- What is COVID-19?
Novel Corona virus, the virus that is responsible for COVID-19 is from a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
- What is a novel Corona virus?
A novel Coronavirus is a new strain of a virus from the corona family that has not been previously identified in humans.
- What are the symptoms of someone with COVID-19?
Common symptoms could include
- Respiratory symptoms
- Shortness of breath, and
- Breathing difficulties
In more severe cases, an infection can cause
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome
- Kidney failure and even death.
- Can the coronavirus that causes COVID19 to be transmitted from person to person?
Yes, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. This happens usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, amongst people living in the same household or those who are close to each other in the workplace, or health care center, or for that matter any enclosed environment. The virus is able to move from human to human through close contacts such as coughing, sneezing, laughing directly onto someone. It can also spread when hands are not washed properly and might be carrying the virus.
- Is there a vaccine for a novel COVID-19?
For every new viral disease, there is never an immediate vaccine. However, especially when this virus spreads quickly such as the case has been with this version of the corona virus, a vaccine is quickly developed. Although, routinely, it can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed, in cases where one is needed as an extra form of combating the spread, the development is fast tracked. This has been the case with the novel corona virus, the cause of COVID19. Currently therefore, two vaccinations have been approved by the Food and Drug Authorities of the USA and some European countries for vaccines that have been developed by Pfizer and Moderna pharmaceuticals. A few more are in the pipeline and are still undergoing various stages of clinical trials. These vaccines are unfortunately not readily available for many.
- Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, symptoms of the condition can be treated and managed. Therefore, any treatment will be based on the patient’s clinical condition. There are however some anti -viral medications that seem promising in managing the condition, however these have not yet been confirmed as COVID19 specific treatment regimen. Other treatment technologies such as the use of antibodies derived from those who have had COVID19 and been cured are used to treat those with the infection. More research and studies on more effective treatment are ongoing.
- What can I do to protect myself?
Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of the novel corona virus include:
- Maintaining physical distancing always, means at work, church, school or home and everywhere else. This means one should maintain a distance of 2 meters / 6 feet from another person not part of their household members who are all healthy.
- Regularly washing hands with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds each time
- Using alcohol-based sanitizer regularly when hands have come in contact with potentially infected surfaces
- Cleaning and frequently disinfecting open surfaces as well as door handles
- Wearing face mask, covering nose and mouth before stepping out
- Eating more fruits and frequently drinking water
- Avoiding physical contact with persons exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above and or in contact with anyone who knows they have come in contact with anyone with the symptoms.