Tracking coronavirus: Map, data and timeline

Coronavirus Symptoms and Prevention Guide

• How can I identify the disease?

  Aside from such typical COVID-19 symptoms as high temperature and dry cough, patients with the virus may also suffer from headaches, runny nose, breathing problems, diarrhea, loss of smell and taste. As of writing, the full scope of COVID-19 signs and symptoms is still being investigated.

• How can I save myself and my family from COVID-19?

  To protect yourself and your family from the new coronavirus, avoid leaving your home and attending public places. Only leave home for shopping and medical needs. Wash your hands meticulously. Touching your face is highly discouraged. If you’re feeling sick, isolate yourself and your loved ones. If you’re experiencing the aforementioned signs and symptoms, call your doctor now and follow their instructions.

• Is there a cure or at least an effective drug for the new virus?

  As of writing, there’s no effective vaccine or cure for the new coronavirus. Nevertheless, people suffering from the disease should receive medical care to manage their symptoms and ease suffering. Patients with serious underlying medical conditions require hospitalization.

• Will using a mask protect me from the virus?

  There’s a global lack of masks these days. Therefore, the WHO recommends that you approach the issue of wearing masks wisely. Don’t forget that disposable face masks can only be utilized once. Only use a mask if you’re experiencing COVID-19 signs or live with a sick person. If you’re neither ill nor in close contact with the ill person, then you’re simply wasting a mask.

• Is there any difference between surgical masks and N95 respirator masks?

  Yes. Due to many gaps in it, a surgical mask is not the best for small virus particles. This type of mask is for people who are already sick and want to prevent others from getting sick as well. As for the N95 respirators, they are a lot more effective when it comes to COVID-19-proofness due to their material, shape, and tight seal. So if you’re seeking to protect yourself from COVID-19, then N95s are the best masks for the task.

• How to use masks correctly and dispose of them properly?

  • Do not forget that only healthcare professionals, caretakers, and sick people should wear masks.
  • Stave off touching the mask with unwashed hands.
  • Start with washing your hands thoroughly. Then place the mask to your face and pull down its bottom for it to cover the lower part of your face.
  • When you’re through using it, take off the mask and discard it in a sealed container.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching the used mask.

• What about the incubation period for the new virus? How long before the symptoms show up?

  The incubation period is the time frame between getting infected and becoming sick (i.e. displaying signs of the disease). The incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 1 to 14 days. We will update these data as soon as more details surface.

• Can I get it from my cat/dog?

  As of today, it is unknown if pets can spread the new coronavirus. The disease is transmitted via droplets produced when sick people cough, sneeze, or speak. For maximum self-protection, wash your hands like a champ and avoid going outside. We will update this section once new information in this respect becomes available.

• How long does the virus live on surfaces?

  According to the recent reports, the COVID-19 virus lives on surfaces for up to five days. It depends on various factors, such as the surface details, climate, and level of humidity.

• Is there anything else I should avoid doing?

  Yes. Remember that the following actions will do you harm in terms of COVID-2019 prevention:

  • smoking
  • using more than one mask at a time
  • taking antibiotics without discussing it with your doctor

  If you’re experiencing the aforementioned COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.