Your Coronavirus information guide The world has seemingly turned on its head during the last few weeks after the World Health Organisation declared the virus an international pandemic. Given the overflow of information, keeping up with the simple basics of the virus can be daunting. The Village NEWS has created this guide on P 3 and P 21 for you to stick up on your fridge for easy reference.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION NATIONAL HOTLINE: 0800 029 999 • PROVINCIAL HOTLINE: 021 928 4102 • EMAIL: doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za • WHATSAPP "Hi" to 0600 123 456
CORONAVIRUS 101
HOW DO I PREVENT IT?
WHO'S MOST AT RISK?
What are the first symptoms? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these are the symptoms most likely to be experienced first: • Fever • Fatigue • Dry cough • Headache
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub • Practise and maintain social distancing. Keep at least one metre of distance between yourself and a person who is coughing or sneezing. The virus spreads when liquid droplets are expelled through the air – when someone coughs or sneezes. In the event that you are too close, you could breathe in the droplets, which may contain the Covid-19 virus, if the person coughing or sneezing is infected • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands touch many surfaces and can potentially pick up the virus. Once your hands are contaminated, the virus can be transferred through your eyes, nose or mouth to the rest of your body • Practise respiratory hygiene. Don't cough or sneeze into your hands. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Don't forget to throw away the tissue immediately • Get the flu vaccine • Boost your immune system
Older people Age seems to be the greatest consideration when assessing who is most susceptible to this virus. It appears that the risk starts increasing at around age 50 and escalates from there, the oldest people being the most vulnerable. As we age, our immune system is altered, so it's important to stay as healthy as possible. Someone who's 70 and very active and healthy is probably at lower risk than a less active person of the same age, but will still be more risk prone than someone who is 45 years old.
Other symptoms may include: • Muscle aches • Nasal congestion • Sore throat • Diarrhoea (not as common but reported in 3.7% of cases) If it starts off mild, why do people die? While about 80% of people suffer mild cases, older people (over 60) and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart conditions or pre-existing lung conditions are more likely to become severely ill and die from respiratory failure. Will I get it? The WHO reports that your risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled to recently, as the risk is higher in areas where numbers of people have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
IBUPROFEN VS PARACETAMOL The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that while it is not against using ibuprofen for Covid-19 symptoms, it recommends paracetamol as a safer option. This comes after the WHO recommended that people with Covid-19 symptoms should avoid taking medication with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. However, the WHO has since updated its advice, saying that based on currently available information, they are no longer advising against the use of this medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other causes of long-term pain. The British National Health Service has said that while there is no firm evidence that NSAIDs can worsen Covid-19 symptoms, until more credible information becomes available, they suggest erring on the side of caution and recommend taking paracetamol to treat the symptoms of the new coronavirus instead – unless your doctor advises against its use, reports the BBC. In line with the approach of these medical professionals, it therefore seems safe to assume that if you are already taking medications with anti-inflammatory properties for other conditions, you should not stop without consulting a doctor.
People with lung diseases This category includes a number of lung conditions: • Asthma • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis • Pulmonary hypertension • Smoking. People who smoke can probably be thought to have some degree of lung disease. Smoking puts you at risk because it affects your defence mechanisms, the tiny little hairs – the cilia – that help protect your airways. In a sense they become paralysed and when that happens, the little hairs can't help with keeping germs out People with heart and blood vessel diseases This includes people with: • Heart disease, including a history of heart attack • Chronic heart failure • Build-up of plaque on the blood vessels • A history of stroke • Heart valve disease, with or without artificial heart valves • Heart rhythm conditions, including atrial fibrillation • Peripheral artery disease • High blood pressure • High cholesterol
People with diabetes The main types of diabetes include: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes and Pre-diabetes. The steps that people at a higher risk need to take don't differ a lot from the standard procedures. Wash your hands frequently and well. Try to keep your distance from other people, and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Keep often-touched surfaces in your home clean – that includes doorknobs, light switches, taps, toilet flushes, remotes, keyboards and phones.
SHORT FACTS • Most cases in SA fall within the 31 – 40 year-old age group • The oldest infected person is 85 years old and the youngest, two years old • If you're having trouble finding hand sanitizer and need to go out, put soap and water on paper towels and place the wet paper towels in a sealable plastic bag that you can take out with you • It's important to be up-to-date on vaccines, such as the flu injection • Make sure you have on hand a supply of any chronic medications you take – at least a 30-day supply • It is difficult for friends and family to limit visits. As an alternative use Skype, Zoom, or Houseparty (for the younger generation)
COASTLINE FLOORING SPECIALISTS
wall-to-wall carpeting
solid bamboo flooring
underfloor heating
People with compromised immune systems People who have weakened immune systems – and people taking medications designed to dampen their immune system – are at a greater risk from the coronavirus. Some examples include: • People with cancer • People with HIV/Aids • People who have had an organ transplant • People taking high doses of steroids or medications called biologics, often for autoimmune conditions
cape town
winelands
www.coastlineflooring.co.za admin@coastlineflooring.co.za Office tel: 028 312 1543 Sales Director: 082 729 4565
vinyl flooring
natural flooring
west coast
laminated flooring
synthetic grass
rugs
overberg
garden route
Hermanus Business Park Whale Park Unit 1 6 Adam Street Hermanus, 7200
spc
blinds
