COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
The frontline health care workers are working hard restlessly. And we are doing our best to stay at home and quarantine. How to protect yourself and your loved ones? What are the daily life plans? What are the symptoms I should worry about? We have come up with the frequently asked questions and their answers.
For the most up-to-date news and information about the novel coronovirus (COVID-19), please visit the official WHO Website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website.
For the most up-to-date news and information about the novel coronovirus (COVID-19), please visit the official WHO Website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19
1. What is a Coronavirus?
The name corona comes from a Latin word, which means crown or halo. This virus forms crown-like spikes as can be seen under a microscope. Coronaviruses cause infection in humans and various animals, including birds and mammals such as camels, cats and bats.
In humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The coronavirus family includes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the common cold.
2. What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by the coronavirus. It has not previously been seen in humans before its outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The 2019 coronavirus disease is abbreviated as COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
3. How does COVID-19 spread?
The disease spreads mainly from person to person through small droplets produced when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or exhales. Also, the droplets can land on objects and surfaces around an infected person. A healthy person then catches COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching nose, mouth or eyes.
4. What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of COVID-19 that can be found are ranging from mild to severe illness. The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Most patients with mild illness, especially teenagers and young adults, are able to recover at home without hospital care.
In some cases, more symptoms can be found including aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. As stated by WHO, around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops a serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
5. Can COVID-19 live on surfaces?
Droplets that carry coronaviruses from an infected person may survive on surfaces from three hours to seven days. Its lifespan varies under different factors such as humidity and temperature of the surroundings and type of surface.
6. How can I protect myself?
You can practice self-protection by,
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands.
- Frequently and thoroughly clean your hand, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water and soap are not accessible, you can use alcohol-based hand disinfectants
- Cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow or in a tissue, not your hand, then dispose of used tissue into the trash right away. Remember to wash your hand after that.
- Practice social distancing by keeping a distance of at least 1 meter or 3 feet between yourself and others, especially sick people who are coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home as much as possible.
You can learn more about the 5 steps to avoid getting sick here.
7. Who are the people at higher risk for the severe illness of COVID-19?
Older adults, 65 years and older, and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes seem to be at most risk for developing more serious illnesses of COVID-19.
8. How to prepare my family for COVID-19?
At this point, we are meant to stay at home as much as possible. To help prevent getting sick and limit the spread of the virus, we go out only when absolutely needed. To be able to stay home and take care of your family, here are the essential household supplies you need;
- Food and water – think about that food that can stay good on the shelf for a long time even though they are outside of the refrigerator. Get canned foods and juices, rice, dried beans, granola bars, pasta, and cereal or popcorn. frozen veggies are a good choice.
- Baby supplies – foods and diapers.
- Pets food – if needed.
- Essential if someone gets sick – this includes soup, crackers, and hydrating beverages.
- Monthly-use items – buy toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, hand soap, and dish soap.
- Medicines – prescriptions and nonprescription, mainly fever reducers.
- A thermometer – you might need to take a temperature to detect a fever.
9. Can I get infected through the air?
The droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They will land on floors or surfaces around when a person cough or sneeze. Because of that, it is very crucial to put a distance of at least 3 feet between yourself and others. Clean and disinfect your home particularly most-touched surfaces is as important to practice.
10. What should I do if I have had close contact with a confirmed infected person?
COVID-19 has an incubation period from 2-14 days. During this time, if you develop one or a combination of cough, fever, or shortness of breath which are known as common symptoms, you will be able to recover by staying at home without hospital care. BUT, if it gets worse with more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or inability to arouse, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
As the current situation of this novel coronavirus is unpredictable and we take this most seriously, we recommend you check regularly for lasted news from WHO daily updates. We hope this article can lower your stress and help you prepare for this pandemic outbreak. One last thing, it is time to wash your hands!
