A question and answer (Q&A) with Corona Virus presented below will help you understand its mode of transmission. It is presented as an imaginary conversation. Once you understand the chain of transmission, it becomes clear what you need to do to break the chain of transmission, thus protecting yourself and others. Information to help you identify signs and symptoms of Covid infection and steps you need to take are also included. When you understand why you need to take certain actions, you are more likely to take appropriate action to live in an environment where COVID exists and stay safe, and keep others safe as well.
Q&A with Corona Virus 2019:
You: Who/what are you?
Corona Virus 2019: My name is Corona Virus 2019, Also known as SARs COV-2.
The virus that causes the respiratory disease, Corona Virus Decease 2019 (COVID 19), (Infectious agent)
You: Where do you leave?
Corona Virus 2019: I am out there, in the community. I have already infected some members of community.
I am also on surfaces that have droplets from infected people. Examples of such surfaces include door knobs, tables, mobile phones, stair rails, elevator buttons etc. (Reservoir}
You: How do you get out of your environment, to infect us?
Corona Virus 2019: I come out through aerosols and droplets from infected person through their coughing, speaking, sneezing, singing, breathing. (Portal of Exit)
You: How do you spread?
Corona Virus 2019: Easy, I spread by Direct physical contact, Contaminated surfaces, Droplets, aerosols, (Node of transmission)
You: How do you enter people’s bodies?
Corona Virus 2019: Through their Mucous membranes, in their Nose. Mouth, Eyes. (Portal of entry}.
You: Who is at risk from you?
Corona Virus 2019: Basically, all people are at risk of contracting Covid 19. Others are more vulnerable for example, those with chronic health conditions the aged, and those with compromised immunity. (Susceptible Host}.
STOP the spread of Covid 19.
After that question-and-answer (Q&A) session with COVID 19, you are ready to stop the spread of COVID 19 You will do so in the following ways:
Practicing social distancing
Wearing masks, when it is recommended to do so or when unable to practice social distancing.
Washing our hands frequently with soap and running water, or use hand sanitiser.
Open windows to improve ventilation.
Covering coughs and sneezes with tissue/inner elbow.
Discarding used tissues in bin immediately
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Staying home when unwell
Getting vaccinated
Should you get infected, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of COVID 19 infection.
Signs and Symptoms of COVID 19 infection:
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Fever, temperature of 37/5 or higher, and chills.
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Fatigue (Tiredness)
Loss of taste or smell
Loss of appetite
Headache
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing (Shortness of breath)
Joint or muscle pain
What you should do if you experience signs and symptoms of COVID 19 infection:
Get tested, no matter how mild symptoms might be.
Stay away from work or school.
In an emergency, like if you have difficulty with breathing while you are at rest, or you experience chest pain, CALL 000.
Stay Safe.
You can find more information related to Covid 19 by following the link here.