First case of coronavirus confirmed in SA – what parents need to know
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The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed by Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize. The 38- year-old patient recently travelled to Italy and has been self-quarantining since March 1. He and his wife have two children.
These are the precautionary measures families can take against the coronavirus:
What is the coronavirus?
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the novel coronavirus as a respiratory virus that was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
What are the symptoms of the virus?
Common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Cough
– Difficulty breathing
There hasn’t been any concrete evidence to support the source of the virus, but the general assumption is that it came from a live animal.
Can it pass from person to person?
Yes. The CDC states that the virus can be contracted from breathing it in from the air, from close contact with a person, like a handshake, and touching your mouth after being infected with an infected surface.
How can I prevent my child from contracting it?
Make sure your child is following good hygiene practices by washing their hands regularly, especially after they’ve been in contact with ill people.
For older kids, alert them to these precautions and make sure they are practising them.
The department of health has set some guidelines for citizens as precautionary measures. Avoiding contact with people with acute respiratory infections is one of these. People are also advised to not attend markets that trade in live animals.
WHO Tips about Coronavirus:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practise respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
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