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 illness.
The best way to
prevent and slow down transmission is 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).
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.
BASIC
PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE NEW CORONAVIRUS
1.
Wash your hands
frequently
Regularly and
thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with
soap and water.
Why?
Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills
viruses that may be on your hands.
2.
Maintain social
distancing
Maintain at least 1
metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing.
Why?
When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose
or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the
droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
3.
Avoid touching eyes,
nose and mouth
Why? Hands
touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can
transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter
your body and can make you sick.
4.
Practice respiratory
hygiene
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.
Why?
Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the
people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
5.
If you have fever,
cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
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.
Why?
National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the
situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider
to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you
and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
6.
Stay informed and
follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the
latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare
provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on
how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why?
National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on
whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on
what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
PROTECTION
MEASURES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE IN OR HAVE RECENTLY VISITED (PAST 14 DAYS) AREAS
WHERE COVID-19 IS SPREADING
- Follow
the guidance outlined above.
- Stay
at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as
headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact
with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities
to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible
COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If
you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly
as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition.
Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact
with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health
care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This
will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
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