CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 EXPLAINED
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
A respiratory illness similar to flu (cough, fever, fatigue & aching body/muscles), can become severe causing viral pneumonia (difficulty breathing). Approximately 4 out of 5 people will have a mild illness and recover without treatment. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions have increased risk of severe illness.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
You can pick up coronavirus from:
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Touching an infected surface or object. The virus can enter your body when you touch your nose, mouth or eyes.
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Very close contact (1-2 meter’s) with a sick patient.
FOLLOW THESE HYGIENE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING
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Use these steps to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Roll up your sleeves, rinse hands in clean water and apply soap to palm of hand:
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Apply enough soap to cover the hands
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Rub palms together
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Rub tips of nails
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Rub in between fingers
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Grip fingers and rub together
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Rub each thumb with opposite palm
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Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose and eyes)
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Avoid touching other people
DISINFECTING YOUR HOME
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Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. Products containing bleach, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are the best at killing off germs.
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Each disinfecting chemical has its own specific instructions. As an important general rule is that you shouldn’t immediately wipe a cleaning solution off as soon as you’ve applied it to a surface. It must stay on long enough to actually kill viruses first.
High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
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Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
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Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
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Bleach solutions are very hard on the skin, and should not be used as a substitute for hand washing and/or hand sanitizer.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED THAT YOU MAY HAVE COVID-19?
Only suspect COVID-19 if you have a fever with a cough or shortness of breath AND have in the last 14 days:
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traveled internationally or to an area where COVID-19 is actively spreading from person-to-person in the community OR
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had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
If you are feeling short of breath or have difficulty breathing, seek health care urgently. Call ahead to your doctor or alert health facility as soon as you arrive: tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel/contacts. Expect to put on a mask before you enter the facility.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE COVID-19?
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Do not panic.
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First, phone the Corona virus outbreak 24-hour Hotline on 0800 029 999 and follow their advice.
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Stay home, except to get medical care as directed by the helpline. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transport or taxis.
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Rest, ensure you drink plenty of fluids and use flu medications as needed to reduce fever and/or pain.
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Avoid close contact with those who are sick. When in contact with others, wear a mask if available.
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Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding – after using these, wash them well.
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Only discontinue home isolation in consultation with helpline/healthcare provider (usually after 14 days).