All you need to know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

Definition

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can be spread from person to person. The novel coronavirus is responsible for COVID-19. 



It was first identified during investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. And ever since has becomea worldwide pandemic.

Risk of contracting COVID-19 is more for people who are close contacts of someone known to have the virus, example are; healthcare workers, or household members. Also people at higher risk are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. 

How does COVID-19 spread? 

The virus that is responsible for COVID-19 is said to have emerged from an animal, but is now spreading from person to person.
  • The virus is known for its spreading between people who are in close contact with one another; within 6ft and it is via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 
  • It also known that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an object or a  surface that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms

Patients with COVID-19 have suffer from mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms such as; 
Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath.
Complications? Some patients present with pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases, death may result. 

Protection against COVID-19?

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive measures;

  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill
  • Carry out a consistent hand washing culture, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
  • Use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Ensure consistent usage of gloves and nose masks while stepping out of your house, and dispose them them after usage.


How not to spread COVID-19?

  • [If you are sick] Stay at home. So as not to spread the virus to friends and colleagues

  • Cover your  face with tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash 
  • Disinfect touched objects and surfaces you've frequently came in contact with.
If you have traveled from an affected area or region, you will need to restrict your movements for up to 2 weeks (as that is the incubation period of the disease) 
If symptoms are noticed during that period, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. 
Contact (via a call or other non-physical means) your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms
They will assist you with instructions on how to get care without making other people vulnerable to the infection 

Vaccine for COVID-19? 

Unfortunately there is currently no vaccine to protect against the virus. Thus the recommended way to prevent infection is to observe to the everyday preventive actions. 

Treatment for COVID-19?
 
There is no antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People who are victims of COVID-19 can seek medical care to aid relieving of the symptoms.