Knowing and Preventing COVID-19

Knowing and Preventing COVID-19 disease.

What is a coronavirus?

They are an extensive family of viruses that can cause disease in both animals and humans. In humans they can cause respiratory infections that can range from a common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

What is COVID-19?

It is the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus How can it be spread?

People can become infected with the coronavirus when one other patient already contracts it.

It is spread by droplets from the nose or mouth when coughing or exhaling. These drops fall on the floor or on surfaces that surround the person, where they can enter the body through the eyes, mouth or nose. It is recommended to maintain a distance of one meter (3 feet) between a sick person.

Is it possible to get COVID-19 from contact with a person who does not have any symptoms?

The risk of getting COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms is very low. However, many people who get COVID-19 have only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is possible to get it from someone who, for example, only has a mild cough and does not feel sick.

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of the disease?

Keep up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, which can be accessed on the WHO website and through relevant public health authorities at the national and local levels.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often using an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water 2. Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter (3 feet) between you and anyone who coughs or sneezes.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth 4. Both you and those around you should make sure you maintain good airway hygiene.

That means covering your mouth and nose with your elbow bent or with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

5. Stay home if you are not feeling well. If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek medical attention and call ahead.

Is there something I shouldn't do?​ The following measures are NOT effective against COVID-2019 and may be harmful: Smoking, Wearing multiple masks, Taking antibiotics Information source: https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/q-acoronaviruses