Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.
In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes the COVID-19 disease.
Anyone anywhere can be infected by the virus.
It infects people through coughing and sneezing, touching an infected person’s hands or face or touching infected objects an infected person has touched. It is like all the other viruses that cause common cold and is common in winter.
Main symptoms of Covid-19 are cough, sore throat, fever shortness of breath.
In people with an immunocompromised immune system such as children, elderly, those with heart diseases they might develop respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
There are ways one can protect themselves from catching the virus. Prevention methods include: washing hands with soap and running water or using a hand rub always.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. One must also remember to sanitize door handles at one’s house, office or shop.
Avoid close contact with infected people. Those infected should also cover their nose, mouth when coughing.
According to WHO, washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
You need to take note of social distancing…
When someone coughs or sneezes he or she sprays small liquid droplets from his or her 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.
However, if infected one needs plenty of rest, lots of fluids and manage the symptoms such as sore throat and fever. If there is a pneumonia or bronchitis one should also receive appropriate treatment for that respiratory tract infection.
Currently there outbreak is causing havoc across the globe and in Zimbabwe 28 cases have been confirmed.
Because this is a communicable virus it spreads rapidly therefore always protect yourself and your community.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Statement jointly produced by Community Tolerance Reconciliation And Development (COTRAD) and Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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