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Contemporary

What is a coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a family of viruses. The virus is known to cause respiratory infections in humans. The infection can range from the common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It is also discovered that coronavirus causes COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus. This was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Dry Cough
  • Body aches and pains
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty in breathing

People with fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing should seek medical attention.


How does COVID-19 spread?

The disease can spread from:

  1. 1. Person to person:
    Standing close to a person with COVID-19

  2. 2. Objects or surfaces to person:
    Sitting on surface or touching objects covered with COVID-19 virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air?

COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person rather than through the air.


Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?

The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease.


Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?

The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low.


What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

  • Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash with soap and water.
  • Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Follow good respiratory hygiene
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • Avoid traveling

What are the protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading?

  • Self-isolate by staying at home
  • Have someone to bring you supplies e.g. to buy food
  • Wear a mask to avoid infecting other people
  • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly
  • Call in advance and inform the doctor of recent travel or contact with travelers

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

  • The risk depends on where you are
  • Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel or large gatherings
  • Cooperate with disease control efforts

Should I worry about COVID-19?

Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness.


Who is at risk of developing severe illness?

Elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.


Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. They should ONLY be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.


Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?

No. There is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease.

Western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.


Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?

No. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019.

The most effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 is to take the necessary precautions.


Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19.


How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask?

  • Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water.
  • Cover mouth and nose with a mask with no gaps between your face and the mask.
  • Avoid touching the mask while using it. If you are doing, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Don't re-use single-use masks.
  • To remove the mask:
    • Remove it from behind (do not touch the front of a mask)
    • Discard immediately in a closed bin
    • Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The “incubation period” is the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms. The incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 1-14 days.


Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?

  • Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.
  • Avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
  • Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods
  • Avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
  • Ensure good food safety practices at all times.

Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?

There has been only one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong and there is no other evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19.


How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

Studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant.


Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low.


Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019:

  • Smoking
  • Wearing multiple masks
  • Taking antibiotics

If traveling, how do I remain safe?

  • It is recommended not to travel to highly infected areas.
  • Use hand sanitizer or antiseptic hand wipes

Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she is infected with COVID-19?

There is no evidence of the virus has been found in the breast milk of women with COVID-19. All pregnant women should follow the same precautions for the precautions of Coronavirus.


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