Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19

In a span of a few weeks, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has threatened countries outside China, including Bahrain. While it’s completely understandable to be worried, your best bet to getting through the situation unscathed is to channel that anxious energy into doing what you can to stop the virus from spreading. But what does preparedness look like in practice? Here’s what you need to know…

The Basics

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Those with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. The most common symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure; including fever, tiredness, difficulty breathing and dry cough.

FAQs

If infected with coronavirus, can you survive it and recover?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. The vast majority of people with coronavirus survive.

How does the virus spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when the infected person coughs or exhales.

Can someone who has been quarantined spread the illness to others?

Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

The coronavirus is transmitted through droplets, not through the air. If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not necessary. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.

What should I do if I had a close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

Call 444 if you experience any of the symptoms related to the virus.

Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-19 and can be harmful:

  • Smoking
  • Wearing multiple masks
  • Taking antibiotics

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