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What is COVID-19?

  • COrona VIrus Disease- 2019: COVID-19.

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  • Named for the crown-like spikes on its surface.

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  • A simple protein molecule with an envelope of fat.

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  • Common symptoms- Fever, Headache, Malaise.

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  • Lasts for 5-14 days.

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How do you get COVID-19?

  • Droplet transfer from hands-to-face (almost exclusively).

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  • Sustained contact (15-30 minutes) with infected subject/asymptomatic carrier.

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  • Aerosol inhalation (controversial).

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  • Fomites (surface particles)- Controversial but may last for 24-72 hours.

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How to protect yourself?

  • Be a hand ‘Nazi’(if your hands are clean, you won’t get it).

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  • Know where your hands are at all times. Use your elbows to push buttons in unfamiliar spaces.

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  • Keep your hands clean at all times (70% alcohol or soap). Carry a hand sanitiser always.

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  • DON’T touch your face in unfamiliar spaces (in public).

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  • Wear a mask in public so that you don’t touch your face.

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  • Limit your social circle to 3-4 people (go virtual)

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  • Social distancing- 1-2 metre distance in public.

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Who are at higher risk?

  • The elderly (over 65 years), but anyone over 14 years can get it.

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  • Immunocompromised individuals.

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  • Multiple co-morbid conditions.

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  • Uncontrolled diabetes.

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  • Chronic respiratory ailments.

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  • Poor general health.

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What if you get it?

  • Most common mode of transmission- home/family.

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  • Self-isolate from other family members for 14 days:�
    • Separate room.
    • Separate bathroom.
    • N-95 mask for the sick.
    • Resume interaction after 14 days.
  • If you have mild symptoms (fever and regular flu)- assume COVID-19 +ve

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  • If symptoms remain mild after 3-5 days like every other flu you’ve had in life, it’s most likely just the seasonal flu.

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Do I need an N-95 mask?

  • Not unless:
    • you are a healthcare worker likely to have sustained contact with the sick.
    • you are a care giver for a dependent who is infected.

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  • Save resources for healthcare an frontline workers.

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When should you go to the hospital?

  • SHORTNESS OF BREATH with flu-like symptoms.

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  • Don’t go to the hospital for mild symptoms. Save resources for the critically ill.

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  • Only 1-3% of all patients require a ventilator.

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Can you go outside?

  • Yes, but follow the rules.

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  • Obey national/provincial/local laws.

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Last word!

  • COVID-19 is a pansy virus that hates alcohol (70%) and soap.

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  • Keep your hands clean ALWAYS.

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  • Wear a mask in public.

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  • Social distancing.

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  • Do not fear the world or your neighbour.