Everything You Need To Know About The Coronavirus (So Far)
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to up-end the normal into dysfunctional there are a few things you should do to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Firstly, let’s start with the basics.
What Is COVID-19
Put simply, it’s a new strain of novel coronavirus, a type of infection that causes severe respiratory illness in some people. There has been some misconception that it is no big deal, just like getting the cold or flu but the reality is while for some the symptoms are mild for others they can be fatal.
How It’s Spread
COVID-19 is spread when a person comes into contact with contaminated droplets coughed or sneezed by a person with the virus. It can also be spread shaking contaminated hands or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands regularly (and for 20 seconds) with soap or use hand sanitiser. If you don’t want to sing Happy Birthday, follow the lead of gay icon Gloria Gaynor.
NSW Health states symptoms usually appear within two to 14 days but typically at five or six days. A small number of people have been infectious before symptoms have developed.
Are You At Risk?
In a news conference on 18 March Australia’s Chief Medical Officer reiterated that COVID-19 is primarily being imported into the country from people who have travelled overseas.
Recognising this threat, the Australian government requires all international travellers who’ve arrived in the country after 15 March to go into self-isolation for 14 days.
If you’re not Australian you’ll find there are similar requirements in New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Germany, Spain, France etc.
You’re also at risk if you’ve come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
That’s getting the virus, so are your vulnerable? Vulnerable people, being those who can be severely impacted by the virus, are the elderly, people with suppressed immune systems or those with an underlying disease like; diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure.
If you have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, are vulnerable, are feeling unwell and if you’re recently travelled overseas it’s likely you’ll find yourself in self-isolation.
Self-Isolation
Pilot, an online platform that can help connect you to a doctor, has told DNA that self-isolation is required for 14 days.
While in self-isolation you cannot go to public places like schools, saunas, bars, gyms or work and if you have a partner it’s recommended you don’t share a bed.
Remember self-isolation is crucial to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19.
And Social Distancing?
Unlike self-isolation, social distancing doesn’t have restrictions on going out in public. Social distancing is a series of recommendations – keep a distance of 1.5 metres from others, avoid public transport, stay away from unnecessary events and gatherings, avoid shaking hands and consider holding meetings over the phone, email or online (Skype).
Pilot also recommends you wash your hands regularly, cough or sneeze into your hands, a tissue or your elbow then wash them with soap and water. They also suggest you use hand sanitiser regularly, and avoid sharing food.
The Australian government has banned outdoor events with over 500 people or indoor events with over 100 people. There are some exceptions like, shopping malls, work, schools, hospitals and construction sites (where you might find one of the Village People).
Stop The Spread
While for most people COVID-19 symptoms will be mild, and you might be thinking why go to all this trouble for a cold/flu? The reality is while you might only experience mild symptoms, for those vulnerable in the community it can be fatal, which is why you should do all you can to stop the spread.
Pilot tell us misinformation can do a great deal of harm during a global pandemic, but unlike a virus, it doesn’t just spread from person to person without a deliberate action. We are all responsible for this.
Who Is Pilot?
Pilot is an online healthcare platform that connects Australian men to doctors and pharmacy treatments for a range of problems. And you can do it all from home, with fast and free shipping. Visit the Pilot website to read their comprehensive guide on COVID-19 and keep safe and well.
