What is the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Coronaviruses are the viruses that mostly cause mild
conditions like cold, and sometimes cause serious infections such as lower
respiratory diseases.
- COVID-19 disease is a novel coronavirus that has not been
seen in humans before. It was first seen in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province
of China on December 31, 2019, and has spread to other countries around the
world in a short period of time.
How does one get infected with the Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19)?
- Coronaviruses can spread through both animals and humans.
- The virus can spread through aerosols and secretions of
infected people coughing and sneezing, and through the surfaces infected people
have contacted with (contacts with the eye, mouth and nasal mucosa).
- People who have shown no symptoms can still carry the virus
in their respiratory tract, but the main way is through infected people.
How long is the incubation period for the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19)?
- The incubation period of the virus, period between the
infection of the virus and the symptoms emerging, varies between 2 to 14 days.
What are the symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- The common symptoms are fever, coughing, shortness of breath
and respiratory distress. The symptoms can include pneumonia, severe acute
respiratory and renal failure.
What are the common preventive measures against the Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Hand sanitization is important; hands must be washed in
frequent intervals. Hands must be washed with soap and water for at least 20
seconds; and if soap and water are not available, you should use a hand
sanitizer. There is no need to use antiseptic soaps, a normal soap will be
enough.
- Close contact with people who are sick must be avoided.
- Touching eyes, nose, and mouth must be avoided.
- A disposable tissue must be used to cover mouth and nose
while coughing or sneezing. If not available, using the inside of your elbow is
effective in minimizing the spread of the virus.
- It is recommended that especially people with respiratory
tract infection symptoms (fever, nasal flow, nasal blockage, sneezing,
coughing, sore throat etc.) should wash their hands frequently, infected people
should avoid crowded places if possible and if they must enter a crowded place,
they should cover their mouth and nose, with a medical mask (surgical mask) if
possible. There is no need for people who are not infected to wear a mask.
- Food safety recommendations must be taken seriously (not
consuming raw milk and animal products, washing raw vegetables and fruits
thoroughly before consumption etc.)
- If you have been to countries with COVID-19 cases in the
last 14 days and you have fever, cough and respiratory distress, you should
wear a surgical mask, consult a health facility and inform your doctor about
your travel.
