Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

OVERVIEW

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Also called: 2019-nCov, 2019 Novel Coronavirus

HOW IT SPREADS

The new coronavirus spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

SYMPTOMS

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.

More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.

People may experience:

Runny Nose

Cough

Difficulty Breathing (Severe Cases)

Sore Throat

Fever

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
You can reduce your risk of infection if you:

Clean hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water

Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow

Avoid close contact (1 metre or 3 feet) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms

TREATMENTS

There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). People may need supportive care to help them breathe.

SELF-CARE

If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:

Rest and Sleep

Keep Warm

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough

Medical treatments

If you develop a fever, cough, and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travelers.