Common questions about coronavirus (covid-19) in Ghana. [FAQ]

By Healths360
0

Common questions about coronavirus (covid-19) in Ghana. [FAQ]

 

What should I do in the case of a coronavirus outbreak?
See full answer

Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.

Can people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover at home?
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
Is COVID-19 caused by a virus or by bacteria?

FACT: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provider.

There is currently no licensed medication to cure COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance.

 

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through feces or urine?
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.
Should children wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?
See full answer

WHO advises that people always consult and abide by local authorities on recommended practices in their area. An international and multidisciplinary expert group brought together by WHO reviewed evidence on COVID-19 disease and transmission in children and the limited available evidence on the use of masks by children.

What is the difference between people who have asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic COVID-19?
Both terms refer to people who do not have symptoms. The difference is that ‘asymptomatic’ refers to people who are infected but never develop any symptoms, while ‘pre-symptomatic’ refers to infected people who have not yet developed symptoms but go on to develop symptoms later.
What food should you avoid during COVID-19?

• When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).
• Limit your daily salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use iodized salt.
• Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.
• Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks).
• Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.

What is the incubation period of the coronavirus disease?
The incubation period of COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days. Thus, quarantine should be in place for 14 days from the last exposure to a confirmed case.
Can babies get the coronavirus disease?
We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children.
What is the differences between tuberculosis and COVID-19?
Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 are both infectious diseases that attack primarily the lungs. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing. TB, however, has a longer incubation period with a slower onset of disease.
Why should people wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Masks are a key measure to suppress transmission and save lives. Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive ‘Do it all! ‘ approach including physical distancing, avoiding crowded, closed and close-contact settings, good ventilation, cleaning hands, covering sneezes and coughs, and more.
How can COVID-19 spread besides breathing in respiratory droplets?
The virus can also spread after infected people sneeze, cough on, or touch surfaces, or objects, such as tables, doorknobs and handrails. Other people may become infected by touching these contaminated surfaces, then touching their eyes, noses or mouths without having cleaned their hands first.
Are children at lower risk of COVID-19 than adults?

So far, data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups and usually mild disease. However, cases of critical illness have been reported. As with adults, pre-existing medical conditions have been suggested as a risk factor for severe disease and intensive care admission in children.

READ:  Cancer Is A Silent Killer - Run Away From These Foods Immediately

Further studies are underway to assess the risk of infection in children and to better understand transmission in this age group.

Are children with underlying health conditions at higher risk for COVID-19?
Current evidence suggests that people with underlying conditions such as chronic respiratory illness including asthma (moderate-to-severe), obesity, diabetes or cancer, are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death than people without other health conditions. This also appears to be the case for children, but more information is still needed.
What is the difference between medical masks and respirators whiel combatting COVID-19?
See full answer

Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are:

READ:  How much do Doctors earn in Ghana 2021?

• composed of 3 layers of synthetic nonwoven materials
• configured to have filtration layers sandwiched in the middle
• available in different thicknesses

What kind of mask is recommended to prevent COVID-19 transmission?
Fabric masks are recommended to prevent onward transmission in the general population in public areas, particularly where distancing is not possible, and in areas of community transmission. This could include the school grounds in some situations. Masks may help to protect others, because wearers may be infected before symptoms of illness appear. The policy on wearing a mask or face covering should be in line with national or local guidelines. Where used, masks should be worn, cared for and disposed of properly.
Can I touch and hold my newborn baby if I have COVID-19?

Yes. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive. You should be supported to

• Breastfeed safely, with good respiratory hygiene;
• Hold your newborn skin-to-skin, and
• Share a room with your baby
• You should wash your hands before and after touching your baby, and keep all surfaces clean. Mothers with symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to wear a medical mask, during any contact with the baby.

Does 5 year olds and under have to wear a mask to protect against COVID-19?
Children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks. This is based on the safety and overall interest of the child and the capacity to appropriately use a mask with minimal assistance.
Can you get the coronavirus disease from people who were in hotel rooms previous to you?
Hotels and other accommodations should have procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and ventilating the room properly between every guest’s stay. These processes allow the accommodations to be used immediately afterward. If these procedures are followed, there is no need to leave the room empty between guests.
Does heat prevent COVID-19?
FACT: Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25°C DOES NOT protect you from COVID-19. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19.
Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
COVID-19 is often more severe in people 60+yrs or with health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.​
Can drinking alcohol help in preventing COVID-19?
Alcohol does not protect against COVID-19; access should be restricted during lockdown
Can drinking alcohol help in preventing COVID-19?
Alcohol does not protect against COVID-19; access should be restricted during lockdown
Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted in hot or humid climates?
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Is a smoker at a higher risk of getting the COVID-19 virus than that a non-smoker?
At the time of preparing this Q&A, there are no peer-reviewed studies that have evaluated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with smoking. \
However, tobacco smokers (cigarettes, waterpipes, bidis, cigars, heated tobacco products) may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, as the act of smoking involves contact of fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) with the lips, which increases the possibility of transmission of viruses from hand to mouth.
Smoking waterpipes, also known as shisha or hookah, often involves the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in communal and social settings.
Should people wear masks while exercising during the COVID-19 pandemic?

People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.

READ:  Mouth Odor - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.

Can I get the coronavirus disease from swimming in a swimming pool?
Swimming in a well-maintained, properly chlorinated pool is safe. However, it is advisable to stay away from al crowded areas including crowded swimming pools. Keep 1 metre distance from people who sneeze or cough even in a swimming area.
Healths360