Coronavirus: What Are COVID-19 Symptoms, When To Seek Medical Attention & How To Stay Safe; A Quick Guide

Coronavirus: Here is a quick guide to help you know the symptoms, and how to keep yourself safe during the time of COVID-19 pandemic.

A patient (L) infected by the COVID-19 coronavirus receives acupuncture treatment at Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 11, 2020. - China reported an increase in imported coronavirus cases on March 11, fuelling concerns that infections from overseas could undermine progress in halting the spread of the virus. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT

New Delhi: Amid the rapid spread of coronavirus cases around the globe, countries are closing their borders and are putting citizens under lockdown in a bid to contain the infection. The pandemic has posed an unprecedented health crisis before the world, with around 200,000 people infected by it. A highly contagious virus with holds ‘very high risk’ at the global level, as assessed by the WHO, has triggered hysteria among people across globe. Here is a quick guide to help you know the symptoms, and how to keep yourselves safe, as laid down by the World Health Organisation. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• fever
• tiredness
• dry cough

Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. When to seek medical help? Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

People with fever, cough and difficulty in breathing should seek medical attention.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus: Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene 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 you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early 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. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.   Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. (based on information laid out by WHO)