What is the Novel Coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus is a virus that causes respiratory infections.

How Does the Novel Coronavirus Spread?

It spreads through droplets released when infected individuals cough or sneeze, which come into contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes of others nearby. Additionally, touching surfaces where these droplets have landed and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can result in transmission.

What Are the Symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus?

The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Severe cases may lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, kidney failure, and even death. The incubation period for the novel coronavirus ranges from 2 to 14 days.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission for acute respiratory infections also apply to the novel coronavirus:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is unavailable, use the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid crowded places whenever possible.
• Refrain from handshakes and hugging.
• Do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.
• Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Ventilate indoor spaces frequently, including classrooms and workplaces.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet to strengthen your immune system.
• Wash food thoroughly before consumption.

What to Do If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms?

• If you have traveled to a country with reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, wear a surgical mask and visit the nearest healthcare facility.
• If you have a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, wear a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately.
• If you are in the same room with someone recommended for home isolation, always wear a mask.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

1. How is it diagnosed?
Molecular tests needed to detect the novel coronavirus are available in the country and are conducted in Public Health General Directorate laboratories.

2. Is there a medicine to prevent or treat it?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for the disease. Supportive care is provided based on the patient’s condition.

3. Can antibiotics treat it?
Antibiotics are not used to prevent or treat infections caused by viruses.

4. Is there a vaccine?
There is no vaccine developed for the novel coronavirus yet. However, vaccine development and treatment efforts are ongoing.

5. Who is more affected?
Data shows that the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness.

6. Can the novel coronavirus spread from pets?
Household pets like cats and dogs are not expected to contract or transmit the novel coronavirus. Hands should always be washed with soap and water after contact with pets to prevent other potential illnesses.

7. Does rinsing the nose with saline help prevent infection?
No. There is no evidence that rinsing the nose with saline protects against the novel coronavirus.

Note: Click here to view the updated map of the novel coronavirus’s spread.