With the recent and worldwide hysteria caused by the COVID-19 / CORONA virus, now also classified as a worldwide pandemic, Dr Carike Camphor addresses some frequently asked questions.

 

 

What is CORONA virus?

COVID-19 or nCoV is a strain descending from the Corona virus family of viruses. It has not been previously diagnosed in humans.  Corona viruses can cause illness ranging from the common cold, to more severe disease such as acute respiratory distress syndrome.

 

How does it spread?

Corona viruses are transmitted from animals to humans and then from human to human via droplets. This means one would come into contact with an infected person’s droplets via sneezing and coughing.  These droplets have been found to be aerosol too – which means they are in the air around us after coughing or sneezing.

 

What are the typical signs of infection of COVID-19?

Symptoms can range from coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath and in severe cases, lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure and death.

 

How can you protect yourself?

Frequent and thorough handwashing – alcohol-based hand rubs and with soap and water.

Maintain a good social distance of at least 1m between you and someone who is coughing or sneezing to avoid droplet spread contamination.

Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.

 

What must you do if you think you have been infected?

Inform your local healthcare facility VIA TELEPHONE FIRST and ask for advice on where to go and whom to see for diagnosis and treatment. This information can be obtained from 0800029999.

Isolate yourself as quickly as possible.

Wear protective gear to cover your mouth and nose such as an N95 mask.

Please do not enter a healthcare facility (your doctor’s consulting room) without precautions or warning as this may put the healthcare workers at risk and further spread of the virus.

We need our healthcare workers to manage the disease during these uncertain times.

 

What about traveling internationally now?

Affected areas should be avoided as much as possible due to the rapid spread of the virus.

If you are already ill or have a chronic illness, complete avoidance is essential.

If travel cannot be postponed, wear protective gear and practice strict hand and respiratory hygiene.

 

Who is more vulnerable to get infected?

People of all ages have been infected but older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions are more at risk of developing complications.

 

For further information visit http://www.nicd.ac.za/media/alerts/ or call 0800029999.  Please note that Elan HealthStyle is not a designated treatment facility for Corona virus.

Protect yourself and stay safe.

Dr Carike Camphor.