COVID-19: What You Should Know About Spread And Prevention

The first case of Coronavirus infection in Nigeria was confirmed on Friday, after an Italian working in the country tested positive in Lagos.

The virus has spread to over 25 countries since it first broke in Wuhan China about two months ago. It has killed not less than 2,800 persons while  83,000 had been infected.

There is fear of the virus spreading in the country and public health officials have been giving advice on how to stop spread and prevent  infection.

Below are answers to relevant questions regarding coronavirus as provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control:

What Are The Symptoms?

Confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
When to seek help

How To Prevent Coronavirus

The virus spreads when an infected person’s cough droplets get into the eyes, nose and mouth of a healthy person.
So if you see someone coughing, sneezing profusely it’s advised that you keep a distance of  0.5m to 2m  from such person to remain safe from the droplets of the cough.

It also advised that Nigerians use face masks and also avoid crowded places because the people infected persons might likely not show any symptoms while being infectious.

For the people working in public offices it is worthy to note that sick person’s saliva can get on other things like gadgets, pens, mouse, doorknobs, stair banisters and if a healthy person touches any of this things by accident, they may fall ill.

Following this, the NCDC advise Nigerians to develop the habit of regular handwashing with soap under running water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers frequently to keep safe

Does Treatment Exist For COVID19?

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there is no specific treatment yet for the disease. However, many of the symptoms can be managed and supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

But if you are mildly sick, keep yourself hydrated, stay at home and rest, and if it persists you should see your health care provider

Meanwhile, the Health Minister, Osagie  Ehanire assured that the Nigerian government was strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak is controlled and contained quickly.