COVID-19: STAY INFORMED AND PROTECTED!

Friday, 22 de May de 2020 - 16:36

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its designation comes from the combination of the words, "corona", "virus", "disease", and the year of its appearance, 2019. The new coronavirus was identified in humans for the first time in the city of Wuhan, China.  

 

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

Currently, it is known that this disease can be transmitted in the following ways:

  • From person to person;
  • Through respiratory droplets;
  • Direct contact with infected secretions
  • By aerosols generated by therapeutic procedures.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The new coronavirus is characterised by an infection similar to the common flu or, in more severe cases, it presents as pneumonia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out the following symptoms as prevalent in SARS-CoV-2 infection:

Ÿ Fever   

Ÿ Dry cough

 Ÿ Respiratory difficulties

These symptoms can appear only 14 days after contact with the virus. The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the person is infected. However, it is essential to seek medical advice, especially if you have recently returned from any of the affected areas or if you have been in close contact with an infected patient.

 

WHO IS PART OF THE RISK GROUP?

  • Immunocompromised people;
  • Seniors over 65 years of age;
  • People with chronic illnesses or respiratory problems;

 

HOW SHOULD I PROTECT MYSELF?

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water and disinfect your hands with alcohol-based solutions;
  • Avoid handshakes;
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with people with symptoms of breathing problems;
  • Avoid unnecessary travel;
  • Avoid events with large crowds of people;
  • Whenever possible, think about the possibility of working from home and choose to have video conferences;

 

IS THE QUARANTINE PERIOD FUNDAMENTAL?

Quarantine is a period of isolation in which there is a restriction on the movement of people who show warning signs or who have been in close contact with someone infected.

The implementation of quarantine during the outbreak is crucial, as it controls and determines whether these people develop symptoms, which if so, reduces the risk of infecting others.

 

IF I USE A MASK, AM I PROTECTED FROM CORONAVIRUS?

The mask does not protect you from COVID-19. The people who should use it are those infected, those who suspect they are infected and those who care for infected patients, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.


IS THERE A VACCINE, MEDICINE OR TREATMENT FOR COVID-19?

No. Its development depends on the investigations that are being carried out because it is a virus identified very recently.

 

Following preventive measures and being aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are the key to countering the spread of coronavirus.

Protect yourself and help stop this outbreak!

IN CASE OF DOUBT, CONTACT THE HEALTH SUPPORT LINE “SAUDE 24” BY DIALLING 808 24 24 24.