Coronavirus ”Covid 19”

What is Covid-19?

It is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before. Like other coronaviruses, it has transferred to humans from animals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared it a pandemic.

What are the symptoms this coronavirus causes?

According to the WHO, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness and a dry cough. Some patients may also have a runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion and aches and pains or diarrhoea. About 80% of people who get Covid-19 experience a mild case – about as serious as a regular cold – and recover without needing any special treatment.

About one in six people, the WHO says, become seriously ill. The elderly and people with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, or chronic respiratory conditions, are at a greater risk of serious illness from Covid-19.

In Nigeria, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has identified the specific symptoms to look for as experiencing either:

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly.

As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work, and there is currently no vaccine. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system so you are STRONGLY advice to take immune boosters e.g vitamins.

Should I go to the doctor if I have a temperature or a cough?

In the UK, the NHS advices that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. This applies to everyone, regardless of whether they have travelled abroad or not. If you get worse or your symptoms last longer than seven days, you should call NHS 111. People will no longer be tested for the virus unless they are in hospital.

In Nigeria, Call the Lagos State Ministry of Health hotlines on: +234
08023169485,
08033565529,
08052817243, 08028971864, 08059758886,
08035387653.

Many countries have imposed travel bans and lock down conditions in order to try and halt the spread of the virus and many other measure like social distance. You should check with your local authorities for the latest advice on seeking medical assistance.