Covid-19 is a global threat. Everyone knows about its impact on all aspects of society. Together, we can fight this dangerous disease by better understanding it, its risks and preventions.
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is the abbreviation for a new coronavirus strain that has never been discovered before. The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not of the same strain as the ordinary virus causing mild illnesses such as common cold in people.
How is Covid-19 transmitted?
COVID-19 spreads mostly between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet). People with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) can still spread the viruses to others. Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported, but remain rare.
- COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person
- COVID-19 can sometimes spread via airborne particles and droplets
- COVID-19 spreads less commonly through contact with contaminated surfaces
- COVID-19 rarely spreads between people and animals
What are symptoms of Covid-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list of symptoms may be further updated in the future.
When do Covid-19 patients need to go to the emergency room?
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale lips or skin
Call 115 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Who are at risk of Covid-19?
People at Increased Risk
- Older adults
- People with certain medical conditions
People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions
- Racial & Ethnic minority groups
- Pregnant & Breastfeeding
- People with disabilities
- People with developmental & behavioral disorders
- People with alcohol, drugs or substance use disorders
What is the risk of Covid-19 in children?
Children are less likely to get COVID-19 compared to adults, however, they still can be infected with the virus causing COVID-19, get COVID-19 and spread the virus to other people. Most kids who are infected only show mild symptoms, and some don’t even show any symptoms at all. However, some children can become severely ill with COVID-19. They might need to be hospitalized, treated in the intensive care unit or placed on a ventilator. In rare cases, they can die.
How to protect yourself against Covid-19?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take the following steps to slow the spread.
- Maintain at least a 2-meter distance between yourself and others whenever possible. This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when being near other people. This should reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread both by close contact and by airborne transmission.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Try to bring as much fresh air into your home as possible.
- Stay home and self-isolate if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly and take other steps to prevent the spread at home.
- All passengers entering Vietnam must fill all information in the medical declaration form. For more information, visit: here