The world of Tzu Chi March 2020(Vol.120)

What is Covid-19? Covid-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. What are the symptoms of Covid-19? The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but neither develop any symptoms nor feel unwell. About 80 percent of patients recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around one of every six people who contracts Covid-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. About two percent of patients have died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. How likely am I to catch Covid-19? The risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled recently. The risk of infection is higher in areas where a number of people have been diagnosed with Covid-19. 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 the disease is higher. 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. How long is the incubation period for Covid-19? The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and the onset of symptoms associated with the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for Covid-19 range from one to 14 days, most commonly around five days. How long does the virus thrive on surfaces? It is uncertain how long the virus that causes Covid-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions, such as the Source: World Health Organization (WHO) eature Key facts on Covid-19 2020 • 03 14