus is a new virus, but it is similar to the family of viruses that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and a number of common influences.
If a family member has a fever, fatigue or dry cough, seek help at a health facility and follow the instructions of the health worker. If you are asked to stay at home and you can afford it, place the family member in a separate room with access to the bathroom. The family member must wear a mask and avoid contact with other family members and must not leave the house except for treatment.
Even if you're isolated, you can still show love and care by keeping in touch via phone or WhatsApp, helping with chores and providing food for them. Regularly clean the surfaces of objects or parts in the house that are often touched by hands with disinfectants, including the bathrooms used by family members who are being isolated after each use.
As of now, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat diseases caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those who are seriously ill should be taken to hospital.
Most patients recover due to treatment for their symptoms. Some specific treatments are currently being researched, and are going through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a number of partners.
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.
No, it doesn't. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the novel coronavirus. To protect yourself, you should clean your hands frequently with soap and running water or if not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 60%). After cleaning your hands, you should dry them using tissue paper or a warm air dryer.
Source: WHO
Yes. There is little chance of commercial goods being contaminated from an infected person and little risk of contracting the novel coronavirus from packages that have moved, been in transit, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.
Source: WHO
Not. There is no evidence that regularly washing the nose with saline can protect people from infection with the new coronavirus. There is some limited evidence that regularly washing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold but it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
source: WHO
Not. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill a virus that has entered your body. Spraying such substances can actually damage clothing and mucous membranes (ie eyes, mouth). Be aware that alcohol and chlorine can be useful for disinfecting surfaces, but need to be used under proper recommendations.
source: WHO
Use a mask only when you cough or sneeze to protect others. If you do not have these symptoms, there is no need to wear a mask.
Wearing a mask is not enough to protect yourself from corona virus infection. Frequent hand washing with soap and running water is more effective at protecting yourself from infection.
The number of masks on the market is very limited and health workers must obtain masks in order to carry out their duties. We can help health workers work by not buying or using masks, especially when not coughing or sneezing.
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
