Draft:Coronavirus

Coronavirus or COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal.

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease

Symptoms
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. Most common symptoms: Less common symptoms:
 * fever
 * dry cough
 * tiredness
 * aches and pains
 * sore throat
 * diarrhoea
 * conjunctivitis
 * headache
 * loss of taste or smell a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.

Prevention
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local health authority. To prevent the spread of COVID-19: Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.
 * Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
 * Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
 * Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
 * Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
 * Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
 * Stay home if you feel unwell.
 * If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
 * Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.
 * Masks

Treatments
Self-care If you feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible. It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor. Medical treatments
 * If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, self-isolate and contact your medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice.
 * Seek medical care if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Call in advance

Types of coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Transmission
How does Coronavirus spread? SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other biological samples, including the urine and feces of some patients. One study found viable SARS-CoV-2 in the urine of one patient. Three studies have cultured SARS-CoV-2 from stool specimens. To date, however, there have been no published reports of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through feces or urine. There is some evidence that COVID-19 infection may lead to intestinal infection and be present in faeces. However, to date only one study has cultured the COVID-19 virus from a single stool specimen. There have been no reports of faecal−oral transmission of the COVID-19 virus to date.