Discover comprehensive information on coronavirus disease/COVID-19: symptoms, prevention, and treatments. Learn the most common signs, effective safety measures, and medical guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.
What is Coronavirus Disease / COVID-19?
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease / COVID-19?
Understanding the signs of the virus helps in early detection and care. The clinical manifestations range widely among patients.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
- fever
- dry cough
- tiredness
What Are the Less Common Symptoms?
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
How to Practice Prevention for Coronavirus Disease / COVID-19?
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local health authority.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.
How Do Masks Help?
Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.
What Are the Treatments for Coronavirus Disease / COVID-19?
Managing the illness depends on the severity of the condition and involves both self-care practices and professional guidance.
What Is Involved in Self-Care?
If you feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.
It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor.
What Are the Medical Treatments?
If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, self-isolate and contact your medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice.
Seek medical care if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Call in advance.
Key Takeaways
- COVID-19 symptoms range from common signs like fever, dry cough, and tiredness to less common issues like aches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
- Prevention methods include frequent hand cleaning, wearing masks, maintaining safe physical distance, and staying home when unwell.
- Treatments involve self-care routines, staying hydrated, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Quick Practice
- What are three of the most common symptoms of coronavirus disease/COVID-19? Write your answer in the comments below.
- What safety steps should you take to prevent the spread of the virus when physical distancing is not possible? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms include fever, dry cough, and tiredness.
How can you prevent the spread of COVID-19?
You can prevent the spread by cleaning your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, maintaining a safe distance from others, wearing a mask, and staying home if you feel unwell.
What should you do if you feel sick with mild symptoms?
If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should self-isolate, rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious food, and contact your medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice.