Covid-19

OVERVIEW

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an
infectious disease caused by a newly
discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus
will experience mild to moderate respiratory
illness and recover without requiring special
treatment. 0lder people, and those with
underlying medical problems like
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic
respiratory disease, and cancer are more
likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down
transmission is to be well informed about the
COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how
it spreads. Protect yourself and others from
infection by washing your hands or using an
alcohol based rub frequently and not touching
your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through
droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose
when an infected person coughs or sneezes,
so it's important that you also practice
respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing
into a flexed elbow).

PREVENTION

To prevent infection and to slow transmission
of COVID-19, do the following:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and
water, or clean them with alcohol-based
hand rub.
Maintain at least 1 metre distance
between you and people coughing or
sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Cover your mouth and nose when
Coughing or sneezing.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Refrain from smoking and other activities
that weaken the lungs.
Practice physical distancing by avoiding
unnecessary travel and staying away from
large groups of people.

SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 affects different people in different
ways. Most infected people will develop mild to
moderate illneSs and recover without
hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:

• fever.
• dry cough.
• tiredness.
• Less common symptoms:
• aches and pains.
• sore throat.
• diarrhoea.

Conjunctivitis.

• headache.
• loss of taste or smell.
• a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers
• or toes.
• Serious symptomS
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or pressure.
• loss of speech or movement.

Serious symptomsS:

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
chest pain or pressure.
loss of speech or movement.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have
serious symptoms. Always call before visiting
your doctor or health facility.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise
healthy should manage their symptoms at
home.
On average it takes 5-6 days from when
someone is infected with the virus for
symptoms to show, however it can take up tO
14 days.