The first cases of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, was first reported from Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China. With the first infections spreading from a live animal market, the virus has since mutated and is now dispersed from person to person.
As the virus spreads easily from person to person, it is advised to keep a social distance of at least one metre from the next person. The illness is easily spread through droplets of saliva when speaking or sneezing.
Symptoms
Once someone shows symptoms of illness, like a fever, dry cough, fatigue, or tight muscles, it would be a good idea to start self-isolating to prevent the spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that patients isolate themselves either in hospital, or at home, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
Symptoms can show up differently for every patient, therefore everyone should be treated on a case-by-case basis. Research has shown that an individual can be asymptomatic for up to 14 days before they start showing positive signs of having contracted the illness. During those 14 days they are highly contagious, which is why the disease has been spreading so rapidly throughout the world, as most don’t even know they have it until it is too late.
Recovery
The length of the recovery period is different for every patient. The decision on when to release someone for hospital or isolation depends on the results of their laboratory tests. Current decisions on when to release patients are guided by the CDC and need to meet the following requirements:
• The patient no longer has a fever and does not require fever-reducing medication;
• The patient is no longer coughing, or showing any other symptoms; and
• The patient has tested negative on two accounts of respiratory tests 24 hours apart.
The spread
As far as current research extends, COVID-19 can only be spread from person-to-person, with no transmission through food. In light of this, it would be wise to keep the spread of germs and continue to wash hands before prepping food for at least 20 seconds. Sanitise regularly, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
For more information on the novel coronavirus – COVID-19, visit www.nicd.ac.za or call 011 386 6400.
Source: CDC – Centre for Disease control and Prevention
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