Page 8 - Issue 2 2019 Cornwall Hill

healTh
copinG WiTh The

coronavirus pandemic

By Bev Hermanson

It’s difficult to comment on
the ravages of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic because,
every hour, conditions worldwide
are changing. But let’s go
through some of the basics, to
make sure that you are up to
speed with how to cope with this
outbreak.

he Coronavirus (COVID-19) first

made its presence known in China,
in December 2019. The outbreak
Thas since spread worldwide at such
an alarming rate that it became imperative
for governments to declare lockdowns, such
as the one that we are going through now.

WhaT are The sYmpToms?
The main symptoms are:
• High temperature and fever
• Muscle pain and fatigue
• Dry cough.
However, one could also experience a runny
nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, stomach the symptoms appear. a state of lockdown and residents are urged
cramps, diarrhea. to stay at home and self-isolate. As you
The virus is typically spread during most likely know, all schools and tertiary
Although it’s reported that 80% of the close contact with other people and via institutions have been closed; restaurants

infections are mild (with flu-like symptoms), respiratory droplets produced when people and all non-essential retail outlets have been
allowing one to recover at home, we cough or sneeze. It may also be transmitted closed; all events and mass gatherings such

don’t know specifically which 80% of by touching a surface where the virus is as sports events, concerts, expos and church
the community will be ok. Up to 14% of active, such as handrails, door handles, work services have been cancelled; food deliveries
the cases become severe, progressing surfaces etc. have been banned and there has been a
to pneumonia and shortness of breath. restriction placed on the sale of liquor.
The next 4 - 5% become critical, and the prevenTaTive measures

remaining 1 – 2% of cases are fatal – with There is no known vaccine or specific WhaT should i do if i suspecT
ThaT i have conTracTed
death caused by respiratory failure, septic antiviral treatment for the Coronavirus, so covid-19?
shock, and multi-organ failure. it’s vitally important that you should avoid
becoming infected. At this stage, treatment If you suspect that you might have
is merely a matter of trying to reduce the contracted the virus, do not go to a hospital
The risk of death increases the older you are

and especially if you have any pre-existing effects of the symptoms. or clinic. If it turns out that you didn’t have
illnesses such as: the virus, you may have put yourself at risk of
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, any chronic • Avoid close contact with people contracting the Coronavirus from other out-
respiratory disease, hypertension, cancer, suffering from acute respiratory infections. patients, while waiting to be tested. Instead,
HIV or any other immuno-suppressive • Avoid using public transport. the government has advised that you should
condition. • Avoid any kind of long distance travel, call the National Institute of Communicable
especially to high-risk regions locally or to Diseases (NICD) helpline on 0800 029 999
hoW lonG do sYmpToms lasT? other countries. and ask for advice on what to do.
Mild cases: approximately 2 weeks • When away from home, keep to the
Severe or critical cases: 3 - 6 weeks. 1 metre minimum distance requirement Anyone who tests positive will either be
However, be aware that there’s an from other members of the public. put in isolation at one of the hospitals
incubation period of about 7 days before • If you need to cough or sneeze, use your designated to respond to the outbreak or be
elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough asked to isolate themselves at home. You’ll
or sneeze into a tissue and immediately need to remain in quarantine until tests
Remember to call the throw the tissue away into a litter bin, then show you no longer have the virus.
National Institute of sanitise your hands.
communicable diseases • Wash your hands frequently and The NICD will then trace people who have
been in close contact with you. Anyone who
thoroughly for 20 seconds each time.
(NIcd) helpline on 0800 029 • Sanitise all work surfaces and items that could have come in contact with an infected
999 should you have any you may touch frequently. patient in the week before they began to
symptoms or concerns. • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, face or head. feel sick should self-quarantine themselves
The South African Government has declared (ie. stay at home for 14 days).

8 Cornwall View • Issue 2 2020 Image reference: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/multimedia/infographics/covid-19