COVID-19 Pandemic: Advice For Staying Safe For The African Public

 

 

OVERVIEW

  • COVID-19 spreads from person to person
    • via droplets when an infected person sneezes or
    • when in close contacts with a sick person, like hugging or shaking hands, or
    • from touching a contaminated object or surface.
  • Currently, 4 out of 5 people infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms like fever and a dry cough.
  • About 95% of people who have been sick with COVID-19 to date have recovered or are recovering.
  • So far, children and adolescents have been less affected and their symptoms have been almost always mild.

Cartoon image depicting the Covid-19 virus

 

WHO IS AT HIGH RISK?

  • While COVID-19 is often mild, it is spreading rapidly. Therefore the following people who are at high risk need to be protected:
    • Healthcare workers
    • People over 60 years of age.
    • Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and people with low immunity.

 

PROTECTING YOURSELF

  • To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, embrace the following regularly
    • Wash your hands often with soap and clean water. Alternatively, use alcohol based hand rubs (hand sanitizer).
    • Cough or sneeze in your bent elbow, not your hands.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Stay away from large gatherings and avoid close contact with someone sick.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
    • Use a face mask when in public as local health authorities mandate and practice safe physical distancing always (i.e., stay at least six feet away from others in public). 
    • Get vaccinated and boosted as recommended by your local health authorities.

 

Adapted from WHO

 

 

Related: What Africans need to know about the coronavirus outbreak

Update (Jan. 18,  2023): Latest WHO guidelines on mask, treatment and patient care.

 

 

 

Published: March 13, 2020.

Updated: Jan. 18, 2023.

© 2020. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Disclaimer

DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.

Untitled Document