How to prevent coronavirus.

How to prevent coronavirus or COVID-19.

1. What is a coronavirus.

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. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses.

2. 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.
• diarrhea.
• conjunctivitis.
• headache.
• loss of taste or smell.
• a rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.
• Serious symptoms:
• 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.

3. To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following.

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.

• Avoid touching your face.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain at least a 1-meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

4. What does it mean to self-isolate?

Self-isolation is an important measure taken by those who have COVID-19 symptoms to avoid infecting others in the community, including family members. Self-isolation is when a person who is experiencing fever, cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms stays at home and does not go to work, school, or public places. This can be voluntary or based on his/her health care provider’s recommendation. However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever it is important that you do not ignore the symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1 meter distant from other people, and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If it is a child who is sick help the child stick to this advice.

If you do not live in an area with malaria or dengue fever please do the following.

• If a person is in self-isolation, it is because he/she is ill but not severely ill (requiring medical attention)
• have a large, well-ventilated with hand-hygiene and toilet facilities
• If this is not possible, place beds at least 1 meter apart
• Keep at least 1 meter from others, even from your family members
• Monitor your symptoms daily
• Isolate for 14 days, even if you feel healthy
• If you develop difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately – call them first if possible
• Stay positive and energized by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online, and by exercising yourself at home.

5. Is there a vaccine, drug, or treatment for COVID-19?

While some western, traditional, or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of mild COVID-19, there are no medicines that have been shown to prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials of both western and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated information as soon as research results become available.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to:

• Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
• Cover your cough with the bend of the elbow or tissue. If a tissue is used, discard it immediately and wash your hands.
• Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from others.

Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?

Several dogs and cats (domestic cats and a tiger) in contact with infected humans have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, ferrets appear to be susceptible to infection. In experimental conditions, both cats and ferrets were able to transmit the infection to other animals of the same species, but there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to humans and play a role in spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 and people who are at risk limit contact with a companion and other animals. When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented. This includes hand washing after handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking, or sharing food.

WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics and will update as new findings are available.