COVID-19 and coronavirus information is widely available.
We might even believe we know it all.
Since COVID-19 is a new virus with developing information, perhaps it is time to refresh our memories.
Medical practitioners and researchers are continuing to find more scientific information about prevention, the illness, and its treatment.
Increasing numbers of victims is occasionally being attributed to pandemic fatigue. The following is a refresher, however, pay attention to our federal and provincial medical officers of health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
It remains important for everyone who develops heart attack symptoms, has difficult breathing, or severe bleeding, etc. to go to the emergency department after notifying the 911 operator.
1. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses causing illness in animals and/or humans. SARS is a previous example. COVID-19 is a new disease.
2. COVID-19 symptoms may start gradually and include fever, loss of taste or smell, dry cough, fatigue and cold symptoms, diarrhea, skin rash or discolouration.
Symptoms may start from five to six days post-exposure but can last from one to14 days post-exposure.
3. Go to the emergency department whenever there is difficulty breathing and/or chest pain or pressure. Do not hesitate to call 911 if you are unsure.
If COVID-19 symptoms increase, phone your doctor’s offices, or the emergency department. Phoning these numbers first will ensure you receive the most appropriate assistance with information about required precautions.
4. How is it spread is when people touch surfaces having droplets from infected persons who cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing, and the uninfected people then touch their own eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. How is it prevented is by staying home when feeling ill, frequent hand washing, keeping a two-metre distance (distancing) from people and wearing masks to protect others from our own viruses.
6. What is self-isolation, self-quarantine, and distancing? These measures may be recommended by health-care personnel or those implementing medical officers of health guidelines.
Self-isolation - a person with symptoms decides to be responsible or a physician recommends self-isolation. They stay separately in living quarters or two metres apart from others.
Self-quarantine – a person without symptoms but has been exposed to someone with the virus, now has restricted activities and is kept apart from others.
Physical distancing – maintaining two metres apart whether having or being exposed to COVID-19 virus or not.
7. Why and how should we wear masks – masks help prevent others’ exposure to our droplets.
Medical personnel and some caregivers use special medical masks. Do not be shy about using this precaution – there is so much unknown about the virus.
8. How should vegetables be washed? Wash your hands first with soap and water. Then scrub fruit and vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
9. Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19? No. It is recommended having flu immunizations in the fall to prevent having two viruses which can seriously affect health.
Vaccines are being developed and tested.It may be a year for COVID-19 vaccine to be available.
10. Ongoing health issues - Much remains unknown about COVID-19 and is being studied – including effects on children, chronic health problems post exposure and immunity.
Submitted by the Age-Friendly Committee of the Olds Institute.
