When it comes to staying healthy and safe, knowledge is power! Here is some info that can keep you and your loved ones safe:
- COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus strain called SARS-CoV-2.
- The virus causes mild symptoms in the majority of people, including a new dry cough, temperature or loss or change to sense of smell or taste, which can be managed at home without special treatment.
- Some people develop severe COVID-19 and need to be hospitalised. Older people and those with underlying health conditions are most at-risk.
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and avoiding people who are unwell, are the best ways to prevent COVID-19.
- If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your local health authority. They will tell you what to do next.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a new illness caused by a previously unknown virus called SARS-CoV-2.
The virus is part of a family of coronaviruses which are responsible for lots of different illness from the common cold to the flu.
But this new strain can be more severe in some populations.
Discovered in December 2019, the virus has since spread around the world and on 11 March, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it pandemic.
How is COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 is spread through contact with respiratory droplets of a person currently infected with the virus.
These droplets come from the nose or mouth of an infected person and may land on surfaces and objects around them.
The virus is then spread when another person comes into contact with these droplets and touches their own face, nose or mouth.
The virus may also be spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs or exhales, and people around them breathe in these micro-droplets.
For this reason, it’s important to stay around one meter (3 feet) away from someone you know to have the virus.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms are a dry cough, tiredness and a high temperature.
Other flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea are also common.
Around 80% of people with COVID-19 recover from the virus without the need for special treatment, usually in around seven days.
Many may not even know that they have the virus, while others may feel like they have the common cold and treat it as they normally would at home.
Around one in six people will get seriously ill from the virus and may have trouble breathing. These people will need hospitalisation.