WHAT IS
Coronavirus
(Covid-19) ?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE 

Coronavirus is part of a group of different viruses that can cause respiratory infections.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) are diseases caused by coronavirus.

At the end of 2019, in the Chinese city of Wuhan, an outbreak of infections by a novel coronavirus (SARS-COV2) was identified, giving rise to the disease called COVID-19.

How does
COVID-19
appear?

In most cases, the symptoms are mild, without severe illness. Mild and moderate forms usually present with? sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose. Fever, in these cases, is usually easily controlled with antipyretics.

n the severe form, progressive respiratory distress is observed, with the development of pneumonia. These cases may evolve into respiratory failure requiring the use of oxygen and, more seldom, mechanical ventilation.

How is coronavirus
transmitted?

  • By direct contact with an infected person (respiratory droplets, by coughing, sneezing, kissing, touching or shaking hands)
  • By indirect contact, by handling contaminated objects or surfaces – we must remember that the virus survives several days outside our body, on surfaces such as plastic and metal, hence the importance of sanitizing door handles, handrails and work surfaces

What are the
symptoms of
coronavirus?

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Muscular pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Diarreia

How soon do symptoms manifest?

The incubation period varies from 5 to 12 days.

How are suspected cases defined?

At present, the main attention is directed to those who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed cases of the disease in the last 14 days.

How to prevent against coronavirus?

  • Sanitize your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer (70% alcohol gel) for at least 20 seconds 
  • Avoid contact with potentially contaminated surfaces 
  • Avoid sharing commonly used objects such as towels, drinking glasses, pens, mobile phones, etc
  • At home and in the office, sanitize surfaces and objects commonly used with household disinfectants or 70% alcohol gel
  • Avoid leaving home and limit the number of visitors to the maximum extent.
  • When greeting someone, avoid contact – no kisses, hugs or handshakes
  • Avoid touching your face and mouth with your hands before washing them
  • Ask visitors to wash their hands when they arrive at your home
  • If you leave home, avoid crowded places and try to keep distance (at least 1 meter) from anyone who appears to have breathing problems
  • Be careful when placing suitcases and bags on surfaces outside the home to avoid contaminating them
  • Keep environments well ventilated

How do
I wash my
hands properly?

Hygiene should be complete, including the back of your hands, the gaps between your fingers and nails, and it should last for at least 20 seconds.

Elderly people demand special attention

Elderly people suffering from chronic diseases have presented the severe forms of COVID-19 most frequently.

How is the
coronavirus
treatment performed?

There is still no specific standardized treatment against the virus. Several treatment protocols against the infection are being tested worldwide and also in Brazil, in search of this response. In addition, patients are cared for with supportive measures until their bodies can cope with the infection.

In mild cases, the doctor may recommend measures for symptom relief that help in recovery, such as rest, hydration and medication against fever and pain. In addition, home isolation is recommended to prevent the spread of the virus.

In most medical services, suspected cases of coronavirus are directed to separate areas of emergency care, with specific flows and procedures for the protection of patients, companions and hospital professionals.

Remember: Regularly sanitize your hands with soap and water or 70% gel alcohol (hand sanitizer). Whenever possible, stay at home, reducing contact with others as much as possible.

If you have difficulty breathing, a fever that is difficult to control accompanied by cough, or an elderly with altered general condition, wear a disposable mask and seek a health service.

To learn more, keep an eye on our updates.
Preoccupation is fought against with information.