COVID-19 & How to Protect Yourself

COVID-19 & How to Protect Yourself

Information for Canadians About COVID-19 & How to Protect Yourself

Coronavirus refers to a family of viruses that can cause illness in humans and animals. In humans, this illness can cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to fatal. The official name to Coronavirus is COVID-19. This virus first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has now spread to most countries in the world. Most experts believe COVID-19 originated from animals. The World Health Organization has officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, which refers to a global outbreak of a disease. As of March 2020, there is no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19; however, the Canadian Government and CDC have offered best practices for prevention, which includes disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers and social distancing.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms include fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing, according to the Canadian Government’s website. COVID-19 can also cause pneumonia in both lungs. About 80% of cases have mild. The rest of the cases have been more severe and might require hospitalization, as of March 15th, 2020.

How is it transmitted?

COVID-19 in humans spread mainly through person-to-person contact, primarily through respiratory droplets of an infected person. Those who are infected with Coronavirus might not show symptoms. The transmission is most contagious when the infected are most symptomatic.

COVID-19 can be spread through contaminated surfaces. A person can be infected with Coronavirus by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes. This type of transmission is not the main way for the COVID-10 to spread; however, it is possible.

Who is most vulnerable?

COVID-19 can infect most groups of people, but certain groups are the most vulnerable. Although all adults can become contaminated, not all individuals are able to recover fully or may experience harsher effects. Older adults or those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk. Chronic health conditions include heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Experts believe that anyone with a weaker immune system is vulnerable.

How to protect from Coronavirus?

Here a few recommendations to protect yourself from COVID-19, according to the Canadian Government & the CDC:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to dry the hands after washing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectants or wipes with at least 60% alcohol level.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Keep international travelling to a minimum.
• Boost your immune system with proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
• Stay at home if you have flu-like symptoms.

 

What is Canada advising about the COVID-19?

Canada has issued travel health notices to travelers from high-risk countries, including Italy, Iran, China, South Korea and Germany. Citizens are being advised to keep international travel to a minimum. All international flights to Canada are being directed to a select few airports, where extensive screening can be done. Cruise ships with more than 500 people on board are banned from docking at any Canadian port until July. The Government also urges Canadians to self isolate if feeling symptoms, promote social distancing, avoid contact with individuals over the age of 65 and immune-compromised, and avoid large gatherings. Some provinces have also closed schools until April 4th and eliminated gatherings with more than 250 people.

Canadian are also being advised to stay calm but also be vigilant in the fight against Coronavirus. If any flu-like symptoms do develop, citizens are urged to wear face masks, isolate themselves and call 811 for more information.

For up to date information please visit https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx