(COVID19) THE 'NOVEL' CORONAVIRUS

Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses causes respiratory tract infection that can range from mild to severe.  Mild illnesses include some cases of the common cold while more severe varieties can cause SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME SARS, MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME MERS, and COVID-19

The 'novel' coronavirus

what is a novel cornavirus

A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus

The Coronavirus disease 2019 is the novel coronavirus

CO stands for Corona, VI for virus and D for disease.

it was first identified in Wuhan, China.

Covid19 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. Older 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. 

HOW DOES COVID19 SPREAD 

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). It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours to several days, but simple disinfectants can kill it. Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets, rather than through the air. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID19 

symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath. In more severe cases, pneumonia and breathing difficulties may occur. The disease can be fatal

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS FROM COVID19 

●wash your hands regularly with soap under running water for a minimum of 20seconds

●disinfects your hands with alcohol based hand rub

●cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue while coughing or sneezing 

●dispose of used tissue immediately 

●avoid close contact with anyone who has flu or cold like symptoms 

●regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
●practice social distancing (stay at least 6ft(2 meters) from other people)
●do not gather in groups
●stay out of crowded places and mass gatherings 

●seek medical care early if you notice any symptoms