We share with you this general information about coronavirus and information necessary for your personal protection.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus; MERS common cold, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Sars and severe acute respiratory failure syndrome coronavirus is a family of viruses distributed among.
Coronavirus is a virus first identified in China’s Wuhan province on January 13, 2020 as a result of research conducted in a group of patients who developed respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in late December 2019.
The outbreak was initially identified in those found at the seafood and animal market in this region. Later, human-to-human transmission spread to other cities in Hubei province and other provinces of the People’s Republic of China, mainly in Wuhan.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The most common symptoms are fever, cough and respiratory distress.
Severe cases may develop pneumonia and severe respiratory failure, kidney failure and death.
The incubation period of the new coronavirus is 2 to 14 days.
What should be done to prevent coronavirus?
Recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections also apply to Coronavirus infection:
– Attention should be given to hand hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and in the absence of soap and water, hand antiseptic with alcohol content should be used.
– Indoor areas, especially classrooms and workplaces, should be ventilated frequently.
– A balanced and healthy diet to strengthen the immune system. Foods should be thoroughly washed before being consumed.
– During coughing and sneezing, the mouth and nose should be covered with a disposable tissue, if there is no tissue, the inner part of the elbow should be used.
– Handshake and hug should be avoided.
– Avoid crowded environments as much as possible.
– Animal foods such as meat and eggs should be cooked thoroughly.
– Mouth, nose and eyes should not be touched with unwashed hands.
– Avoid contact with sick people (if possible, be at least 1 m away).
– Hands should be washed frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people or their belongings.
– If you feel sick, stay home. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Follow the instructions of the local health authorities.
– Keep yourself updated on coronavirus. Follow the advice given by your health care professional, national and local public health authorities and your employer about how to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus.
Prevention measures for people who have been or have been found in countries where coronavirus has spread (last 14 days):
If you feel unwell, stay home until you recover, even if you have symptoms such as headaches and mild runny nose.
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention as it may result in a respiratory infection or serious illness. Also, call the authorized medical institution in advance and share your travel history with the authorized medical institution.
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
Molecular tests needed to detect coronavirus; it is available at Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital, Lefkosa, TRNC.
Is there a drug to prevent or treat coronavirus?
There is currently no known treatment method specific to the disease. Depending on the general condition of the patient, the necessary supportive treatment is applied.
Can domestic animals transmit Coronavirus?
Pets such as cats/dogs that are cared for at home are not expected to be infected with the New Coronavirus. Hands should always be washed with soap and water after contact with pets. Thus, protection against diseases that can be transmitted from animals shall also be in place.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself?
People without respiratory symptoms such as coughing do not need to wear medical masks. The World Health Organization recommends the use of masks for people with Coronavirus symptoms and for those caring for individuals with symptoms such as cough and fever. The use of the mask is very important for health workers and people who takes care for someone (at home or in a health care facility).
How is the mask worn, used, removed and discarded?
The mask should only be used by health workers, care workers and people with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough.
Wash hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water before touching the mask.
– Take the mask and check for holes.
– Point which side is the top (where the metal strip is) in that direction.
– Make sure the correct side of the mask is facing out (colored side).
– Place the mask on your face. Pinch the metal strip or hard edge of the mask so you can fit the mold according to The Shape of your nose.
– Pull down the underside of the mask to cover your mouth and chin.
– Remove the mask after use; remove the elastic rings behind the ears by keeping the mask away from your face and clothes to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
– Throw the mask into a closed bin immediately after use.
– After touching the mask, wash hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water.
What should be done if there are signs of Coronavirus?
If in the last 14 days;
– If you have been in China or any country where Coronavirus has been detected,
– If you have been in contact with a person who has been confirmed or suspected of coronavirus infection,
If you have any of the symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, seek medical attention early and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care professional.
If you are in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus;
CONTACT TRNC MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONTACT NUMBERS!
(0533) 850 11 88 / (0548) 850 11 88 / 1102
Always wear your mask when you are in the same room with a person who is recommended isolation at home.
Is there anything I shouldn’t do?
The following measures are not effective against Covid-2019 and could be harmful:
- Smoke
- Taking traditional herbal medicines
- Wearing multiple masks
- Take self-medication such as antibiotics
In any case, if you are experiencing fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek early medical help to reduce the risk of developing a more serious infection, and be sure to share your recent travel history with your healthcare professional.
This document was prepared from the documents of the World Health Organization and the TRNC Ministry of Health. For the latest information, visit the following websites:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/videos
We wish you a healthy day.
Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design