Your Coronavirus information guide

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

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

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.

HOW DO I PREVENT IT?

• 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

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 3)