What is COVID-19

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, which is a small germ (too small to see without a microscope) that can spread and cause illness in people. COVID-19 causes flu-like symptoms such as a dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, and body aches. COVID-19 mostly affects the respiratory system. While most infections are not dangerous, it can cause pneumonia (a serious infection of the lungs) and can be deadly in severe cases.

How does coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus spreads from an infected person in droplets released when they breathe, cough, or sneeze on people, surfaces, or on food. It enters the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes. Once in the body, it begins to multiply and spread to other areas. Coronavirus can live in the body for 2 to 28 days before outward signs of illness appear. So people can have coronavirus and not know it, and transmit the virus to others. Coronavirus can live on surfaces and objects for more than a week. It spreads easily through contact.

Who does coronavirus infect?

Anyone can get coronavirus. Even if you had it and recovered, you can get it again. Adults more than 45 years old, especially the elderly, and people who already have illnesses, especially respiratory illnesses and weakened immune systems, are at greater risk to get coronavirus and experience more severe effects.

How can you prevent infection?

Currently there is no vaccine or specific medicine for coronavirus. Coronavirus is not killed by antibiotics or home remedies. Coronavirus can only be prevented by avoiding contact with it and cleaning frequently to kill it.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand-rub.
• Wash vigorously under running water for 20 seconds with soap, making sure to scrub beneath fingernails and cover the entire hand, wrist, and arm.
• Always wash hands after using the bathroom, before meals, and after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.
• Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.
• Clean surfaces (such as counters, doorknobs, etc.) that may be exposed to people with coronavirus, using alcohol or bleach disinfectants:
• Alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol in a 70% concentration will kill the coronavirus germ quickly. Use it to clean surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and equipment. A 50% to 70% solution works best; do not use 100% because it will not work. If your alcohol is 100%, then add water in a ratio of 1 cup water to 2 cups of alcohol. First clean with soap and water, then clean with the alcohol solution and let it air dry.
• Bleach: Bleach usually comes in a 5% solution. Add cold water (hot water will not work) to dilute it, using 2 cups of bleach in a 5 gallon bucket of water. First clean with soap and water, then clean with the bleach solution and let it air dry.
• Clean objects that you handle frequently with disinfectants.
• Wash clothing with detergents and hot water. If your washing machine has a pre-rinse cycle, be sure to use it.

Limit physical contact with other people

If you think there is coronavirus in your area. Stay at home to avoid contact with others. Try to stay away from crowded areas where you might come into close contact with people and contaminated surfaces which can spread coronavirus.

This can be both difficult to do and emotionally depressing. Limiting contact does not have to mean total isolation: Talk with people on the phone instead of in person. Talk to people through windows and doors. Talk with others in person by standing two meters or six feet apart (that means two arm lengths away).

If you are healthy, help others in your community who are ill by arranging ways for them to get food, clean water, and supplies without leaving their homes.

• Wear a mask if you are sick, or if you are healthy and caring for a person with a suspected coronavirus infection. If you are not sick, you usually do not need to wear a mask. To use a mask properly:
• Before using a mask, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the mask, making sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Do not touch the mask while using it.
• Replace the mask with a new one if it becomes damp.
• Do not reuse masks.
• To remove the mask, use the elastic straps behind your head to take it off (don’t touch the mask itself), discard it immediately in a closed bin, and clean your hands.
• Do not use a cloth over your face instead of a mask. The cloth will get damp from your breath, making it easier for the contagious droplets from outside to pass to you.
• Monitor your health. If you are sneezing, have a dry cough, difficulty breathing and a fever, call your doctor or the local health official for instruction about how to get treatment. Because the severe danger from COVID-19 is inability to breathe (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome — ARDS), treatment for severe cases will include oxygen and a mechanical ventilator, available only in health care facilities.