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Important Questions And Answers On COVID-19
There are several questions about the ongoing pandemic in the hearts of many people. That is why we have created this post to answer your questions. Please note that research is still ongoing, and we will continue to update this page as soon as we get more information on COVID-19.
We believe you must have heard all sorts of things about the pandemic. A lot of what you hear from people or social media could be wrong. This article brings you information that has been verified by W.H.O and other health authorities.
Now, let’s proceed to the questions and answers.
What is the difference between Coronavirus & COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that causes illness in animals or humans. These viruses cause respiratory infections ranging from common cold to more serious diseases like SARS(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
On the other hand, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were not known until it broke out in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19, therefore, means Coronavirus Disease 2019.
How does COVID-19 spread?
It is mainly spread by people who have already been infected by the disease. This happens through small droplets from the infected person’s nose or mouth. These droplets are released from the infected person’s body when he coughs, exhales or sneezes.
- By touching infected surfaces
The droplets from the infected person can land on surfaces and objects. Uninfected people could touch these surfaces or objects unknowingly and they touch their eyes, nose or mouth with the same hands. Once it gets into their bodies through their mouth, eyes or nose, the virus begins to mix with their system.
- Breathing In Droplets
When an infected person coughs, exhales or sneezes, another person close to him could breathe in the droplets. This is why you are advised to stay at least one meter away from any sick person, or anyone coughing or sneezing.
More research is being done and this page would be updated once another method of transmission is discovered.
Can Coronavirus be caught from a person who isn’t coughing or sneezing?
Yes, but the possibility of this is very low. It is mainly spread through droplets when a person coughs. This means a person with coronavirus, especially in the early stages may not be found coughing. Some could have only mild coughs and may not feel sick.
A person showing no symptoms is not likely to spread it.
Is Coronavirus transmitted through air?
Studies have only proven that the virus is transferred through contact with respiratory droplets.
Can antibiotics kill COVID-19?
Antibiotics only kill bacterial infections, they do not work for viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a virus and cannot be killed by antibiotics.
Is there a cure for COVID-19
There are some medicines and home remedies that have been found to reduce symptoms of COVID-19 but there is no proof that any medicine can cure or prevent the disease. We do not recommend any self-medication tips yet. We will update you as more tests are being carried out.
Do you need to wear a mask?
Only people who have symptoms like cough have been advised to put on masks. Those taking care of people with such symptoms should also use masks.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by washing your hands regularly, maintaining 1-meter distance from anyone coughing or sneezing. You can check here for the protective measures.
PS: In Nigeria, people have been advised to put on masks. This is just for prevention as some people may not know they have symptoms and still go out with the disease.
However, imagine someone puts on a mask throughout the day. During the day or when he gets home, without washing his hands, he touches his eyes, nose or mouth. His use of masks has been a total waste.
Therefore, all you need is to stay far from people who are coughing or sneezing. This will help you not to breathe in their droplets. Also, wash your hands regularly and practice not touching your face with your hands.
How do I wash my hands?
A lot of people have been purchasing and using the wrong sanitizers. Remember that COVID-19 is a virus, some people have purchased bacterial sanitizers instead. You are supposed to use an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. Bacterial sanitizer would not kill viruses on your hands.
How long does it take for COVID-19 to show up?
When a person breathes in infected droplets or touches his mouth, nose or eyes with droplets on the hands, he catches the virus. However, the symptoms may not begin to show immediately. It takes between 1 to 14 days to show.
What are those things I should not touch?
The virus can be transferred to your hands if you touch a contaminated surface. Hence, you should try to avoid touching surfaces or objects you are not sure of, especially in public places. Avoid touching walls, tables, doors, chairs and other surfaces in public places. There could be droplets there.
If you cannot avoid touching surfaces or you touch them unconsciously, then you can get rid of the virus when you wash your hands with the recommended hand rub. But still avoid touching surfaces, because you may touch your face before you get to wash your hands.
It is not certain yet how long the virus survives on surfaces but studies suggest it could stay for hours or even days. This can be determined by the weather condition of such a place.
How do I get the right sanitizers?
Well, getting soap and water is not difficult as it is sold in stores around you. When purchasing a hand rub or sanitizer, confirm that it is alcohol-based.
Where to get sanitizers against COVID-19 in Nigeria?
You can buy online, just follow this link to order on Jumia.
If you have other questions we have not answered yet, please let us know via the comment box
