COVID 19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus that has not been seen to infect humans before. This strain was named Novel Coronavirus. It was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan Province, China and has however spread to several countries afterwards. On March 11, 2020, it was declared a pandemic by WHO. It mainly affects the respiratory system.
When a person comes in contact with an infected person, he can develop symptoms within 2 -14 days of exposure. Everyone is at risk of becoming infected although those with underlying health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease etc.), pregnant women and elderly are at increased risk.
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What are the symptoms you will notice in people suspected to have this infection?
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Difficulty with breathing
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Tiredness, body aches and body pains
How is it transmitted?
This can be from person to person. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talk, they release droplets which can infect any person in close contact or even fall on surfaces. One can become infected if these surfaces are touched with subsequent touching of the eyes, nose or mouth.
How can you prevent yourself and others from getting infected?
• Wash your hands regularly
• Make use of hand sanitizer as frequent as possible
• Ensure social distancing. Maintain at least 2 meters between yourself and others
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or handkerchief
• Use of face mask where necessary especially in public
If you have been in contact with an infected person, self-quarantine yourself for 14 days and watch out for symptoms. If you already have symptoms, self-isolate yourself and inform the necessary authority via phone calls.
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