COVID-19

Coronavirus: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. It is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered novel coronavirus. This novel virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The alarming levels of spread and severity of COVID-19 across the world, and the alarming levels of inaction prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020. 

Symptoms: 

• The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, and poor appetite. 
• These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. 
• Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. The majority of people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. 
• Around one out of every six people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops breathing problem. 
• Old age people, and those with underlying medical problems like high BP, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. 
• People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.

The "incubation period" means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. 

The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. By touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their Eyes, Nose or Mouth. or if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick. Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. It is, therefore, possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. 

Protection

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. 
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
• If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.