Coronavirus: Frequently asked questions
From identifying the symptoms associated with Coronavirus to knowing how to get help, here are the answers to all the questions you might have about the deadly virus.
On Friday, it was reported that two South Africans tested positive for Coronavirus on a Japanese cruise ship.
READ: 2 South Africans on Japanese cruise ship test positive for coronavirus
An outbreak of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first reported from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread within China, and to other countries, including Nigeria.
READ: Nigeria braces as coronavirus hits megacity Lagos
As yet, there have been no confirmed cases in South Africa. However, we should follow hygienic practices at all times to prevent the spread of all medical issues, including the new coronavirus. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus…
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and cause illness from the common cold to more severe issues such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
What is the latest strain of the virus?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus not previously found in humans. The new, or “novel” coronavirus, now called 2019-nCoV, was first detected when an outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December, 2019.
What are the symptoms?
There can be fever and respiratory symptoms like coughs and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure.
The new coronavirus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Who can catch this virus?
People living or travelling in an area where the 2019-nCoV virus is circulating may be at risk of infection. At the moment, the vast majority of infections have been reported in China. Others infected are health workers treating people with 2019-nCoV or people who have recently travelled from China or who live or work closely with those travellers.
What can I do to protect myself?
Here are some steps you can take to minimise your risk of contracting respiratory illnesses, including coronaviruses.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Practice respiratory hygiene
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or a tissue. Discard tissues into a closed bin and then wash your hands.
Maintain social distance
Keep at least a metre between yourself and other people, particularly people coughing, sneezing or who have a fever.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus to yourself. Regularly clean hands and surfaces.
If you have symptoms, seek medical care
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, tell your doctor. If you have mild respiratory symptoms and have not visited China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you feel better.
For more information, visit the World Health Organization website at www.who.int or www.dettol.co.za
Image courtesy of iStock/ Samara Heisz
Article source: Press release from Ogilvy