Common FAQ'S about COVID-19

Common FAQ'S about COVID-19

1. How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you  are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.

For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go.

2.What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Protection measures for everyone

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
  Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

• Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

  
  COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease.
  Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  
  
  
  
  Older Adults: People with Asthma
  
  
  Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness: People with HIV
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• Will the Coronavirus Nosode Help with COVID-19?
• Will the Coronavirus Nosode Help with COVID-19?

  
  

  

  
  

  A coronavirus nosode that has been in existence for many years is being touted on the internet and elsewhere as a prophylactic (preventative) for the new coronavirus disease – COVID-19. Will it be helpful?

  In our opinion, most likely not.

  Experience shows that a nosode only prevents symptoms of an infectious disease if it is prepared from a bacteria or virus that produces symptoms similar to those for which protection is sought.

  The coronavirus family is comprised of many different strains which are responsible for the common cold, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or a number of other respiratory infections.

  In the above examples, each strain produces its own set of symptoms resulting in a separate disease name.

  A nosode of one of the diseases cannot be used for the other simply because their symptoms differ even though all have been produced by a coronavirus.

  The nosode currently being touted was not prepared from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or the COVID-19 disease produced by it, but another unknown coronavirus (to us, at least).

  In the future, should a coronavirus nosode be prepared from the COVID-19 disease it may be useful but before any such claims could be made, it would have to be tested.*

  *(Recently it has been reported that a COVID-19 nosode has now been produced. The provisos and qualifications mentioned in this article still apply.)

  In the meantime, it’s always good to remember that while nosodes may be one way of offering potential protection, they are not the only way – or time-tested way.

  As history shows, any remedy that suits the characteristic symptoms of the disease is likely to be effective.

  Like you, we look forward to seeing which remedy – or remedies –  that may be.
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