All about the coronavirus

What is Coronavirus?

COVID-19, or coronavirus, is a new disease that emerged in 2019.

The coronavirus was first spotted in China but is now spreading worldwide, with cases in more than 100 countries by mid-March 2020

Coronavirus causes respiratory infection

The most common symptoms of coronavirus include:

fever, difficulty breathing, and dry cough. Some patients may have various pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, pharyngitis, or diarrhea.

Some people get infected but show no symptoms or feel bad

Most people (about 80%) recover from coronavirus without the need for special treatment

About 1 in 6 people who get sick will become seriously ill and develop breathing problems.

Seniors and those with health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes are more likely to become seriously ill with coronavirus, with an increased likelihood of death.

People with fever, cough, and breathing difficulties should seek medical attention.

How does the virus spread?

You can get 2019 ‑ nCoV from other people if they are infected with the virus. The disease can be spread from person to person through small droplets released from the nose or mouth of a COVID-19 patient when they cough or sneeze. These drops fall on objects and surfaces surrounding a person. Other people can become infected by first touching such objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Coronavirus

Can you get COVID-19 from someone who has no symptoms?

The virus mainly spreads through droplets released from the respiratory tract of a person when they cough or sneeze. The risk of infection from a person with no symptoms is extremely low. On the other hand, many people have very mild symptoms of COVID-19. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease. Thus, there is a risk of transmission of COVID-19 from a person who does not feel sick and has only a mild cough.

How do you protect yourself?

There are a few basic things anyone can do to reduce their risk of contracting the coronavirus:

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and running water. You must wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, including both sides of the palms, between the fingers, fingertips, and nails

Washing your hands with running water and soap is most preferred, but if you are away from home or do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol pad to clean your hands. She also needs to rub her hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to keep your hands wet for a full 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you haven’t washed your hands

Only cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw away the napkin immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Then wash your hands thoroughly immediately.

Stay at least 2 meters away from anyone who coughs or sneezes

Stay home or stay away from other people if you feel unwell and have a high fever, cough, or shortness of breath

Try to find information about places affected by the coronavirus and avoid visiting those places.

Try to avoid large groups or gatherings of people, such as gatherings and cultural events.

Avoid shaking hands and hugging other people.

Only wear a mask if you are sick or caring for a sick person. Masks are not very helpful in preventing infection. There are currently not enough masks around the world, so only use a mask under these conditions.

If you are using a mask, wash your hands before putting it on, after touching the mask you are wearing, and after removing the mask and discarding it.

Disposable masks should only be worn once, and multiple masks should not be worn at the same time. The mask should be removed and replaced as soon as it becomes wet.

What is the likelihood that I will contract COVID-19?

The degree of risk is determined by the region of your residence, the geography of the recently visited places. The risk of contracting the infection is higher in regions with a large number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19. Currently, 95% of all COVID-19 cases occur in China, mainly in Hubei province. In most other regions, the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, but it is important to keep an eye on the current situation and infection preparedness activities in your area.

Should I be afraid of COVID-19?

In most cases, COVID-19 is characterized by a mild course, but some people are extremely difficult to carry the infection. In more rare cases, the disease can be fatal. The risk group most likely includes the elderly, as well as people with pre-existing medical conditions (for example, arterial hypertension, heart disease or diabetes).

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating 2019 ‑ nCoV infection?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they are only active against bacterial infections. COVID-19 is viral in nature, so antibiotics are ineffective. Antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19. Their use is allowed only as directed by a doctor for the treatment of a bacterial infection.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The incubation period is the period of time between infection and the onset of clinical symptoms of the disease. According to most estimates, the incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 1 to 14 days, and is most often around five days. These estimates will be updated as new data become available.

Can I get COVID-19 from a pet?

No, to date, there is no evidence of 2019-nCoV infection in companion pets (cats, dogs) or their spread of the virus.

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

The survival time of the 2019-nCoV virus on surfaces has not yet been precisely established, but it is assumed that in this parameter it is similar to other members of the coronavirus family. According to research (including preliminary data on the causative agent COVID-19), the virus can survive on surfaces from several hours to several days. Specific timing depends on a number of conditions (for example, type of surface, temperature and humidity of the environment).

If you suspect a surface may have a virus on it, treat it with a regular disinfectant to kill germs and protect yourself and others. Remember to clean your hands with alcohol or wash them with soap. Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

What won’t help fight COVID-2019?

  • smoking;

  • taking traditional herbal medicine;

  • wearing multiple masks at the same time;

  • self-medication, in particular with antibiotics.

How to take care of your health?

Elderly people, as well as people with other medical conditions, in particular those with hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, are more likely to take the coronavirus hard. It is important that you take care of your overall health, including any specific conditions you already have

If you have any medical conditions, it is especially important to do everything you can to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus: wash your hands, avoid large crowds and stay away from anyone who is sick.

Medicines

It is important that even if you feel unwell, you continue to take medications that you are already taking for other diseases.

Make sure you have enough medication and if you feel unwell, ask a friend, family member, or caregiver to provide you with medication.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at increased risk. If you have diabetes, keep taking your medications, monitor your blood sugar closely, and seek medical attention if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath

Asthma

People with asthma should continue to use their inhaler as usual

If you think your asthma is getting worse or you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention

Oncology

People with cancers, especially those affecting the immune system, and undergoing treatment and chemotherapy, are at increased risk

If you have cancer, it is important to take the steps below to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus. If you feel unwell, have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention