Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2) that has not been previously identified in humans. It was first diagnosed in Wuhan China but has now become a global pandemic which simply means it has spread across countries and continents of the world.
Contrary to popular belief, Covid-19 affects both the old and young, poor and rich and affects both the whites and blacks. Covid-19 has no cure yet but most people who get infected have very mild illness especially if diagnosed early enough, so it is not a death sentence. However, certain health conditions such as diabetes, cancers, sickle cell disease, asthma, heart diseases and kidney diseases can make it complicated and even fatal.
Symptoms
Covid-19 can have different manifestations in different people depending on the age and level of immunity of the person.
The most common symptoms include,
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
- Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath
Other symptoms include,
- Diarrhoea
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Body aches
- Loss of taste and smell
- Redness of the eyes
- Skin rash
- Chest pain
Some of the complications that might arise from covid-19 include
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Cardiovascular shock
- Heart attack
- Novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) which happens to be the most common complication.
Mode of Transmision
A person can get Covid-19 when droplets containing the virus get into the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in close contact (within 2m) with an infected person especially when they talk, sneeze or cough. Transmission could also occur when someone touches a contaminated object and then uses the same hand to touch the eyes, nose or mouth without washing or sanitizing.
Risk Factors
Anyone can be infected with covid-19
Prevention
Covid-19 is an highly infectious disease that can be prevented by doing the following
- Get the vaccinated
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. To learn how to properly wash your hands click here
- Use an alcohol based sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands
- Do not go out unless it is absolutely necessary and when you do make sure you are wearing a mask
- Stay at least 2 meters away from people
- Avoid handshakes and hugs
- Whenever you sneeze or cough, do it into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Make sure you throw away the tissue immediately after use
- Use disinfectants to clean objects you frequently touch like your phone
Home/Self Action for Position Pre-Diagnosis
If you notice you have symptoms of covid-19, you should self isolate for 14 days and contact your doctor. You can also click here to take our self help questionnaire that will hello I'm assessing your risk of having covid-19. You will be contacted by us and be advised on if you should self-isolate at home. This will depend on your symptoms, age, pre-existing illness and capacity to self-isolate safely without infecting others in your household.
Click here to determine your risk of having Lassa fever
HOW CAN I HELP MY COMMUNITY?
Covid-19 can not be defeated except we unite and defeat it together. you can help stop the spread of coronavirus by doing the following;
- Maintaining social distance.
- Stay at home and isolate yourself for at least 14 days if you suspect you’ve had contact with an infected person.
- Spreading awareness on covid-19 and the need to get vaccinated
- If you notice you or anyone around you begins to show symptoms, contact the following help lines.