What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. The name COVID is derived from 'CO' for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease or disorder.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, confusion, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and abdominal pain. Children may also experience difficulty feeding. While symptoms can vary, urgent medical attention is needed if experiencing trouble breathing/shortness of breath (especially for children unable to drink mother's milk), blue lips or face, chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, inability to drink anything or keep fluids down, and severe abdominal pain.
How does COVID-19 coronavirus spread?
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or breathes, the virus can spread through small respiratory droplets released from the mouth or nose. These droplets can range in size from larger droplets that fall to the ground within a few feet to smaller aerosol particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. People can also become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Current evidence suggests that the virus primarily spreads among people who are in close contact with each other, typically within about one meter. The transmission risk is higher in indoor settings with poor ventilation and/or crowded environments where people spend extended periods of time. Outdoor environments generally pose less risk compared to indoor spaces.
Experts continue to research how COVID-19 spreads and under which circumstances it poses the highest risk.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Safety Tips
· Follow local guidelines and get
vaccinated.
· Maintain at least three feet of
physical distance from others, even if they do not appear sick. Avoid crowds
and close contact.
· Wear masks in crowded or high-risk
areas where social distancing is not possible. Wash your hands frequently with
soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a bent
elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately
and regularly wash your hands.
· Separate yourself if you have
symptoms or have been tested positive for COVID-19 until you recover.
· Store your mask in a clean plastic
bag when not in use, and wash fabric masks daily or discard medical masks in a
trash bin.
· Regularly clean and disinfect
frequently touched surfaces like phones, door handles, light switches, and
countertops.
· Seek medical care promptly if you or your child has a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms.
Info Source: UNICEF
