The Sunday Mail
Should I worry about Covid-19?
Illness due to Covid-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults.
However, it can cause serious illness: about one in every five people who catch it need hospital care.
We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.
Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities, including any restrictions put in place.
What can l do to prevent the spread of disease?
Stay aware of the latest information on the Covid-19 outbreak. WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care provides the latest updates on Covid-19.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.
This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in your area.
Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how Covid-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating Covid-19?
No! Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections.
Covid-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of Covid-19.
They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.
