An average coronavirus patient infects at least 2 others. To end the pandemic, that crucial metric needs to drop below 1.
The coronavirus can spread in several ways, but direct human contact is the primary method.
In order for the virus to be spread without being coughed or sneezed in large drops of mucus, it has to somehow be able to suspend in the air for long enough to infect passersby. And that’s another complicating factor in figuring out transmission: People emit virus particles in a range of sizes, and some are small enough to be considered aerosols, or fine particles that can stay suspended in the air for hours and can travel with air currents across tens of feet.
People may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects.
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate. Seek medical attention if you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing.
Allergies have more chronic symptoms and include sneezing, wheezing, and coughing.
The flu has symptoms similar to the novel coronavirus, such as fever and body aches, but influenza usually doesn’t cause shortness of breath.
Coronavirus symptoms range from mild to severe headaches sometimes.
It seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough. After a week, it can lead to shortness of breath, with about 20% of patients requiring hospital treatment.
Some coronavirus patients show signs of brain ailments. Doctors have observed neurological symptoms, including confusion, stroke and seizures, in a small subset of Covid-19 patients.
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common. It is usually caused by an infection in the throat. Soreness in the throat may be the only symptom.
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local public health agency.
The NHS says that washing your hands is a key part of preventing the spread of viruses such as the coronavirus. During the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, keeping hands clean is especially important to help prevent the virus from spreading.
Cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Everything you need to know about washing your hands to protect against coronavirus (COVID-19). Washing your hands can protect you and your loved ones.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Tracking fever a key symptom of coronavirus. We’re taught the average human temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. But that isn’t necessarily correct. Research published this year suggests the average human body temperature is a bit lower ― maybe 97.9. It differs from person to person, based on factors like body weight, height, the weather, age or gender. Generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 F or higher.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home as much as possible. Put distance between yourself and other people. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. There is no evidence to suggest that pets or other animals play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how it affects animals. Avoid close contact with animals during your illness. practice good hand washing and avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals.
Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.