What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
What are the symptoms?
Coronavirus symptoms can be mild including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.
When should I worry about my symptoms?
If your symptoms are severe you should receive medical care directly.
Who is at risk of infection?
People of all ages are at risk. However, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) are at higher risk of becoming severely ill with the virus.
Is it safe to travel to countries where coronavirus cases have occurred?
Stay up to date with the latest prevention recommendations related to the coronavirus from the World Health Organization before travelling.
What can I do to protect myself?
- Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water to kill the virus if it is on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Seek medical care early If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Can antibiotics treat coronaviruses?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent the new virus?
To date, there is no specific medicine or vaccine recommended to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus.
Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?
Yes, it is safe as coronaviruses do not survive long on surfaces and objects, such as letters or packages.
Can my pet at home spread the new coronavirus?
There is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No, vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against the coronavirus.
Does rinsing with saline help against the new coronavirus?
No. Rinsing with saline does not protect against the new coronavirus.
Can using mouthwash protect you from the new coronavirus?
No. Using mouthwash will not protect you from infection with the new coronavirus.
Does using sesame oil block the new coronavirus from entering the body?
No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus.