Understanding Coronavirus
What is Coronavirus
According to the World Health Organization[i], Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It’s important to note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, while other viruses are less so. Investigations are ongoing to better understand the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19, but there are indications that person-to-person spread is occurring[ii].
Does Dettol kill the Coronavirus (COVID-19 Virus)?
Following independent laboratory testing specific Dettol products have demonstrated effectiveness against the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) when used in accordance with the directions for use.
Know the Coronavirus Symptoms
According World Health Organization [iii], COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
- Fever.
- Dry cough.
- Tiredness.
Less common symptoms:
- Aches and pains.
- Sore throat.
- Diarrhoea.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- A rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Loss of speech or movement.
How to help protect from the Coronavirus
The best way to protect yourself is avoid being exposed to the virus. The WHO recommends[v] to do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
References:
[i] https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
[iii] https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_3
[iv] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/transmission.html
[v] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html