Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people who become ill with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. However, some people become seriously ill and need medical help.
How it spreads?
The virus is spread by small fluid particles from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe. These cells range from large respiratory droplets to small aerosols.
If you are in contact with people who have COVID-19, or you can get infected by touching a contaminated surface and by inhaling the virus through your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus spreads easily inside the home and in crowded places.
Symptoms:
The most common symptoms are:
*Fever
*Cough
*Fatigue
*Loss of taste or smell
Less common symptoms:
*Sore throat
*Headache
*Aches and pains
*Diarrhea
*Rash on the skin, or discoloration of the fingers or toes
*Red or irritated eyes
Prevention:
Protect yourself and those around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow the advice given by your local health officer.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Keep a safe distance from others (at least 1 meter) even if they are not sick.
Wear the mask in public, especially indoors or when physical distance is not possible.
Choose open, well-ventilated areas rather than enclosed areas. If inside the house, open the window.
Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or alcohol based hand rub.
Get vaccinated when your turn comes. Follow local guidelines regarding vaccinations.
Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
If you feel sick, stay home.
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical help. Call in advance so that your health care provider can redirect you to the proper health care facility. It protects you and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.
Mask:
Properly fitted masks can prevent the virus from spreading from person to person wearing the mask. Masks are not the only protection against COVID-19 and should be combined with physical distance and hand hygiene. Follow the advice given by your local health officer.
Treatments:
Self care:
After making contact with people with COVID-19, do the following:
Call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline to find out where and when to get tested.
Collaborate with contact-tracing processes to stop the spread of the virus.
If the test is not available, stay home for 14 days and stay away from others.
Do not go to work, school or public places while you are on quarantine. Ask someone to bring you supplies.
Keep a distance of at least 1 meter from your family members and also from others.
Wear a medical mask to protect others, including when / if you need medical care.
Wash your hands often.
Stay in a separate room from other family members and wear a medical mask if not possible.
Ventilate the room well.
If you share a room, keep the beds at least 1 meter apart.
Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 14 days.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these danger signs: difficulty breathing, speech or loss of motion, confusion or chest pain.
Stay in touch with your loved ones over the phone or online and stay positive by exercising at home.
Author: Rameen Atif
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