Coronavirus Covid-19 Myths and Facts

The World Health Organization reminds public to remain vigilant through Mr. Bean’s Essential COVID-19 Checklist. (22 June 2020) 

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise globally, “Mr. Bean’s Essential COVID-19 Checklist” is a reminder to people about the importance of washing hands, physical distancing and demonstrating kindness to their neighbors. 

Information from your doctor about COVID- 19 Virus

1. What is a COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This is a common type of virus that affects both animals and humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections. 

1. How do people catch COVID-19? 

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease spreads from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. 

People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus and when people touch objects and surfaces that have the virus on them, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.   

1. What are the symptoms of a coronavirus?

1. COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Most people who catch COVID-19 will have an illness like a bad cold or flu. It takes 2-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop. 
2. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. 
3. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. 
4. Those with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases may develop more serious symptoms, like pneumonia or bronchitis. 
5. You may never develop symptoms after being exposed to COVID-19. 

1. How is a coronavirus diagnosed?

To diagnose COVID-19, your doctor may run some tests, such as collecting a sample from your nose or mouth, blood tests, a chest x-ray, or a CT (computed tomography) scan of your chest.

1. Can a coronavirus be prevented or avoided?

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

1. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
2. Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself and others. 
3. Avoid people who are sick, or meeting in large groups. 
4. Avoid going to crowded places. 
5. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
6. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
7. The CDC now recommends that everyone wear a cloth mask in public to prevent spreading the virus. It should cover your mouth and nose.  
8. Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, and mild fever until you recover. 
9. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. 

1. Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?

1. There are no medicines that have been shown to prevent or cure COVID-19 disease. 
2. A vaccine is being developed, but it will be some time before it is available. 
3. Different medicines are being tested to see whether they can help patients with COVID-19. The research is in the early stages, so these medicines are normally only given as part of a clinical trial. 
4. Another treatment is being developed from the blood of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Their blood contains proteins called antibodies, which can stick to the virus that causes COVID-19 and help to fight the infection. This treatment is called convalescent plasma.

If you have any concerns about your health, please contact At-Home-Doc        as soon as possible. This will allow the office to collect information and offer you guidance on next steps.