ATS

COVID-19 (CoronaVirus Disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus. Most people infected with COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The new disease spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so practice respiratory etiquette (by coughing into a flexed elbow).

For now, there are no particular vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. But there are many clinical trials are going across the world for evaluating potential treatments.

The COVID-19 virus affects people in different ways. It is a respiratory disease, people who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have higher risk of developing severe disease and death.

Common Symptoms

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Dry Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Aches and pains
• Sore throat

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, follow the guidelines:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap, water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub
• Maintain minimum of 1 meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose or eyes specifically)
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Refrain smoking and other habits that weaken lungs
• Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people